Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 7000 God's people » 7900 The life of the church » 7903 baptism » 7908 baptism, significance of The NT uses a variety of images to explain the meaning of baptism, such as dying and rising with Christ, sharing in his death and being cleansed from sin. Baptism is a symbol of the death of Jesus Christ Luke 12:50 Jesus Christ described his death as a baptism or a flood overwhelming him. See also Psalm 42:7; Psalm 69:1-2; Psalm 88:7; Mark 10:38-39 Baptism is a symbol of the burial of Jesus Christ Romans 6:3-4 Immersion in water symbolises how the old sinful life is buried with Christ. Dying to sin and sharing Jesus Christ's sufferings, symbolised by baptism, is a lifelong process: Baptism is a symbol of being saved from the flood 1 Peter 3:21 The flood/baptism symbolises both judgment (the death of sinners and the death of Jesus Christ) and salvation (those in the ark and those in Christ passing safely through judgment). See also Genesis 7:6-7 Baptism is the gospel equivalent of circumcision Colossians 2:11-12 The “circumcision in Christ” may refer either to his death on the cross or to baptism. See also Deuteronomy 10:16 Baptism recalls the exodus 1 Corinthians 10:1-2 In and through the exodus experience Israel was united with and obedient to Moses, as Jesus Christ's people are to him. See also Exodus 14:19-24 Baptism symbolises washing from sin Acts 22:16 Baptism is an outward sign of cleansing from sin and from a defiled life and conscience. See also 1 Corinthians 6:11; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21 Baptism is a symbol of putting on Christ Galatians 3:27 Baptism is seen as putting on Christ, as one might put on a coat or garment, and thus be “clothed with Christ”. Baptism as a symbol of unity Ephesians 4:5 See also 1 Corinthians 12:13 See also
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