A big part of the successful daily walk in Christ is having the knowledge to fight back against the constant barrage and deception of the enemy. God ensures we are warned of this fact many times in His Holy Word. Perhaps the most famous verse in the Old Testament concerning the need to have knowledge as a barrier against destruction is this:
(Hosea 4:6) “¶ My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.”
Clearly, knowledge is critical. It is my prayer that this knowledge will be helpful to you in your decision to progress in your Christian walk of Faith. In this case, the critical importance and need for a Christian to enjoy the benefits of Holy Baptism.
The why and the beauty of Baptism is demonstrated first in the third book of Matthew. The two different types of baptism are also outlined clearly.
- Water baptism, the proclamation to both man and God both that you are surrendering your life to Him.
- Matthew 3 also foretells the Baptism of the Holy Spirit wherein the Holy Ghost comes down and fills us with the literal power and fire of God. I personally believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit can be evidenced by actual literal “miracles”… Miraculous Healing, speaking in unknown tongues, visions in the Spirit. But we’ll tackle that another time.
So, in Matthew, when Jesus was baptized with water – the effect is demonstrated by the miracle of Heaven opening up and the spirit of God descended upon human Jesus like a dove. The voice came from heaven and said this: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Here’s the full passage:
(Matthew 3:11-17) “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: {12} Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. {13} ¶ Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. {14} But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? {15} And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. {16} And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: {17} And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
The imagery here is both beautiful and powerful. It demonstrates that, even though God is always with us… When we publicly proclaim our love, devotion, and obedience to His will, heaven literally jumps for joy and God’s own Spirit descends upon us to literally live within us. His Spirit will guide us, protect us, give us wisdom, and allow us to see things with a new discernment that we’ve never been able to see before.
It is amazing to the point of tears.
Let the Heavenly Host rejoice!
So, I definitely feel the baptism of each true believer is very similar to this. Heaven rejoices when each lost lamb comes back to the flock and is saved. Yes! Heaven literally rejoices when we proclaim Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
Jesus tells this truth in this parable:
(Luke 15:3-7) “¶ And he spake this parable unto them, saying, {4} What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? {5} And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. {6} And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. {7} I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”
This notion is repeated again next in the parable of The Lost Coin right after this:
(Luke 15:8-10) “¶ Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? {9} And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. {10} Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”
The Prodigal Son is next in the very same Chapter of Luke. God is the merciful father who waits for our return. And heaven will celebrate when we do repent and come back to His loving arms. Eternal LIFE awaits all those who surrender to Christ. He really wants us to understand this. Jesus saw fit to convey this same theme 3 times in immediate succession. How wonderful to be so loved by someone so amazing!
(Luke 15:11-32) “¶ And he said, A certain man had two sons: {12} And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. {13} And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. {14} And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. {15} And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. {16} And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. {17} And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! {18} I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, {19} And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. {20} And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. {21} And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. {22} But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: {23} And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: {24} For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. {25} Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. {26} And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. {27} And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. {28} And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. {29} And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: {30} But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. {31} And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. {32} It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.”
We have a Lord and Savior who cherishes each one of us with such a profound and deep love.
He prepares us for our daily struggles.
It is important to know that everything in this life – because our world is currently corrupted by Satan – has a price. This is how Satan tries to use God’s nature against us. Don’t worry, Jesus always wins as long as we have living faith in Him. But that does not mean we will not have to fight every single day to do what is right and follow Jesus with all of our might and determination. We will be tried, tested, tempted, and deceived. Satan has legions of evil beings which prowl this earth looking to steal, to kill, and to destroy souls of God’s children – while Jesus comes to give life (John 10:10).
Therefore, if we are expecting a fight, we must equip ourselves properly. The first step is to declare your allegiance to Christ and start watering YOUR seed & soil, growing YOUR faith, and preparing for battle.
(Ephesians 6:10-13) “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. {11} Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. {12} For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. {13} Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
It is wise to ensure we declare ourselves as followers of Christ before the world. This allows us to equip the full armor and protection of God and to utilize it in His name against those who wish to steal our souls.
Let’s all be proud of our gift of salvation!
A declaration of your faith, and receiving the gift of baptism can only help in regard to God being with us on our day to day walk in faith. The Bible is clear that God stands next to those who proudly declare His name! (Matthew 10:32) “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.”
To further understand how this is a privilege and a blessing, let’s look at the story of the Ethiopian Eunuch who was struggling to understand Jesus’ nature and the reasons for baptism in Acts 8. This will further demonstrate the interconnected nature of knowing and acknowledging who Jesus is, and accepting His baptism.
(Acts 8:26-38) “And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. {27} And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, {28} Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. {29} Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. {30} And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? {31} And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. {32} The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: {33} In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. {34} And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? {35} Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. {36} And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? {37} And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. {38} And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”
Of course, we know that Isaiah (Esaias) was talking about Jesus sacrifice for us on the cross. But, the “punchline” of this passage is this: “If you believe with all of your heart, you may be baptized.” In this passage the word for “may” or “mayest”, is the Greek “exesti”. This translates to: “it is right” – with an implication of it being done in public. Also, this verb is often used for “lawful”, “let” or, of course, “may”. The Strong’s reference for this is G1832.
