The Front Door of Discipleship

Scripture: Acts 2:37–41; Matthew 28:18–20

Devotion:
When Peter preached the gospel at Pentecost, his hearers were “cut to the heart.” They recognized their guilt and asked what they should do. Peter called them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Acts 2 presents a clear pattern. The gospel is proclaimed. The hearers are convicted. They repent and receive the Word. Those who receive the Word are baptized, and then they are added to the visible church.

This pattern supports believer’s baptism. Baptism ordinarily follows a credible profession of repentance and faith. It is the public confession of someone who has heard the gospel, turned from sin, and trusted Christ.

Baptism does not save us. We are justified by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Baptism does not create our union with Christ. The Holy Spirit unites us to Christ through faith. But baptism is the sign Christ appointed to portray and publicly confess that union.

This is why baptism can be described as the front door of visible Christian discipleship. The Christian life begins with the work of God in the heart, but baptism is the ordinary way a believer publicly steps forward and says, “I belong to Jesus.” It is also the ordinary entrance into visible church membership and life among Christ’s people.

Sometimes believers delay baptism because they do not feel mature enough or worthy enough. But baptism is not a declaration that we have completed the Christian life. It is a declaration that we have begun following Christ.

If we wait until we feel worthy, we will never come. Our confidence is not that we are worthy, but that Christ is worthy and has made us acceptable before God through his righteousness.

The important question is not, “Does baptism save me?” It does not. The question is, “Why would a disciple knowingly neglect the first public command Christ gives to his disciples?”
Baptism is an act of faith-filled obedience. We enter the water not to display our accomplishments but to display Christ’s grace. Baptism does not say, “Look at what I have done.” It says, “Look at what Christ has done for this believer.”

Reflection Question: If you are trusting Christ, is there any fear, misunderstanding, or desire for control keeping you from obeying him in baptism?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are the King of the church, and your commands are good. Help me trust your wisdom and obey you gladly. Keep me from waiting until I feel worthy, and teach me to rest in your worthiness and righteousness. May my life publicly declare that I belong to you. Amen.