En-Joy Ministries Bible Study Teaching and Blog Post

In a world that celebrates self—self-discovery, self-expression, self-fulfillment—water baptism stands as a radical act of surrender. It’s a declaration that our lives are not our own but belong to Jesus, the One who bought us with His precious blood. At En-Joy Ministries, we see water baptism as more than a ritual; it’s a sacred symbol of dying to our old selves, uniting with Christ, and stepping into our identity as His flesh and bone in the earth. Tonight, as we gather for our Bible study, let’s explore the profound meaning of water baptism through the story of Lydia in Acts 16, Paul’s teachings in Romans 6, and the transformative truth of our union with Christ, reflecting on what it means to be joint heirs, like Him, and part of God’s family.

An Outward Symbol of an Inward Change

Picture Philippi, a bustling Roman colony filled with Gentiles, merchants, and a vibrant marketplace. Among them is Lydia, a successful businesswoman gathered with other women by a riverbank. The apostle Paul arrives, sharing the good news of Jesus. As Lydia listens, the Lord opens her heart, and she believes—a divine moment of conversion (Acts 16:11–14). This is where her journey with Christ begins, but it doesn’t stop there. Immediately after her salvation, Lydia chooses water baptism (Acts 16:15), an act of obedience that mirrors a consistent New Testament pattern: salvation first, then baptism.

Water baptism is not a requirement for salvation; it’s a response to the gift of grace, an outward expression of an inward transformation. Lydia’s prompt obedience reflects her surrender to God’s call, following the example of Jesus, who was baptized to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:13–17) and commanded believers to do the same (Matthew 28:19–20). In her day, baptism often involved stepping into the water alone, guided by a baptizer, as depicted in early Christian art from just over a century after the New Testament. Today, we may be lowered into the water by another, but the heart remains the same: baptism is a public declaration of faith, uniting us with Christ and His people.

United with Christ: A New Creation

Water baptism is a powerful symbol of our union with Christ, as Paul explains in Romans 6:3–8. When we go under the water, we identify with Jesus’ death and burial, dying to the old self ruled by sin and selfishness. When we rise, we identify with His resurrection, stepping into new life. This union is not just symbolic—it’s a spiritual reality. As Paul writes, “he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him” (1 Corinthians 6:17, NKJV). In Christ, we are new creations: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV).

This union means we are “like Himself,” as 1 John 4:17 declares: “as Jesus is, so also are we in this world.” Everything God the Father desired for us, He placed in Christ, and through His death, burial, and resurrection, He drew us into union with Him (John 12:31–33). The old self—corrupted by deceitful desires—is gone, crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). In its place, God has created a new man, fashioned after the pattern of Jesus, the firstborn among many brothers and sisters (Romans 8:29). We are righteous, holy, and sanctified, made to be God’s dwelling place, His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 2:22).

Flesh and Bone of Christ: Joint Heirs in God’s Family

Our union with Christ transforms not only our identity but also our purpose. As Paul writes, “we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones” (Ephesians 5:30, NKJV). We are the physical expression of Christ in the earth, His hands and feet, revealing His love, hope, and power to the world. This is no small calling. Just as Jesus revealed the Father through His life and ministry, God now reveals His Son through us, His church, to proclaim the good news of salvation (Galatians 1:15–16). We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10), embodying His character and continuing His mission.

As joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), we share in His inheritance—freedom from guilt, sin’s power, and the fear of death, along with the privilege to approach God as His children, live out His purposes, and one day dwell with Him in heaven. This union also binds us to one another as part of God’s family. Lydia’s baptism marked her entry into the community of believers, and ours does the same. We are not isolated branches but part of the Vine, interconnected and called to love and serve one another (John 15:5). Our unity with Christ creates unity with His people, reflecting His heart to a watching world.

Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New

Living as Christ’s flesh and bone requires us to reject the old self and embrace the new. Ephesians 4:22–24 urges us to “put off… the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and… put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (NKJV). The old self, like Lot’s wife who looked back longingly at Sodom (Luke 17:32), clings to the world’s ways—pride, lust, rebellion. Romans 1:18–32 paints a sobering picture of those who suppress God’s truth, exchanging His glory for corruption and receiving a reprobate mind. As believers, we are called to a different path: to renew our minds through God’s Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit’s transforming power (Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8).

This renewal is practical. It involves taking every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), meditating on Scripture, cultivating an attitude of gratitude, and praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). By living in God’s presence, we allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify us, aligning our thoughts and actions with the new man created in Christ’s likeness. As Jesus said, “I am the Vine; you are the branches… apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NKJV). Our strength comes from abiding in Him, trusting that “greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4, NKJV).

A Call to Live Out Our Union

Water baptism is the beginning of a lifelong journey of dying to self and rising in Christ. It’s a reminder that we are not our own; we were bought at a price—the blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). As His flesh and bone, we carry His presence, empowered to do the works He did and even greater works through the Holy Spirit (John 14:12). As joint heirs, we share His mission to spread the gospel, love others, and live in holiness. As part of His family, we stand together, united in purpose and love.

Reflect on Lydia’s story: her heart was opened, she believed, and she obeyed without hesitation. Let her example inspire us to embrace our union with Christ fully. If you’ve never been baptized, consider this step as a public declaration of your faith. If you have, let baptism remind you of who you are: a new creation, like Jesus, filled with the fullness of God (Colossians 2:9–10), and called to reveal Him to the world.

At En-Joy Ministries, we celebrate every story of transformation. Share your journey with us—whether it’s your baptism story or how God is renewing your mind today. Together, let’s live as Christ’s body, joint heirs in His kingdom, and a family united by His love.

For those joining us online, visit en-joyministries.org to learn more about water baptism or connect with our community. If you’re ready to take this step, reach out—we’d love to walk with you!