Baptism illustrates repentance. While believer’s baptism is a sign given in the New Testament, it has its roots in washings prescribed by the Law as an act of confession and repentance in the Old Testament (Exodus 30:18-21). When John the baptizer arrived on the scene he came with the message of repentance, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). Those baptized by John came “confessing their sins” (Matthew 3:6). The connection between baptism and repentance is why Peter responded to the conviction of the crowds in Acts 2 with the command, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).
Baptism illustrates that first repentance when a sinner turns from his sin to Christ. This is why there is so much joy when a fellow believer is baptized. Not only are we cheering here, but Jesus tells us there is rejoicing in the heavens, “I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10).
Francis Chan in the clip that follows does a good job at explaining the confession and repentance that baptism symbolizes. The act of baptism does not save (Titus 3:5), but the repentance and confession it illustrates does (Romans 10:9-10). Enjoy and be challenged.
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