August 10th, 2025
by Lars Dahl
by Lars Dahl
Water has always held a special place in the story of faith. From the waters of creation to the parting of the Red Sea, it has symbolized both destruction and new life. But perhaps nowhere is this symbolism more powerful than in the Christian practice of baptism. Far more than a mere ritual, baptism represents a profound spiritual reality that touches the very core of our identity and purpose.
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, paints a vivid picture of what baptism truly means:
"Do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead... even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4 NKJV)
These words invite us to dive deeper into the rich symbolism and life-changing significance of baptism. Let's explore what it means to be "buried and raised with Christ" and how this impacts our daily walk.
The Burial: Dying to the Old Self
When we speak of being "buried with Christ," we're not talking about a physical interment. Rather, this is a profound spiritual reality. Just as Jesus' burial marked the finality of His death, our spiritual burial symbolizes the end of our old life – a life dominated by sin and separation from God.
This burial is a decisive break. It declares that the person we once were – with all our sinful habits, destructive patterns, and misplaced loyalties – no longer defines us. In God's eyes, that old identity is gone, laid to rest in the tomb alongside Christ. It's a powerful reminder that we are no longer slaves to our past or prisoners of our former selves.
The Resurrection: New Life in Christ
But the story doesn't end with burial. Just as Christ rose triumphantly from the grave, we too are "raised to walk in newness of life." This isn't about self-improvement or turning over a new leaf. It's nothing short of a total re-creation.
The same power that brought Jesus back from the dead now courses through our spiritual veins. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians, this resurrection power is at work within us, transforming us from the inside out (Ephesians 1:19-20). We're called to live with new priorities, new affections, and a new purpose that reflects our resurrected identity in Christ.
It's crucial to understand that this resurrection life isn't just a future hope. It begins the moment we place our faith in Christ. Every day presents us with the opportunity – and the challenge – to "put off the old self" and "put on the new self," as Paul describes in Colossians 3:1-10. We're invited to live as the resurrected people we now are in Christ.
Baptism: A Step of Joyful Obedience
While the spiritual reality of being buried and raised with Christ occurs at the moment of genuine faith, baptism serves as the outward expression of this inward transformation. It's not an optional extra for followers of Jesus. Both Peter and Jesus himself present baptism as an integral part of the disciple's journey:
"Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38 NKJV)
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you..." (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV)
Baptism is our way of saying, "I follow Jesus – publicly, joyfully, and fully." It's not a suggestion but a loving command rooted in surrender to Christ's lordship. When we step into those baptismal waters, we're drawing a line in the sand, declaring to the world, "From this day forward, I belong to Jesus."
A New Beginning and a Heavenly Celebration
The apostle Paul beautifully summarizes the transformative nature of our new life in Christ: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV)
Baptism serves as a powerful reflection of this newness. Like a still lake mirroring the sky above, the waters of baptism reflect the work Christ has already begun in our hearts. It marks a new beginning, a fresh start empowered by God's grace.
And this new beginning is cause for heavenly celebration! Jesus tells us that there is "more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." (Luke 15:7 NKJV) When someone gives their life to Christ and follows through in baptism, it's not meant to be a quiet, somber ceremony. It's a joyous occasion that should echo the party happening in heaven!
The Ethiopian Eunuch: A Story of Transformation
The book of Acts gives us a beautiful illustration of the immediacy and joy of baptism in the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. As Philip explained the good news of Jesus, they came upon a body of water. The eunuch, his heart aflame with newfound faith, exclaimed, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" (Acts 8:36 NKJV)
Philip's response is simple yet profound: "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The eunuch's confession of faith in Jesus as the Son of God was all that was needed. Right there, in the midst of their journey, they stopped the chariot, and Philip baptized the man. The account ends with the eunuch "going on his way rejoicing" – a perfect picture of the joy that accompanies this step of faith.
This story reminds us that baptism is not about achieving perfection or meeting a list of requirements. It's about faith in the risen Christ. Nothing should hinder those who truly believe from taking this step of obedience and celebration.
A Daily Reality
While baptism is a one-time event, the spiritual reality it represents is an ongoing journey. Every day, we face the choice to live out our new identity in Christ. Will we cling to old habits and ways of thinking, or will we embrace the "newness of life" that is now ours?
As we reflect on the powerful symbolism of baptism – being buried and raised with Christ – may it inspire us to live differently. Let us daily put to death the old self with its selfish desires and destructive patterns. And let us daily choose to walk in the resurrected life, empowered by the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.
