From Mike’s Desk
April 12th, 2011 by Mike Enright
I’ve been thinking a bit about baptism this week – primarily because one of the young women in our church, is going to be baptised here this evening. She will get down into the pool at the front of the church, and be fully immersed in the water – because she wants to publicly proclaim that she has entrusted her life to Jesus, and is committed to being His follower.
To be honest, I find what the Bible says about baptism somewhat mysterious – but it’s also profound, and powerful! It says that when we are baptised, we are baptised “into” Christ Jesus – into His death, and burial, and resurrection life (Romans 6). As I said, there’s mystery here – but it’s also a powerful statement, and a wonderful promise, something to continue to reflect on, and to grow in understanding and experience of.
Is baptism just a “religious ritual”, merely an outward expression of an inward reality – and it’s the inward that matters? I think it’s more than that – and this is where the mystery comes in. “Baptised into Christ Jesus” – what a stunning statement! If you are a follower of Jesus, but have never been baptised, I invite you to say to Jesus that you are willing to be baptised if this is what He wants you to do – and then invite Him to make it clear to you if He does.