Identity in Christ

 

In recent months we have been having several baptisms in our services. What a joy it is to experience baptism and be a part of this celebration. I always enjoy hearing the testimony of how God has saved each one and how He continues to work in their lives.

The Greek word for “baptism” is baptidzo. It means to dip and to dye. It described the process of dipping a cloth or garment into a vat of color to dye it; leaving it there long enough for the material to soak up the new color; and then pulling that garment out of the dye with a permanently changed outward appearance. That is what we are celebrating when we baptize believers. The change does not take place at baptism. The change takes place when we come to know Jesus as our personal savior. We have a new identity and it is found in Christ.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 it says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” When a person makes Jesus the Lord of their life it is like an old garment that needs to be dipped into a vat of dye so its color can be changed. In this case the person is not dipped into a vat of colored dye, but into the precious blood of the Lamb! This person becomes a new creation because of the transforming power of Jesus’ blood. His countenance is so changed that he even looks different. You can say that this new believer has been dipped and dyed!

Baptism is a symbolic proclamation of the fact that believers have been buried with Christ and raised with Him. When a believer comes into the baptismal waters, it symbolizes being immersed in one condition and coming out looking brand new. It is a picture of what happened when they got saved. It is an outward symbol of what is happening on the inside. Praise the Lord!

Are you walking in your identity in Christ? You cannot consistently perform in a manner that is inconsistent with the way you see yourself. If you know Jesus as your personal savior and don’t see yourself as a born again believer who is a new creation, then you will not live up to the transformation that Jesus provides daily. Many Christians settle for mediocrity because they settle for what the world says is possible in holy living instead of what God says.

The apostle Paul tells us that if we’ve chosen to invite Christ to be Lord of our lives, we are new creatures; a new species that has never been seen before. Old things are gone. New things have come and now live, from new power and for new reasons. This is our “position” in Christ.

Others can be there and celebrate this milestone in your life at your baptism, but you have an opportunity to live out the fruit of your repentance every day. Many others can see the transformation through the witness of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, who had no sin, became sin so that we may experience this freedom. The child of God, who had no ability to be righteous, now becomes righteous through the blood of Jesus. What an exchange! Now go out and live it so the world will know the source of your strength.

On Sunday, June 22 we will have another baptism in our morning services. If you have not been baptized then I want to encourage you to sign up today! I believe this next step will set a rhythm of life up that will remind the enemy of the power of the resurrection of Jesus. What are you waiting for?

There are only 3 seats left on the van that will be leaving for camp meeting on Sunday following the service. If others want to go then there will be directions to our camp grounds in St. Marys. It should be a week of growth and miracles.

It is going to be a great day at church on Sunday. We will celebrate Father’s Day and seek the heart of God together. May God help you to live out your faith today.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike