Dear class,
Today's readings:
Genesis 35,36; Mark 6; Job 2; Romans 6
Romans 6:3-4
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
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.
If there's one chapter that sums it all up about the vital and significant nature of baptism, it would probably be Romans 6.
The message is plain and unmistakeable. The case for baptism is clear and indisputable. And it all makes perfect sense when we compare it with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, which is the essence of the Gospel (c.f. 1Cor 15:1-4).
It is through baptism -
1) that we are freed from sin, in that our sins are washed away (v.7)
2) that our old selves are buried that we no longer live to sin (v.6, 12,13)
3) that we are raised up unto newness of life to serve righteousness (v. 18,19)
4) that we have the hope of everlasting life and not death (v.22,23)
It is not optional, it is not an "outward expression of an inward faith", it is not a mere ceremony, but the very purpose and commandment of God (Mark 16:16), the very essence of obedience (Rom 6:17), the act that brings us in direct contact with the soul cleansing blood of Christ (Acts 22:16), without which, we will have no part in Him.
in Him
Paul
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
~ Ephesians 2:19-22
