Mar 26

Romans 6:3-5
Memorise Galatians 2:20
“I am crucified with Christ…”

In today’s reading, we read of this idea of being “baptism into death”. You may be thinking, “Isn’t baptism supposed to represent eternal life? Why then does the Bible speak about being baptised into Jesus’ death?” It may sound strange and confusing, but Paul certainly did not get it wrong. Here, Paul was speaking not of water baptism, but of spiritual baptism which water baptism symbolises ie. the baptism with the Holy Spirit. This is basically the work of salvation in a believer’s heart. When we are baptised with the Holy Spirit, we are united with Christ and are thereby able to enjoy the benefits of His death, resurrection and new life. By being “baptised into His death”, we are identifying ourselves with Him in His death. Remember that Christ died on the cross in our place – it was our sins that nailed Him on the cross, so that we might be made righteous and receive eternal life..

The promise to us as believers is therefore that, even as we have been baptised into Jesus’ death, likewise “we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection”. Baptism is therefore a sign and seal of a believer’s resurrection unto everlasting life! Having been baptised into Jesus Christ, we can look forward to this hope of being resurrected one day into eternal life in the heavenly kingdom.

Dear teen, truly the work of salvation and the baptism with the Holy Ghost is a doctrine rich in spiritual truths. Though it may seem confusing and difficult to understand, may you be able to gain spiritual understanding, that you may truly be able to give thanks to your Saviour for the wonderful work He has done in your life.

Thought: “…even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the new life that I have in You.