OCTOBER 31, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

OCTOBER 31 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: COLOSSIANS 2:11-15

When one is born again, we follow that experience of salvation with water baptism. It is the opportunity for the new believer to testify to what Jesus has done in their life. Baptism is an illustration of the death, burial and resurrection of the person who is dead to their old life, buried as proof of a literal death and then raised to new life in Christ Jesus. Baptism does not save; it is an act of obedience of the believer. We don't baptize lost people in order to save them...we baptize believers because they are saved. We immerse them in the water because that is what the Greek word "baptizo" means, to immerse. It was the method by which Jesus was baptized by John...and we follow His example.

Water baptism is important because of what it testifies to and because it is an act of obedience on the part of the new believer. It represents what has already happened to a person who has believed in Jesus. Baptism is neither the doorway to salvation nor the doorway to the church, Jesus is. When John was baptizing he said, "I indeed baptize you with water, but there is One who comes after me, whose sandals I am not worthy to unloose, who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." John was speaking of Jesus...John was speaking of the true baptism that brings salvation. John was telling us that no human can administer this baptism, that only Christ could do such a wonderful thing. The point is that no human can give you salvation...only Jesus can do that. Once He has brought you to salvation, baptized you in the Holy Spirit and fire, then as a believer in obedience to Him you are to go through the baptismal waters to testify and demonstrate what Christ has done for you. Trust in Christ brings salvation; the new life...water baptism testifies to the world what Christ has done for you.

Please share your thoughts.