Baptism and the Christian Life: It's Importance to the Christian Life

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December 8, 2018
Baptism and the Christian Life
The process of baptism has always been one of the most critical processes in the life of a Christian. It symbolizes rebirth and devotion towards the life of Christ, leading us to the promise of eternal life (Rast Jr.). In the old testament, the apostle Peter has noted the importance of such sacrament by saying that the “water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21, New International Version). Despite this, many Christians still fail to recognize the utmost importance of baptism.
On the one hand, some believe that good deeds and following the steps of Christ are enough to be saved and enjoy the everlasting life. On the other hand, some people think that the process of baptism (especially water baptism) is an antiquated one (CRCNA.org). In this article, both of these beliefs would be analyzed based on biblical and theological references. This is to answer the main question, “What is the importance of baptism for the life of a Christian?”. Consequently, answering this would require addressing different confusion about the sacrament of baptism, such as; (1) is baptism (water baptism) essential for our salvation, (2) is being baptized enough, and (3) is baptism for children is essential. In line with these, the succeeding sections would determine the importance of baptism in the teachings of Jesus Christ. This analysis would be coupled with readings from scholars who have studied the words of the holy spirit. Nevertheless, I believe that baptism is crucial in living the life of Christ. Without this kind of acceptance, words, thoughts, and deeds would fall short of living up to him.
Biblical Significance of Baptism
As stated earlier, the process of baptism extends its history even before the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a sacrament mandated by God himself, his predecessors have followed that. In the Bible, John the Baptist has carefully stated that baptism could be divided into two categories, baptism by water and by the holy spirit. As John, the Baptist said, “I baptize you with water. However, one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Luke 3:16, New International Version). It is clear from his words that while he baptizes God’s followers with water, God himself would come down and baptize these people with the Holy Spirit. However, this also raises the question, is being baptized in water a prerequisite to being baptized by the Holy Spirit? Let us explore this topic in the next section. According to Rev. Dr. Rast Jr., it is only through the sacrament of baptism, that the “merits of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection to sinners” would be bestowed upon us (p. 12). It is the recognition of his deeds and his actions as well as the acceptance of our devotion to following his footsteps. Even the apostle Peter has never failed to reiterate the importance of being baptized. In Acts 2:38-39 (New International Version), he said that (1) “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins,” and (2) “and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call”. From what he said two analyses could be gleaned. First, he told us that s followers of Christ’s works; baptism must be done in the name of Christ. Moreover, since, Christ himself went through the sacrament by being baptized in water, then so should we. Second, he also said that by baptism, the...