The False Sigh of Relief

How do you feel after someone is baptized? Of course, there is great joy. When someone who was lost contacts the blood of Christ, their sins are remitted. One who was previously outside the body has been added by the Lord to His church. There may also be a feeling of accomplishment. Not that we deserve any credit or honor, but as faithful facilitators we have shown someone the truth of God’s word. The type of exhaustion associated with the completion of many study sessions is best summarized as “good tired.” However, another feeling often creeps up in the minds and hearts of Christians when someone is baptized. It is a false sigh of relief. A misleading notion that wants to say, “Yes! They’ve been baptized. They’re done now.”

We must guard against this type of thinking because it is foreign to the New Testament. One who makes a commitment to Christ in obeying the gospel is not done once they come up out of the water. They are not merely waiting for death, hoping to keep their moral purity until the end. In fact, they have signed up for kingdom work and should begin active service as soon as possible. The obligations (and continued training) of the new Christian cannot be ignored.

Matthew 28:19-20

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.

The Great Commission includes a three-part formula: go, baptize, and teach. Notice that the baptized believer has a need for further instruction. Notice also how they are to be taught to observe “all things” which the first believers were commanded. This must include the same message of go, baptize, and teach. A new Christian is ready and required to become active in evangelism.

2 Corinthians 5:18

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

Paul’s description of Christians as “the reconciled” also speaks to this true principle. The church has been given a role and position to serve in—the ministry of reconciliation. Each one of us, as Christian ambassadors, are meant to be busy in sounding out the word of reconciliation, the word of the truth of the gospel.

2 Timothy 2:2

And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Paul’s writing to Timothy shows this God-approved model once again. The same message is continually passed down through the ages by new messengers. Timothy was trained by Paul, not just to be obedient to the truth, but to declare it! Those who have received the teaching of Christ go forth and teach others also.

Getting people into the water is one thing. Preparing new Christians to truly seek and save the lost involves more than that! Let’s not think a believer in Christ has finished their work at the point of baptism.