The Symbolism Of Baptism

The title of this article does not intend to imply that baptism is merely symbolic in nature. The Bible teaches clearly that baptism is "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16). Both Jesus Christ and Peter used language that communicates that baptism "saves us" (Mk. 16:16; 1 Pet. 3:21).  Paul tells us that we are naked or unclothed of Christ without it (Gal. 3:26-27), and that without it (baptism) one remains outside the body of Christ (Rom. 6:3; 1 Cor. 12:13).

Baptism is symbolic of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:3-6). Knowing this fact is of value, but mirroring the events in one's behavior (baptism) is of much more value. Obeying the New Testament's teaching about baptism is an intimate moment between a soul and the Savior. The Bible uses the language,

"we were buried with Him through baptism" (Rom. 6:4).

Baptism is an intimate moment with our Lord, culminating in

"newness of life.

Baptism is symbolic of parental effort, prayers, and involvement. If we are not careful we can give undue emphasis to "numbers" passing through the baptistry or sitting on the pew. The Bible reminds us that Noah, a preacher of righteousness, saw only seven other souls saved (2 Pet. 2:5).  Jesus, "came to His own, and His own did not receive Him" (Jn. 1:11). The baptism of a young person into Christ, not only represents prayers offered by parents (and grandparents), but also that those parents engaged in more than symbolic activity. Baptism is symbolic of parents who were "doers of the word, and not hearers only" (Jas. 1:22), and who trained and nurtured their children in the Lord (Eph. 6:4).

There is far more substance to baptism than symbolism, but when one witnesses the baptism of another, the facts and our feelings meet, in a beautiful way reminding us of our Lord's death, burial and resurrection, as well as the removal of sins offered to everyone willing to obediently follow.

- Toby Soechting