Part II-Baptism

Note:  During my 32 years as a preacher, several times I did a series of sermons on “What I believe about….”    Every time I did it, people responded positively.  They appreciated the simple statements about what I believed about certain issues.   This series of blogs continue that same concern.

The Bible tells us what is important.  Paul says that what is of first importance is the cross.   The crucifixion includes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:3-5).   Christianity is a cross-shaped faith.  Jesus died on a cross to save us from our sins.   Our faith radiates out from that cross.

Baptism allows us to follow that cross in our own lives.  Just as Jesus died, we die to our sin.  Just as he was buried in the tomb, we are buried in water.  Just as he rose from the death, we rise out of the water to a new life.  Baptism connects us to the saving acts of God.  Baptism marks our move from death to life.  Baptism points to what is of first importance: the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.   Baptism is essential.

Being a Christian means being Christ-like.   Jesus submitted to baptism.  All who seek to be like him should do what he did.

I have been baptized into Christ and I believe that like the cross, baptism is crucial to my salvation.

That’s what I believe.