Quote:
Originally Posted by Felicity
I believe there is more to baptism and the need to be baptized than just a test of obedience.
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A necessary first step ... for all repentant believers
A wonderful and glorious experience ... of identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ .... Here are what some writers have said:
Alaxander Campbell (1866) says "Baptism is designed to introduce the subjects of it into the participation of the blessings of the death and resurrection of Christ." (p.3)
Martin Luther (1530) Baptism is no human trifle, but instituted by God himself...It is of the greatest importance that we esteem Baptism excellent, glorious exalted for which we contend and fight chiefly, because the world is now so full of sects clamoring that Baptism is an external thing and that external things are of no benefit." (p12.)
Robert E. Webber states "When we enter into the waters of baptism, we enter into a divine connection with the suffering of Jesus and with his resurrection. We are brought into a pattern of light that is an actual identification with Jesus. Baptism is therefore not only an identification with Christ but a calling to live the baptized life. The calling which baptism symbolizes gives concrete form to our spirituality." (p19).
Jack Resse says, "Undergoing baptism implies that we are changing cultures. It reminds us of the seriousness of our decision to wear the name of Christ, to be his disciples. It celebrates the union of the divine and human, not only in our Lord and savior, but in ever-increasing ways in our lives as we serve the God who met us at the rivers edge." (p.1).