[00:00:00] Hello everyone, welcome back to my podcast The Jelly Fish Man. I'm Ian McCormack, The Jelly Fish Man. Today I want to speak about baptism in water because after repentance Jesus doesn't just say now you're done. He calls you forward and it's important to understand it clearly from Scripture. First remember this, you are saved by grace. The Bible says it plainly in Ephesians 2 5, we are made alive by grace. Baptism in water is not what's
[00:00:29] what saves you. And the washing that truly cleanses sins is the work of Jesus. First John 1 7 says, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. So if someone tells you baptism is the payment for forgiveness, no, that's not the gospel. So then what is baptism in water? Baptism in water is your public sign that something has happened inside you. It's you dying to sin and rising into new life with Jesus.
[00:01:00] Paul teaches us in Romans 6 3 to 4. When you go down into the water and come up again, you're signifying that you've been united with Christ, death to sin, resurrection to new life. That's why it follows repentance. You repent, you turn to God and then you step into obedience. Now let's look at the Bible in Matthew 3 5 to 6. People were going out to John the Baptist.
[00:01:29] Confessing their sins and being baptized in the Jordan River. Baptism was connected to a changed heart, confession, repentance and turning back to God. And then Jesus comes in Matthew 3 13 to 15. Jesus arrives at the Jordan to be baptized by John. John says, basically, you should baptize me. But Jesus answers that it is fitting to fulfill righteousness.
[00:01:59] In other words, Jesus enters the waters, not because he needed cleansing, but to show us the way of obedience and identify with us. Then something incredible happens. Matthew 3 16 to 17 says, when Jesus came up from the water, the heavens opened, the spirit of God descended like a dove and a voice from heaven declared.
[00:02:22] This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased. So baptism is not just a religious ritual. It's connected to God's approval, God's spirit and your life being aligned with Jesus.
[00:02:37] Mark 1 5 also says, people were being baptized while confessing their sins. Again, confession and repentance come first. And Jesus didn't stop at water. John the Baptist said in Mark 1 7 to 8 that he baptized with water.
[00:02:54] But Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. Water points to the new life. The spirit empowers the Christian. Now, after Jesus rose and gave his command, he said in Mark 16 15 to 17 to preach the gospel. And he spoke about believers being identified with what God is doing. Signs that accompany those who believe.
[00:03:17] So here's the heart of it. Baptism in water doesn't save you. Jesus saves you. But baptism is the obedience step of someone who has repented and now wants to follow Jesus openly. If you're listening today and you've repented, but you haven't been baptized in water yet. I want to encourage you talk to your pastor, ask your church about being baptized and don't delay obedience. Before we finish, I want to speak this clearly. Salvation is grace.
[00:03:48] Cleansing is the blood of Jesus. Cleansing is the blood of Jesus. And baptism is your testimony, your declaration that you belong to Christ. If you've been waiting to take that step, this is your moment to obey. Thanks for listening to the gates of heaven. I'm Ian McCormick. Keep choosing Jesus. Keep walking in truth and keep following him.