A note from our Pastor’s desk:

”Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”

Colossians 2:12

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

This week we consider Colossians 2:12 in our continued study of Colossians. This verse does not directly instruct believers to be baptized but rather provides insights into the symbolism of baptism. A correct understanding of this verse is founded on seeing baptism as a spiritual experience.

Understand that, in the writing of the Apostle Paul, baptism only happened in the form of full immersion. The baptizer submerged the one being baptized. Then the one being baptized would arise from the water completing the baptism. This method of baptism is central to understanding the spiritual symbolism of this verse.

The Apostle points to two actions of Jesus Christ. First, Jesus was buried in the tomb after his death. Second, Jesus arose after three days and three nights as he had prophesied. His burial is associated with the forgiveness of sins through his death. His resurrection is a sign of power, hope, intercession, and peace. 

A believer immersed under the water is a picture of being connected to the death and burial of Jesus Christ. The baptism is not for the actual remission of sin, but rather to acknowledge that Jesus Christ died for his people. His death accomplished a perfect destruction of all the sins of his elect. A disciple rising from the water is a public display of a commitment to follow after Christ in a changed life. The disciple will not and cannot be sinless, but has a desire to love God and love their neighbor.

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward spiritual reality. Its great importance is founded on the connection between the believer and Jesus Christ.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah