Here Is Water: The Question of Baptism

by   Rev. David Johnson                                                                                                                             Vol. VI, No. 1, January 1993

In examining Scripture we rote that baptism is closely linked with discipleship and could literally be described as "the badge of discipleship." And so in previous articles, having looked at The Roots of Baptism, The Relationship between the Baptisms of the New Testament, The Ritual of Baptism, The Reasons for Baptism, The Requirements for Baptism, and The Rewards of Baptism, we now turn to the question, "What are the demands of baptism?"

The Responsibilities of Baptism

In baptism we declare ourselves to be disciples of Christ. It is our oath of allegiance to Him, and therefore at baptism we declare openly that we are the followers of Christ. Thus, the basic responsibility of anyone being baptized is that of discipleship, and according to Matthew 16:24-26 this involves three basic fundamentals:

1. Saying no to self and yes to Christ's control.

2. Being willing to suffer for Him.

3. Allowing Christ to choose His way.

Conversion is the beginning of a relationship, Father-Child, but discipleship is that of a working relationship, and so at baptism we declare that we are no longer babes but workers. The Scripture makes clear that the Christian life is, or rather ought to be, an active working life:

1. Every Disciple is called to be a Laborer (Mat. 9:37-38). Paul speaks of being "laborers together with God," and how often does he speak of "fellow worker" or "fellow laborer?" The word "labor" suggests service with patience, service under direction, but it also speaks of drudgery, the work that only faith led by love will undertake. This is part of our calling, not very attractive, but necessary, and how we need to remember the words of Hebrews 6:10: "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward His name, that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister."

2. Every Disciple is called to be an Ambassador (II Cor. 5:19-20, Eph.6:19-20). An ambassador is a permanent representative of the sovereign; he is a man with a commission. Does not this tie up with the Great Commission, where again we have the link of baptism? God has placed His people where they are His ambassadors and as such they have certain characteristics and responsibilities:

a. Not a native of the country in which they live. Their homeland is elsewhere.

b. They represent the ruler and government of the country to which they belong.

c. Their life and conduct must be above reproach, as those representing a king.

d. They must be in direct contact with their sovereign.

e. They must in all circumstances and at all costs be loyal to their king.

3. Every Disciple has been placed in trust as a Steward. The word "steward" is an Anglo-Saxon word which describes one who manages the affairs and property of another. In the New Testament it is used to describe a household servant placed in charge of an absent master's goods and affairs. For the Christian this master is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, and the stewardship of all time, talents, and possessions is part of this responsibility to Him. In essence, a steward recognizes three things:

a. That which he possesses is not his own. (I Cor. 6:19-20)

b. His stewardship will one day end, and on that day he must give account to his Lord. (Matthew 25:19)

c. He must live with the time of reckoning in view. (Luke 19: 20-23)

We have touched upon just three aspects of discipleship, but in each case we can easily identify its relationship to baptism. Baptism, as we have shown, is that act where the candidate recognizes and acknowledges his responsibility of discipleship and involvement in the work of Christ.

As we have briefly covered this vast subject of baptism, there has been the recognition that while the initial act of baptism takes but a few minutes, it requires a whole lifetime to live out all its spiritual and practical implications. Although it is a most simple and beautiful ordinance, the truth that it sets forth is most profound and has far-reaching import for the life of the believer. Thus it is important for the baptizer (the church) and the baptized (the baptismal candidate) to teach and to understand as fully as possible the complete and full meaning of baptism.

[David Johnson is pastor of Rileyville Baptist Church, Rileyville, Virginia.]