In my mind, this indicates that baptism is a privilege that we can properly take advantage of. As true faith believers in Jesus Christ as the resurrected Son of God, this is a blessing to us. I see no reason why would we want to refuse any privilege that God gifts to us! This particular act is a typical first step in becoming a disciple of Christ. Disciples follow their teacher. Jesus began His ministry with being baptized by John the Baptist. We mirror this by following His lead and get baptized when we are born again in Him.
Like you have probably seen, believers also work to bring others to Christ in their own ways and according to the gifts God has given us. All of Jesus’ disciples will do this in the way they live, how they become a testimony to others, the way they act, how they treat others, how they use their tools to teach and lead, and finally in the way they selflessly serve wherever God may call them to serve.
The Christian knows that this fleeting and temporary mortal life is not the objective placed before us. It is the perilous journey to a much better destination. So we innately want to shine our light to the world for all to see! (Luke 11:33) “No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.”
Don’t worry. The Spirit will guide you here. You’ll probably surprise yourself as you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.
The path of following Jesus sometimes begins slowly as we build our relationship and learn about Him. Only God knows where he will lead each of us. But we must seek him, his knowledge, and be willing to serve as Jesus did. We follow our shepherd.
Baptism is a beginning.
If we are truly given over to Jesus Christ and desire to follow Him, then we ought to take into account the profound importance of His final words before ascending into heaven before the 500 witnesses:
(Matthew 28:19-20) “¶ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: {20} Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
I believe the importance of baptism as a first step in serving Jesus is deeply important. The first book of the New Testament begins with it early on, at the start of Jesus’ ministry, and it ends with it with the very last act of Jesus’ earthly ministry. God is very careful in how He conveys His desires to us. With things like this, I have learned to pay attention when God is very direct in his design.
The blessing of baptism – a look at Romans 6.
Now, finally, here’s the deeper meaning behind the blessing of baptism. We are literally emulating Christ’s sacrifice and victory over death in taking up the privilege (and command) to be baptized. Paul explains in detail in Romans 6. I will attempt to break it down a little bit…
(Romans 6:3-4) “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? {4} Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
In the above, Paul is clearly talking about the full process of being born again. In dying on the cross, Jesus perfect blood which was shed for us will blot out each sin of the truly repentant follower of Christ. So, in being baptized, immersed in water, we are figuratively “burying” our old self and allowing a clean, renewed version of ourselves to spring forth out of the cleansing waters of baptism.
(Romans 6:5) “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:”
That puts it out there pretty plainly, doesn’t it? When we come to Christ, our old self dies. A new person comes forth and is born again (just like Jesus explained to Nicodemus in John 3).
(Romans 6:7-9) “For he that is dead is freed from sin. {8} Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: {9} Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.”
This excerpt shows our freedom from sin in Christ. This is entirely what baptism represents. A gift from God that renders Satan’s greatest weapon, death, with NO POWER over us any longer. This is amazing. And by death, I mean to say that a true death is not our bodily death – which is unavoidable. But we only truly die if we lived our lives separate from God. In living out our human existence separate from God; we will then be eternally separated from His glory and the eternal joy of living eternally with Him. Death is separation from God.
This is why we live to obey God: Eternal life!
(Romans 6:11-14) “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. {12} Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. {13} Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. {14} For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
When we serve God, we fight against sin and evil. This is a part of what living faith looks like. The great thing is that God will send His Holy Spirit to reside in us and when we ask, he will send His angels to surround us and protect us. That is a part of the grace we receive when we are saved. Jesus perfect sacrifice ensures this. He fully gives us the tools we need to win against both sin and death.
The ending verses of Romans 6 bear this out. Take a look:
(Romans 6:17-23) “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. {18} Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. {19} I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. {20} For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. {21} What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. {22} But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. {23} For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
When humans serve sin, we do not have righteousness. When humans resist sin and serve God, our fruit is good. The result of serving God is that we receive everlasting life. We can only receive this through Jesus Christ. And Jesus wishes us all to be baptized in Him. It truly brings us closer to Him. Who would not want to be closer to Him?
What happens after receiving a gift?
After we receive such a wonderful gift, it will become only natural that we want to share it! We will tell our world the Word and Truth of God. This is how we bear fruit and this is a natural part of God’s grand design. We will each bear fruit in our own ways. If we refuse God’s gift of baptism for too long, I feel we make our job of growing as a healthy Christian much more difficult. I think, quite literally, it is one way of not watering our seed. The importance of all the different factors which can contribute to our growth (or death) as a Christian is demonstrated in Jesus’ telling and explanation of the Parable of the Sower. This parable is the very heart of the matter when it comes to understanding our walk with Jesus.
He said so Himself: “Know ye not this parable? How then will ye know all parables?”
This parable is the KEY to Christianity and ensuring you remain in the faith:
(Mark 4:3-12) “Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: {4} And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. {5} And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: {6} But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. {7} And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. {8} And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. {9} And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. {10} And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. {11} And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: {12} That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.”
Explained:
(Mark 4:13-20) “And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? {14} ¶ The sower soweth the word. {15} And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. {16} And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; {17} And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. {18} And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, {19} And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. {20} And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.”
In my mind, it is very difficult to have a healthy fruit bearing tree without water. To a Christian, the waters of baptism are the beginning of how we water our seeds. This living water will help ensure we grow as good Christians who will stand strong when things get difficult.
I pray this helps!
God bless & keep you.
