The Bible commands us to be baptized to have our sins washed away and enter a relationship with Jesus (Acts 2:38). We are baptized into a relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:18-20). When we are baptized like the Bible says we put on Jesus (Gal. 3:26-27) and God performs an operation in removing our sins and giving us a new life in Jesus (Col. 2:11-12). The New Testament does not simply say that we should be baptized, it also says we should live different lives after being baptized. Rising from the waters of baptism means we are forgiven, redeemed, added to God’s family, recipients of all the spiritual blessings in Christ, and responsible for living a new life.
In Colossians three, Paul describes several things that should be true of those who have been raised with Christ through baptism. Notice the things on the list and ask yourself if you are living up to your baptism. If we are honest, we will all notice places where we can improve. May we think back to when we were immersed and the faithfulness we vowed to demonstrate and let’s challenge ourselves to do our part (Eccl. 5:4-5).
Since you’ve been baptized:
- You should pursue the things that are above (Col. 3:1)
- Allow spiritual things to consume your thinking (Col. 3:2)
- Look forward to being with Jesus in glory (Col. 3:3-4)
- Engage in constantly killing off sinful habits like lust, lying, greed, impurity, sexual immorality, anger, slander, and filthy speech (Col. 3:5-9)
- Increase your knowledge about God and let it change your heart (Col. 3:10)
- Remove prejudicial thoughts of others from your heart and mind (Col. 3:11)
- Develop a more compassionate and tender heart toward others (Col. 3:12)
- Be more tolerant and forgiving to others who have wronged you (Col. 3:13)
- Enjoy God’s peace and trust that he is in control (Col. 3:15)
- Sing and praise God in worship enthusiastically as appreciation of his saving grace (Col. 3:16)
- Live life in submission to Jesus’ authority and with a thankful heart (Col. 3:17)
- Love your spouse and fulfill your role with godly integrity (Col. 3:18-19)
- Obey your parents and honor them (Col. 3:20)
- Be gentle toward your children/grandchildren and cultivate a loving relationship with them (Col. 3:21)
- Work honestly and consistently on your job because you know God is watching and you want to make him proud (Col. 3:22-25)
Baptism is important and we cannot be saved without (1 Pet. 3:21). However, life after baptism is also important. Those who have been baptized should live differently. May we study Colossians three and do our best to reflect the godliness and spiritual maturity that is commanded. Since we’ve been baptized, let’s live for him!
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