Remember What Your Baptism Says

Scripture: Romans 6:1–4, 11–14; Colossians 2:12

Devotion:
Baptism is received once, but its meaning continues to speak throughout the believer’s life.
In Romans 6, Paul describes believers as those who have been united with Christ in his death and resurrection. He appeals to baptism because baptism visibly pictures that union. Going beneath the water portrays burial with Christ. Rising from the water portrays resurrection with Christ. The old life has ended, and a new life has begun.

Baptism does not cause this union, but it is the sign and public confession Christ appointed for it. In baptism the believer declares, “I have died with Christ, and my life now belongs to him.”

That declaration has continuing implications.

When you are tempted, remember that you have died to sin. Sin may still be present, but it is no longer your master. You do not have to obey its demands.

When you are ashamed, remember that your identity is in Christ. Your standing before God is not built upon your performance but upon Christ’s righteousness and finished work.
When you are drifting, remember that you publicly confessed Jesus as Lord. Baptism marked the beginning of a life of following Christ, not merely a religious experience from your past.

When you feel isolated, remember that baptism visibly joined you to Christ’s people. Christianity is personal, but it is not private. You belong to a body that needs you and to which Christ has called you.

When you are suffering, remember that the Christ with whom you died is also the Christ who was raised. Because he lives, you will also be raised with him. Suffering and death will not have the final word.

Baptism does not announce that the disciple is perfect. It announces that the disciple belongs to Jesus. Paul’s application in Romans 6 is that we should now live according to the identity baptism declared. We must consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

We might say it this way: become in practice what baptism declared you to be in Christ. Present yourself to God. Refuse to place your body at sin’s disposal. Walk in the newness of life Christ has given you.

When you witness another baptism, remember your own. Remember what Christ has done, whose you are, and how you have been called to live.

Reflection Question: In what present struggle do you most need to remember and live according to the identity your baptism declared?

Prayer:
Father, thank you for uniting me to Christ in his death and resurrection. When I am tempted, ashamed, drifting, isolated, or suffering, remind me that I belong to Jesus. Help me consider myself dead to sin and alive to you, and teach me to walk in newness of life. Amen.