Baptism—Immersed in the Name

Key Passage: Romans 6:3-5

Devotional:

Baptism is far more than a religious ritual; it is an act of obedience, a public declaration of faith, and a profound spiritual reality. Paul writes, “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death” (Romans 6:3). This means that baptism is not just an event; it is an identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

Now, allow me to be mildly nerdy for a moment. The Greek word for baptize, βαπτίζω (baptizō), means “to immerse” or “to submerge.” This is no coincidence; baptism visually represents a burial and resurrection. When someone is lowered into the water, it signifies the death of their old self, enslaved to sin. When they rise, it symbolizes their new life in Christ, free from the bondage of sin.

As a Baptist, I firmly believe that baptism involves full immersion in water, and I also believe that it is a practice the Church should uphold. However, there is more to baptism than just the water. Jesus Himself connects baptism to discipleship in Matthew 28:19-20, commanding His followers to “’...make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’” This means that baptism is not just a ritual—it is a declaration of belonging.

John the Baptist understood this distinction. He made it clear that while he baptized with water, the One who came after him, Jesus, would baptize with the Spirit. Water baptism is the outward sign, but true baptism is about full identification with the name of God. It is not just about being immersed in water; it is about being immersed in Christ.

Paul deepens this understanding in Romans 6:4, saying, “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 marks the death of the old self and the beginning of a new life—one that is completely defined by Jesus.

To be baptized is to embrace a new identity—not one shaped by our past, our failures, or even our own efforts, but one grounded in Christ alone.

Song Reflection: “Washed with water/This covenant is ratified with You/I’ll follow You until my life is through”

Application Question: Are there areas of your life that look more like your old self than they look like Jesus?

Further Reading: Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:3-5

Written by Jordan West