Bible Basics: Grace (part 6)
God has shown Himself to be the greatest communicator of all, and in the act of baptism, God reveals, describes, and shows His amazing grace. Grace is seen and experienced through baptism. Ponder with me for a moment the question of what is the greatest thing that can happen to a person. While there are many wonderful events and activities that a person can participate in, the greatest has to be when a person is adopted into God’s family. It boggles the mind that someone who once was an enemy of God (that is what Scripture calls us) can become a child of God. No one could ever buy or earn such standing or status. God has the boldness and moxie to reach out and save lost mankind. Through the amazing sacrifice of Jesus, the sins of mankind are forgiven. The miracle of the cross is that sinners (you, me, and all mankind) have the opportunity to find mercy, grace, and forgiveness.
Only the creative and awe-inspiring mind of God could dream up such a thing as baptism. The English word “baptism” comes from a Greek word that means: “to dip, to plunge, to immerse in water.” As a matter of fact, the English word “baptism” is a transliteration of the Greek word “baptizo.” It would be much simpler for us to use the word "immerse” or “washing." Why do I say this? Because God purposely chose the act of baptism to teach us what is happening when we are saved. God wants all people to understand that they need help. He wants us to know that our sins and wrongdoings have consequences. As we comprehend these truths, God then calls us to trust Him. God tells us that while we cannot save ourselves, He can save us. This is what baptism is all about.
There are many Scriptures that speak of baptism and what it is; let me share a few. Acts 2:38 says: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (NIV) In this passage, Peter was preaching to people who were asking how to be saved. Peter knew that many in the crowd believed in Jesus, so he commanded them to repent of their sins and sinful lifestyle. In addition to a response of repentance, Peter said that they needed to be immersed or washed (baptized). This might lead us to ask where or how we get washed. That is what baptism is and what it illustrates. Baptism is a washing away of sins. Baptism is the time when we are washed clean by the sacrificial blood of Jesus. The Apostle Paul uses Peter’s symbols of washing (baptism) and rebirth in the Holy Spirit when he writes to Titus and says: “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5 - NIV) Please note that the time and space we have in this article do not allow us to completely investigate all the nuances of meaning that God has placed in this command to be baptized. God is exhorting, through the writers of Scripture, that the believing, repentant, Christ-seeking disciple is to be baptized. Suffice it to say that in baptism we are clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27), we are buried and raised with Christ (Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12), and we are saved by Christ (1 Peter 3:21).
Only God, in his infinite wisdom, could use such a simple thing as baptism to teach us and work in us His amazing grace. In our look at grace, we have barely touched what is the gift of the ages. As we come to understand what grace is and what God has done to save us, we must bow before God and thank Him for this Good News. Keep looking up!