Clothed in Christ

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Gal 3:26-27 NIV) The New Testament presents three metaphors regarding baptism. It is pictured as a WASHING as seen in Saul of Tarsus’ encounter with Ananias in Damascus. Ananias tells the future apostle: “What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16 NLT) It is also pictured as a COVERING. The apostle Paul tells the Galatians that they were “clothed” with Christ when they were baptized (see verse above). The final metaphor is used by Paul in his letters to the Romans and Colossians. He speaks of baptism as a BURIAL and RESURRECTION. Paul wrote: “For you were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” (2:12 NLT) He uses similar terminology in Romans 6:4.

We are thrilled when anyone comes to commit themselves to the Lord. On Sunday, November 22, Larry Risler came to be washed, covered, buried, and brought to new life in Jesus. He is a retired farmer/ truck driver and the husband of Janet.

Have You Decided? Ananias’ question may be echoing in your mind: “What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away, calling on the name of the Lord.” If you would like to know more about baptism, Pat would love to sit down and answer your questions.