Finding True Life Change Through Immersion in Christ
When we think about baptism, we often focus on the physical act of immersion in water. But baptism represents something much deeper - a permanent change that happens when we are immersed in Christ.
What Does Baptism Really Mean?
The Greek word "baptizo" gives us important insight into what baptism truly means. A Greek historian's pickle recipe helps us understand this concept. In the recipe, vegetables are first dipped (bapto) in boiling water temporarily, but then baptized (baptizo) in vinegar solution, which produces a permanent change.
This illustrates an important truth: baptism isn't just about getting wet - it's about being transformed. When we baptize someone, we believe a permanent spiritual change occurs. As Romans 6:3-4 tells us:
"Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may have new life."
Is Baptism Just About Salvation?
When we focus solely on the question "At what point was someone saved?" we can miss the deeper message of what God wants to do in our lives. The gospel offers so much more than just guilt remission or a ticket to heaven.
God wants to create such a drastic change in us that:
We get a new name
We receive a new purpose
People can "smell Jesus" on us
When we truly meet Jesus, we can't go back to our old ways. It would be like being cured of cancer and then asking for the cancer back. True immersion in Christ creates in us a desire for freedom and new life that makes our old life unappealing.
What Does Jesus Really Offer Us?
In John 3, Jesus talks about being "born again" and entering the "kingdom of God." He's not just talking about going to heaven someday - He's talking about a new life that begins now.
Jesus offers us the chance to:
Shed our old life
Be made new
Be freed from destructive patterns
Experience eternal life beginning now
When Paul baptized the twelve disciples in Acts 19, he wasn't just baptizing them to save them from hell. He was baptizing them because he knew that through the power of the Spirit, they would be made new. Their lives would be so changed that they would go on to share this gift with others, who would then share it with more people.
What Are You Immersing Yourself In?
Here's a simple truth: what we immerse ourselves in will change us. We become like the things we immerse ourselves in.
Ask yourself:
What am I immersing my life, time, and energy in?
Where do I go when I'm sad or tired?
What do I turn to when I have a bad day?
These questions reveal what we're truly immersed in. Jesus offers to be the one who makes the best change in us.
One man shared how he had immersed himself in video game culture as a young husband and father. He had money and few responsibilities, so he poured himself into games. When he felt like he couldn't win in life, he would escape to video games to feel successful.
One day, he realized he didn't like what he saw in his life, despite being a believer who had been baptized and was even in full-time ministry. Jesus spoke to him: "Abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branch. I will give you everything you're looking for."
He sold all his video games and immersed himself in Christ instead. The result? He became a better father, husband, and pastor because he stopped yoking himself to worldly things and immersed himself in Christ.
How Do We Immerse Ourselves in Christ?
Immersing ourselves in Christ requires:
Faith - believing in Jesus
Repentance - turning away from sin
Baptism - dying to self and rising to new life
Receiving the Holy Spirit - gaining power for change
Daily immersion - continuing to abide in Christ
This isn't about trying harder to be better. It's about relying on Jesus through faith, repentance, and the power of the Holy Spirit. As Titus 3:4-5 reminds us:
"When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing and rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."
How Can We Help Each Other Stay Immersed?
We weren't meant to walk this journey alone. We need each other to stay immersed in Christ:
Join a small group where you can be honest about your struggles
Find accountability partners who will help you repent
Immerse yourself in God's Word daily
Use reading plans to stay consistent
One person shared how they were struggling with their faith and wondering if God was really there. Before they could meet with a pastor, they talked with their small group, who helped them through their doubts. That's the power of community!
Life Application
The invitation is clear: immerse yourself in Christ daily, not just in a one-time baptism experience. Jesus offers real change, freedom from sin, and a new life - but it requires ongoing immersion.
This week, ask yourself:
What am I currently immersing myself in that might be keeping me from experiencing the change God wants for me?
How can I intentionally immerse myself in Christ through His Word, prayer, and community?
Is there an area of my life where I need to repent and turn back to God?
Who can I invite to walk alongside me in this journey of immersion?
Remember, what we immerse ourselves in will change us. Choose to be immersed in Christ, and watch how He transforms you from the inside out.