For in Christ, we are new creations. The old has gone, the new has come. And that is something worth celebrating – today and every day.
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, paints a vivid picture of what baptism truly means:
"Do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead... even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4 NKJV)
These words invite us to dive deeper into the rich symbolism and life-changing significance of baptism. Let's explore what it means to be "buried and raised with Christ" and how this impacts our daily walk.
The Burial: Dying to the Old Self
When we speak of being "buried with Christ," we're not talking about a physical interment. Rather, this is a profound spiritual reality. Just as Jesus' burial marked the finality of His death, our spiritual burial symbolizes the end of our old life – a life dominated by sin and separation from God.
This burial is a decisive break. It declares that the person we once were – with all our sinful habits, destructive patterns, and misplaced loyalties – no longer defines us. In God's eyes, that old identity is gone, laid to rest in the tomb alongside Christ. It's a powerful reminder that we are no longer slaves to our past or prisoners of our former selves.
The Resurrection: New Life in Christ
But the story doesn't end with burial. Just as Christ rose triumphantly from the grave, we too are "raised to walk in newness of life." This isn't about self-improvement or turning over a new leaf. It's nothing short of a total re-creation.
The same power that brought Jesus back from the dead now courses through our spiritual veins. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians, this resurrection power is at work within us, transforming us from the inside out (Ephesians 1:19-20). We're called to live with new priorities, new affections, and a new purpose that reflects our resurrected identity in Christ.
It's crucial to understand that this resurrection life isn't just a future hope. It begins the moment we place our faith in Christ. Every day presents us with the opportunity – and the challenge – to "put off the old self" and "put on the new self," as Paul describes in Colossians 3:1-10. We're invited to live as the resurrected people we now are in Christ.
Baptism: A Step of Joyful Obedience
While the spiritual reality of being buried and raised with Christ occurs at the moment of genuine faith, baptism serves as the outward expression of this inward transformation. It's not an optional extra for followers of Jesus. Both Peter and Jesus himself present baptism as an integral part of the disciple's journey:
"Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38 NKJV)
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you..." (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV)
Baptism is our way of saying, "I follow Jesus – publicly, joyfully, and fully." It's not a suggestion but a loving command rooted in surrender to Christ's lordship. When we step into those baptismal waters, we're drawing a line in the sand, declaring to the world, "From this day forward, I belong to Jesus."
A New Beginning and a Heavenly Celebration
The apostle Paul beautifully summarizes the transformative nature of our new life in Christ: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV)
Baptism serves as a powerful reflection of this newness. Like a still lake mirroring the sky above, the waters of baptism reflect the work Christ has already begun in our hearts. It marks a new beginning, a fresh start empowered by God's grace.
And this new beginning is cause for heavenly celebration! Jesus tells us that there is "more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." (Luke 15:7 NKJV) When someone gives their life to Christ and follows through in baptism, it's not meant to be a quiet, somber ceremony. It's a joyous occasion that should echo the party happening in heaven!
The Ethiopian Eunuch: A Story of Transformation
The book of Acts gives us a beautiful illustration of the immediacy and joy of baptism in the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. As Philip explained the good news of Jesus, they came upon a body of water. The eunuch, his heart aflame with newfound faith, exclaimed, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" (Acts 8:36 NKJV)
Philip's response is simple yet profound: "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The eunuch's confession of faith in Jesus as the Son of God was all that was needed. Right there, in the midst of their journey, they stopped the chariot, and Philip baptized the man. The account ends with the eunuch "going on his way rejoicing" – a perfect picture of the joy that accompanies this step of faith.
This story reminds us that baptism is not about achieving perfection or meeting a list of requirements. It's about faith in the risen Christ. Nothing should hinder those who truly believe from taking this step of obedience and celebration.
A Daily Reality
While baptism is a one-time event, the spiritual reality it represents is an ongoing journey. Every day, we face the choice to live out our new identity in Christ. Will we cling to old habits and ways of thinking, or will we embrace the "newness of life" that is now ours?
As we reflect on the powerful symbolism of baptism – being buried and raised with Christ – may it inspire us to live differently. Let us daily put to death the old self with its selfish desires and destructive patterns. And let us daily choose to walk in the resurrected life, empowered by the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.
For in Christ, we are new creations. The old has gone, the new has come. And that is something worth celebrating – today and every day.
Lars Dahl
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