Water baptism is a powerful symbol of Christian conversion. We belong to Christ and identify with him in his death and resurrection. Yet in itself, does not guarantee conversion has taken place. For conversion is a spiritual change which occurs in a person when they place personal faith in Jesus Christ.

Understanding the dynamic of our conversion experience is a valuable stimulus to living a positive Christian life. The Apostle Paul was quite definite when he said that he wasn’t sent to baptise people but to preach the Gospel which he claimed had a dynamic that was available for anyone that believed.

Reflect for a moment on the simple formula Jesus gave for Christian conversion. He said, that if we accept his word and believe, we have passed from death to life and shall never die. Our faith in Jesus releases the Gospel dynamic!

In the early Church believers were described as men and women that were ‘IN CHRIST’. Yes, they were Christian converts added to the church, but essentially, they were now… IN CHRIST! That moment we received Christ into our lives a dynamic change occurred. Our human spirit was united to the Lord Jesus. This is the POWER of God’s Gospel which gives us righteousness and salvation.

I’m reminded of those science lectures where the teacher would demonstrate chemical changes. It was visually dramatic as the contents of one test tube was mixed with another. Colours would change; reactions would occur. When we put faith in Jesus… receiving him into our lives, a spiritual reaction takes place

How reassuring is this, to know that we were and still are… IN CHRIST. At that moment we believed a spiritual union occurred between us and the Lord Jesus. Sure, we can explain it theologically, but the dynamic is a reality that has taken place. We were and still are spiritually joined to Jesus our Lord and Saviour.

Ref. John 5:14, Romans 1:16, 8:1. NIV.