Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay
A New Creation Picture and A Covenant Pledge
Baptism is the initial pledge of commitment to the Lordship of Christ. It expresses a personal transformation. It marks the beginning of a new life in the family of God. A sacred promise to God, baptism is the beginning of a lifelong journey of renewal.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)
For those being baptized, the act symbolizes a commitment to live as part of God’s covenant community. Believers leave their old life and experience the new. They are no longer defined or controlled by beliefs about the past but by what God has declared and is doing in their lives. It is a pledge to live under grace, empowered by the Spirit to walk in the new life.
“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3 ESV)
For those who have already been baptized, each baptism witnessed is a reminder of their covenant promise to Christ. Dead and buried, raised to new life, in baptism, we are called to remember and repledge our commitment to Christ. Like communion, this sacrament fuels our evangelistic commission. This life is an expression of a new identity and invites others into transformation.
“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4 ESV)
Spiritual Move: Baptism – Pledging life and allegiance to Christ in baptism, is a picture of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and His followers. Believers are united in His death, a watery grave; and this is a reminder of our commitment to the Lordship of Christ.
Try this Move: If you’ve been baptized, take a moment to reflect on the pledge you made and how you’ve lived it out. If you are preparing for baptism, reflect on the significance of this first step into the new covenant. Ask God to strengthen your commitment to living as a new creation. Journal Prompt: How can you renew your covenant pledge to live as a new creation in Christ today? If you’ve been baptized, how can you use the memory of your baptism to live more intentionally for Christ?