Nougat 15

I remember those candidate classes when we were taught about baptism. The elder indicated that in baptism we symbolically died to sin, rising to our new life in Christ. Of course, years later, someone else said that without repentance, we simply went from dry to wet sinner. What is your view? Here’s today’s Holy Nougat

“For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:7-8, 12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What then does it mean to ‘die with Christ’? Especially since we are all still alive. My understanding is that baptism is the public sign that we have decided to go Jesus’ way. And inasmuch as Jesus was baptized publicly and this was His way of confirming the start of His active ministry, it was also a very public way of honoring God’s will for His life. (Hence the voice and dove being witnessed by those gathered, declaring God’s pleasure with Jesus).

To die with Christ thus means being in sync with God’s will, to the extent that we are willing to forfeit our natural selfish desires. Further, we confess the grace of Jesus’ death and resurrection, recognizing that (it is said) when He died, it was life-giving for many saints who died in the Lord. Their release from the grip of sin and death affirms that we can overcome sin also. We are not slaves to our sinful desires but yielded to God’s Spirit.

Unfortunately, as living thinking human beings with the power of choice, our sinful nature still tries to be dominant in our lives (see yesterday’s nougat). But sin doesn’t have to get the last word. For, our yieldedness to Christ gives God’s Spirit total access to influence our actions, thoughts and decisions. I said influence because ultimately, the decision regarding our eventual action is ours.

In one sense, baptism changes nothing; but it symbolizes everything. We take the bold and conscious step of baptism (or confirmation of our parents decision to baptize us) as a testimony of the change. We’re souled out for Christ. But the very act in itself solidifies our decision. The same can be said for confirmation though it’s not mentioned in the Bible.

So may we, conscious of our death in Jesus Christ, live as though we have already overcome sin.

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May all we seek be found in Christ