Baptism Is Only the Beginning

The rite of baptism, like the wedding ceremony, was meant to be the formal conformation and pledge of a wonderful and growing relationship. But while the ceremony of baptism can have a powerful effect on our Christian experience, we need to be careful not to imagine that it renders us permanently incapable of sinning. Our surrender doesn’t automatically last a lifetime.

When a child is born, a celebration is in order. However, after the day of birth is over and the excitement subsides, the baby requires daily feeding, daily bathing, and daily concern for its welfare.

It’s much the same with baptism. Paul said of his experience, “I die every day” (1 Corinthians 15:31). By daily turning from selfishness, we become more and more responsive to Christ. In order to grow consistently, we need a daily giving of ourselves to Christ, a daily reception of new life through prayer and Bible study.

What instructions did Jesus give concerning those who are baptized?

“Therefore go and MAKE DISCIPLES of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and TEACHING THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
—Matthew 28:19-20.

Jesus pointed out the importance of “teaching” those baptized “to obey everything” He commanded. Baptism represents our commitment to a Christian lifestyle. It is to be the beginning of a growing relationship with Christ. Peter admonishes us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). We are able to grow as Christians because “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3). Read the entire first chapter of second Peter for more helpful counsel on how to grow as a Christian.