Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority. In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him. Colossians 2:6-15
Are you dead? Have you given up your life willingly? Have you made the commitment to Jesus through the outward symbol of water baptism? That act — is a declaration of your death …and the life coming out of the water is your life and faith now in Him. Jesus now ‘owns’ you — as “He bought you with a price.” Water baptism is an outward symbol of an individual’s spiritual commitment and faith.
Many went through the act of baptism as a young child or as a ‘new Christian’ as the religious institution required it for them to be a ‘member’. Yet for many they really didn’t understand the depth of the what they were doing. As we become more spiritually mature we begin to understand the significance of such an ‘act’. The ‘act’ of water baptism isn’t a magical procedure — but just a public declaration of a person’s commitment to Jesus Christ. The spiritual baptism into the “one” faith happens at the time a person accepts the sacrifice Jesus made for them and accept Him as their Lord and Master. (think of the thief on the cross) Usually later if the individual understand the scriptures better they ask Jesus to baptize / immerse them fully with the Holy Spirit. These ‘baptisms’ are just a process of growth in Him. These events should come out of an ever increasing relationship and understanding with Jesus.
When the world scoffs at Christians more and more… the time to make a bold declaration of faith is the response needed by the Body of Christ. To let EVERYONE know publicly we are committed to our death with Christ — and that our lives are His …forever. This is the ‘sign’ of TC2. Terminally Committed To Christ. We will be ‘marked’ by His Holy Spirit as ‘property of Jesus’.
I personally know many adults who after progressing in their faith decided to be water baptized again — as they wanted to make an even stronger ‘statement’ of their commitment to Christ. It meant SO much more to them than the first time. We all should be growing in our relationship with Him on a day to day basis. Our days should be led by the Holy Spirit in close fellowship, where our minds are ‘one’ in decision and thought. Where our inward ‘mental conversation’ in our heads is foremost with the indwelling Presence and Person / Holy Spirit.
What declaration are you making now? Are you bold and unashamed of your ‘life in Christ’? Do those around you know of your commitment and faith? No need to be obnoxious about it, but by our sincerity and actions, we display the fruit of the Spirit with those around us.
Begin again .. today .. this morning… make your ‘declaration’ to Him. And then commit to listening to His Voice throughout your day.