My Journey to Life - Daily Study Guide

Q6. What is the significance of baptism?

Picture: Q6. What is the significance of baptism? JTLD 224.1

Interestingly, the theological significance of baptism is also related to full immersion. We note that Scripture uses covering by water as a symbol of great trouble and affliction. Jesus’ water baptism represented a prophetic enactment of His suffering, death, and burial. Coming up out of the water represented His resurrection (Romans 6:3-5). JTLD 224.2

Through baptism, believers enter the death and resurrection experience of Christ. The sacred intimacy of the believer’s relationship with Christ is shown through expressions like “baptized into Christ Jesus,” “baptized into His death,” and “buried with Him through baptism.” JTLD 224.3

Seventh-day Adventists do not consider baptism a sacrament that imparts grace and affects salvation. Instead, baptism is considered an ordinance that shows the central truths of the gospel and the believer’s total allegiance to Christ. JTLD 224.4

• Bible Discovery: Psalms 42:7; 69:2; 124:4, 5; Mark 10:38; Luke 12:50
• Further Reading: Ellen G. White, Counsels for the Church, p. 295.4