In Romans chapter 6, the Apostle Paul was clarifying what Christ had done for the believer and the results that should follow. Although water baptism is but an illustration of what Christ did for the believer, it correctly pictures what really occurred.

At the moment of salvation, when the sinner asks Christ in faith for forgiveness of sins and salvation, and desires to serve Christ as his Lord – that person is instantly made a new creature in Christ.

The death that Jesus suffered was because of and for our sins. Although it meant that He would suffer horribly on the Cross, He fully did the will of the Father.

Our death to self is pictured by baptism testifying that we are no longer our own. Jesus Christ has purchased us with His blood so that we might be saved and serve God as we should. Just as Jesus was raised from the dead with a new Body – in Christ we also are raised with a new nature and we are expected to walk according to the power given to it.

If you are saved, there ought to be “newness of life” – spiritual life – a life like the Lord Jesus in your lifestyle, holiness, and mannerisms. While we are not yet perfect here, there ought to be a growing tendency to be more and more like Christ.

As you become closer to Him in fellowship and life, He blesses those that honor Him with their life. They see His working in their life with blessing, power, and victory.

Are you becoming more like Him and forsaking sin and the world more and more? Are you really His disciple? If not, perhaps you need to confess it and rededicate your life to serve Him better with His help. Why not do it today?