Baptism
or Getting Wet?
Today, I’d like you to recall your water baptism. If you aren’t baptized, perhaps we could have that discussion. Reach out! But for those of us who are baptized, lets talk briefly about the what it means to be baptized.
Does it mean once a person is baptized there troubles will diminish?
Not at all. In fact, often they are intensified.
Does it mean a “ticket” to heaven one day in the future?
Surely some would take umbrage with my simple question, but there are those who believe water baptism is required for salvation. The Bible is clear we are saved by grace, through faith.
Does it mean something internal has occurred?
That’s the idea, right? Something has begun and will continue throughout the balance of one’s life.
Maybe a Biblical narrative would be helpful.
But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.
But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed. - Acts 8.9-13
It seems Simon has had a conversion experience. The magician heard Philip preach the gospel and was baptized. The text goes on to say Simon begins to follow and subsequently learn from Philip. In other words, discipleship began. But not so fast, my friend. It’s not how one begins a journey with Jesus. It’s how the journey ends.
Lets keep reading from Acts.
Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostle’s hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part not lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.” - Acts 8.18-24
If we consider Simon’s conversion, it’s surface-level at best. The text says he saw the power of the Holy Spirit given to the Apostles and then passed on by the laying of hands. In other words, the presence of God was evident. Simon desired that power. But instead of praying for full conversion in his own life, he offered the apostles money to obtain the same power.
His heart was still far from God.
His motivation was to be seen, not to point others to God.
And because his selfishness displayed who he was, Simon was quickly told to repent of “this wickedness” and pray to the Lord.
So recall your water baptism. Think about your conversion. Ultimately, if what you have done has ANY SELFISH MOTIVE, your conversion is not complete. Everything we do is all about God! Everything.
Baptism is more than getting wet. It’s dying to self and living for God.
Hey Mike, good thoughts. I doubt anyone has been baptized without some selfish motive - perhaps if nothing else...to feel that they have done something good for God. Thankfully, repentance is a part of the ongoing experience of being a Christian ... and also thankful we grow beyond those early initial missteps. A great story to contemplate.