The symbolism of baptism

Dear friend

Every so often I read something in the scriptures that is just so well written, just so instructive, just so inspired. These verses fit that description, from the New Testament, Romans 6:3-7.

3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 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.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

The Apostle Paul begins with a statement to get his audience's attention. He is developing his doctrinal discourse to explain the changes that occur at baptism.

Firstly he compares baptism to death and resurrection. We are buried under the water. Our old self dies. In its place, rising up out of the water, is our cleansed self; as we might imagine a resurrected being emerges from the grave. There is a lovely phrase that we "walk in the newness of life". How wonderful to contemplate.

There is the hint of a second analogy, that of us being "planted" in the likeness of death (buried). Again we then come forth like a resurrection.

Then there is a third, more stark and deathly image, that of Christ's crucifixion. Our old sinful self is nailed to the beam and left there, destroyed. While our new freed-from-sin self is released from the weight of our mortal misdeeds.

The rite of baptism is hugely symbolic. But at the core is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer. His death, resurrection and Atonement make baptism meaningful and effective.

I pray we will always remember Him for opening the entry gate (baptism) on to the pathway to God's Kingdom (eventual eternal salvation).

Samuel.