BAPTISED INTO CHRIST – Pastor Chris
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2020
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:3-4 KJV)
It’s important for us to understand what’s meant by the statement “…baptized into Jesus Christ…” in the scripture above. It’s different from dipping someone into water for a baptism. Water baptism is symbolic: when you’re dipped into water in baptism, you’re declaring that you’ve identified with the Lord in His vicarious death and burial. You’re brought out of the water in likeness of His resurrection.
The subject in Romans 6 isn’t water baptism. It’s the immersion of the believer into Christ, upon his proclamation of His Lordship and faith in His resurrection. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul the Apostle uses the term “in Christ” when he declares: “…if any man be in Christ, He is a new creature….” You become one with Him! God sees you in Jesus Christ. When we say we’re in Christ, it’s not like having something inside a container; rather, it means we’re inseparably united with Him, joined with Him in one Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17).
Ephesians 5:30 says, “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.” Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches…” (John 15:5), meaning that we’re of the same stock with Him. You’ve become the expression of Christ. This is how you should and must think. 1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body…”; that body is Christ.
Now that you’ve been baptised into Jesus Christ, the Bible says to walk accordingly; “…walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Walk bold. Be absolutely fearless, knowing that you and Christ are one. With Him, you’re indomitable—ever making progress. Hallelujah!
CONFESSION:
I’m inseparably one with Christ, for in Him I live, move and have my being! I’m the embodiment and expression of His glory and divinity. My inseparable oneness with Him makes me supernatural, impregnable to sickness, disease and infirmity. No matter what comes my way, I’m bold and fearless! Glory to God!
FURTHER STUDY:
Acts 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
1 Corinthians 12:13 “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”
Galatians 3:27 “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 15:22-35 & Esther 5-7
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
2 Corinthians 11:10-33 & Isaiah 20
