Obervations on the Significance of Baptism

by Nathan Smelser

I have a few observations on the oft-overlooked significance of baptism in the New Testament.

When Paul writes to the saints and faithful brethren in Colossae, he repeatedly contrasts their formerly dead state with their present life in Christ.

For example: "...having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised him [Christ] from the dead" (Colossians 2:12).

Thought Questions:

1. Who raised the souls of the faithful from the dead? (God)
2. ...based on what what condition? (faith)
3. ...on what occasion? (when buried with Him in baptism)

Paul goes on to make application for those who have

• "died with Christ" (Colossians 2:20),
• "been raised up with Christ" (Colossians 3:1),
• "have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3),
• "have laid aside the old self with its evil practices" (Colossians 3:9),
• "and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge" (Colossians 3:10),
• "those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved..." (Colossians 3:12).

These are those who, in faith, have died with Christ in baptism and been raised to life in Him.
[See also Romans 6:2-14, Acts 2:38, I Peter 3:15, Mark 16:16, etc.]

For those who reject baptism by arguing that salvation is by faith alone, I really do not want to be rude at all, but I do suggest sober thought be given to this question:

Does someone even have faith (in the working of God) if he rejects the instructions in God's Word because it doesn't make sense to him?

There is a very helpful illustration in II Kings 5:1-14 that may help break through the man-made confusion on this.

I hope you quietly and prayerfully consider whether these things are broadly consistent with God's Word.