What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
Rom 6:1-8
The group of 75 Chinese believers gathered by the cool waters. Earlier that morning the venue for this service had been hastily changed. They had been warned by friends that the place where they had originally planned to meet was not safe. And so, new arrangements had been made. Now, all thoughts of security and logistics were left aside. Certainly there was no fear, only thanksgiving and joy.
One by one the 12 new converts shared testimonies of God’s grace. Then a tall, slender young lady stepped before the crowd. She was not Chinese, but she was part of the family. She too shared of God’s love and her desire to please him. She was 15 and ready to make a public stand for Christ. Her blonde-headed, 13-year-old sister followed in her footsteps. There was much laughter and rejoicing. It was a time for celebration, a time for thanksgiving. The believers listened attentively as the little blonde girl told of her love for Jesus and her desire to serve him in all things.
Then, all of them, 14 in all, each in turn, took the biggest step of their lives and entered into the water. Baptism in China has special significance, for it is viewed as the definitive declaration of one’s faith. In a country where people are persecuted for being Christians – sometimes by family members, sometimes by government officials – it is a moment marked with meaning. It signifies one’s willingness to identify with Christ, even in the face of suffering and death. And as Paul reminds us, it also bears witness to the new life, eternal life, which only God can give: ‘We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life’ (Rom. 6:4).
It was just one small step into the water, but a step with eternal significance. My daughters chose to take that step in China.
Lord, I thank you for enabling me to identify with your death and resurrection in the rite of water baptism. Help me remember that it is because you died for me that I now live. Let me be mindful that it is because you rose from the dead that I now live a new life, free from the bondage of sin. Lord, I rejoice that I am able to publicly declare my faith in you – definitively in water baptism, but also daily through a transformed life. Thank you for enabling me to take this step. Help me to continue to walk in the Spirit.
