Day 4: Baptism and the Outward Expression of an Inward Change

Baptism is not just a ritual or a requirement for salvation, but an outward expression of the inward work that God has done in your life. It symbolizes dying to the old self and rising as a new creation in Christ. Baptism is a public declaration that you have received the Holy Spirit and want to identify with Jesus. Even Jesus, who was perfect, was baptized to set an example for us. When you are baptized, you are telling the world that you belong to Christ and that there has been a real change in your heart.

Romans 6:3-5 (ESV)
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

Reflection: If you have been baptized, how does your daily life reflect the new creation you are in Christ? If you have not, what is holding you back from making this public declaration of faith?