What Baptism is NOT.
Baptism is not an outward sign of an inward change.
It is an actual working of the Holy Spirit — giving us faith, raising us to life, regenerating us, and making us new. (See Acts 2:38-39.)
It is more than a sign.
Another baptism myth goes like this: Once you’re baptized, you can do whatever you want for the rest of your life and still go to heaven.
AKA, “Once Saved, Always Saved.”
But here’s the plot twist: The gift of baptism is an amazing gift from God, but just like any gift, it can be rejected.
It’s not a “get out of jail free” card for life.You can’t just YOLO your way through everything after.
And rejecting baptism means rejecting Jesus.
So, what is Baptism?
In baptism . . .
We are connected to everything that happened on the cross on Good Friday.
We are connected to the joy of Easter Sunday, knowing that our sins are forgiven.
God gives you faith and implants new life.
God gives you salvation and the forgiveness of all of your sins.

Contributor Randy Sturzenbecher is Pastor at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Blackhawk, SD, and serves as President of the Higher Things Board of Directors.

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