FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Faith Essentials

Don’t, however, take baptism lightly. I wouldn’t have devoted a full chapter to the subject were it not extremely important. It isn’t an option for the believer, but rather a command. As Peter preached to the crowd at Pentecost, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). I’ve said to scores of children in baptism counseling over the years, “If your parents ask you to do something and you don’t, you’ve disobeyed, but have not ceased to be their child.” Likewise, if God asks you to be baptized and you fail to do it, although you’ve disobeyed, you still belong to Him. Comprehend also that baptism is a symbol. The Bible is full of symbols. A rainbow symbolizes God’s covenant, trumpets—His speaking, a lamb—Christ’s sacrifice, a dove—the Holy Spirit, and dry bones—spiritual death. Baptism depicts the cleansing provided by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The gold band I’ve worn on the ring finger of my left hand for 33 years doesn’t make me married. The vows I made before God and witnesses in the wedding ceremony sealed the covenant. Baptism doesn’t save me, yet outwardly represents the change that has taken place inwardly. During baptism counseling sessions, I’ll often show the candidate a photo of my wife and ask them to identify her. When they say, “That’s Mrs. Gaddis” and I respond, “No, that’s not her,” they look at me in disbelief. After a long pause, I’ll say, “That’s a picture of my wife, she’s upstairs in her Sunday school class.” Baptism is not salvation, but a picture of what has taken place. Also, notice that baptism identifies one with Jesus. As Scripture says, “We have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in the newness of life” (Romans 6:4). A PICTURE OF SALVATION

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