WEEK 9, DAY 2: The Beauty of Baptism
There are a number of notable baptisms throughout the New Testament. Jesus begins His ministry being baptized by John the Baptist. Later, in Acts 2, the Apostle Peter preaches the first message after Jesus’ death and resurrection and 3,000 people believe in Christ and are baptized. Later still, Paul, who initially hated Christians, has his own conversion experience and is baptized.
Throughout the Scriptures, there aren’t any passages that indicate baptism is a requirement for salvation. Ephesians 2 is quite clear in saying that we are saved by God’s grace, not from anything we can do on our own (that includes being baptized). Yet, baptism is still a beautiful part of the Christian life, because it symbolizes the topic of resurrection so well.
When somebody chooses to be baptized, they are are publicly expressing that they have died to sin, and been raised to life through faith in Christ. Their old life is gone, and their new life has begun. It’s a declaration that death has been defeated.
In short, baptism is an outward expression of an inward reality.
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven. (Colossians 3:1)
READING & JOURNALING:
COLOSSIANS 3:1-11, ROMANS 6:1-14
If you’ve been baptized, what is most memorable to you about that experience?
What do you find most enjoyable about baptism services?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, today I simply want to thank You for Your saving grace. There are many times I tell myself I need to do more to earn your love, but Your Word tells me that You loved me so much Christ gave His life for me. There’s nothing more I can do for Your love, because You’ve already given it so freely! May I rest in this truth each and every day. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.
Read: Jeremiah 52, 2 Kings 24 & 25
Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?
Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.
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