What does Baptism do?
Here at Deer Park Fellowship, we believe Scripture teaches that baptism is for believers. It does not save us. It is an ordinance of the Church instituted by Christ for those who have been saved.
Christians are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-10). So if it does not save, what does baptism do? Here are three things that Baptism does:
1) Baptism identifies us with the visible church.
When someone receives baptism, they can now be clearly identified as a part of the church. Baptism is the sign Christ gave to visibly identify Christians as a members of the church. Showing up on Sunday morning does not mean you are a part of the church. That’s why the Apostle Peter, after preaching the first Christian sermon, called everyone to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38). He called those who repented to be baptized so the church could be established. In order to be counted among the 3000 souls added that day, you had to have been baptized. That is why we require baptism for church membership. It is an accounting of who is in the church.
2) Baptism points us to our union with Christ.
Baptism is an outward symbol of what Christ has done in our hearts. It symbolizes that, as we are lowered into the water, Christ died and was lowered into the earth. His death granted us freedom from sin so that we could repent and believe in him for eternal life.
Romans 6:4 “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
Baptism also reminds us, as we are raised out of the water, Christ was raised from the dead. His death and resurrection are the guarantee of our resurrection.
Romans 6:5 “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.”
3) Baptism encourages our faith.
Baptism is a means of grace. It is a tool that strengthens our faith. It is so encouraging to see others professing faith in Christ. We see that God is working. The gospel is going forth! God reconciling a sinful and rebellious people to himself in this cosmic plan of redemption. Men and women are being raised from death to life and we get to be a part of it.
We are also reminded of our own baptism. How God saved us from our sin. The Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 3:21 explains that baptism is an appeal to God for a good conscience. Our consciences can be comforted by our baptism. Even though we may still sin, we have been saved from the penalty of sin. Remembering that is encouraging. It is a soothing balm for a suffering sinner. Praise God for this gift of grace.