The Declaration of Forgiveness
Acts 10:44–48, 16:30–34, 19:1–5
The church I serve recently partnered with other congregations in our community to produce a highway sign listing the mileage and names of the churches in our area. The sign invites people to worship God in our area and serves as a source of congregational pride, revealing the different names and denominations represented within a few miles of one another.
Affiliation indicates allegiance and, in this case, doctrinal beliefs. We are quick to display or discuss our affiliations. They may include our alma mater, our favorite sports team, or even a political party. The more pressing question is whether our belonging to Christ is readily apparent to those we come in contact with. What good are we to anyone if they know which college football team we support and are left wondering whether or not we know Jesus?
When we publicly identify with Christ, we tell the world we are different. One of the greatest ways to mark a new faith journey with Jesus is baptism. It is the first opportunity for a new Christian to obey Christ’s words. When we are baptized, our affiliation with Jesus and our passion are professed.
Baptism is an outward demonstration of God’s forgiveness. (10:44–48)
Like most Christians, I am of the belief that believer’s baptism is not essential for salvation, but it is important! When a person is baptized, they draw a line in the sand for everyone to see that Christ has done an amazing work in their life. Looking for a good way to explain baptism to someone contemplating doing it? Consider the label on a canned good. Without it, you would be left guessing its contents. Inside the can could be wonderful, sweet peaches, and you are left wondering because the label has been removed. Imagine another can without a label: you hope it contains something sweet, but it ends up being pickled pig’s feet. Baptism is a label of sorts, a symbol that shows outwardly what Christ has done inwardly.
Baptism has an impact on others around us. (16:30–34)
The next time your church holds a baptism, notice the children in attendance. No matter the child, he or she will watch the ordinance with wide-eyed amazement and wonder. Baptism is a special time in any congregation’s life and should be celebrated with joy. Your baptism is a sermon in itself, and a powerful testimony witnessed by your family, friends, and those considering trusting Jesus in their own lives.
Baptism must be centered in Christ. (19:1–5)
The message and central theme of baptism should be Christ’s atoning work on the cross. Some early believers were disciples of John and had not yet been baptized in Jesus’ saving name. Some today have been baptized, thinking it will secure their salvation if they simply join the church or stir the water of baptism. This is false and a serious error in doctrine and practice. Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus alone. The death, burial and resurrection pictured in baptism point us beyond church membership; they loudly point us to Jesus. When we are baptized, we communicate that we have no identity, purpose, or reason for living apart from Jesus. He is the only One who can save, and the only One we should desire to be associated with. Does the world know whose side you are on? Be obedient. Be baptized.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
