Baptized into a Body

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (Colossians 2:12)

Some Christians read Colossians 2:12 and think it refers to water baptism, but that’s not the case. Every mention of baptism in Scripture is not water baptism. Scripture lists several kinds of baptism. Hebrews 6:2 says one of the essential doctrines of the church is the “doctrine of baptisms.” Note that word is plural; so, there must be other kinds of baptism besides water baptism.

When I was younger, I visited a church where they told me I wasn’t saved because I hadn’t been dunked in their pool yet in the name of Jesus only. That’s not scriptural. Yes, water baptism is an important aspect of our faith. Jesus told us that the practice of water baptism is a sign of being raised to new life and being baptized is an act of obedience. However, the baptism Paul referred to in Colossians 2:12 is baptism into the body of Christ as a part of the church.

See, when we were buried with him in baptism, we buried our old selves, our selfish ways, our self-focused mindset, and we accepted the call to be a part of His body worldwide. Unified in Christ as one body, no matter what our background, culture, color, or national origin, we are all new creations in Christ.

Going under and coming back up in water baptism symbolizes that when Jesus rose from the dead, we rose too. How? Paul explained it is through the faith of the operation of God. The word operation in the Greek is the word energeo, and it means the efficiency and energy and working of God. Through our faith in God’s power and ability, when we accepted Christ’s sacrifice, we were raised from death and baptized into one body.

Practical Application

You have been baptized into the body of Christ. The church needs you. Your influence outside and inside your local church is both equally important to fulfill God’s purpose for your life.

1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27