Raised With Him Through Your Faith in the Working of God
Date: April 4, 2024
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse (NIV): Colossians 2:12 (NIV) "having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead."
L - Listen for God's Voice and Pray: Dear God, as we ponder Colossians 2:12, we're reminded of the significance of our baptism and our spiritual union with Christ. Help us understand the depth of this truth and empower us to live in the reality of our new life in Christ. Amen.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: Colossians is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the believers in Colossae. In Colossians 2, Paul addresses the believers' spiritual identity in Christ and warns them against false teachings. In verse 12, Paul speaks of the believers' identification with Christ through baptism. He explains that through baptism, believers are symbolically buried with Christ and raised to new life. This act signifies their spiritual union with Christ's death and resurrection.
This verse emphasizes the transformative nature of baptism and the believer's participation in Christ's victory over sin and death. It underscores the importance of faith in God's work of salvation and the believer's new identity in Christ.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases: Key words/phrases:
Buried with him in baptism - Symbolizes the believer's identification with Christ's death.
Raised with him through your faith - Indicates the believer's participation in Christ's resurrection through faith.
Working of God - Refers to God's power and activity in salvation.
Raised him from the dead - Highlights the resurrection of Christ as the basis for the believer's new life.
S - Summarize and Share: Colossians 2:12 speaks to the heart of my faith journey and the beautiful symbolism of baptism. It's like Paul is whispering to us, "Baptism isn't just about getting wet; it's a sacred moment where you enter into a deeper connection with Christ's death and resurrection!"
As someone baptized as a baby, I don't have a vivid memory of the moment itself. But at our church, there's a gentle reminder to "remember our baptism" every time someone is baptized. It's a comforting thought, knowing that my baptism signifies more than just a ritual—it's a symbol of my spiritual rebirth and my belonging in the family of God.
Reflecting on Colossians 2:12, I'm reminded of the warmth of God's love surrounding me, even from my earliest days. It's a reminder that God claimed me as His own long before I could comprehend it, and that knowledge brings me great comfort and joy.
My baptism, though done in infancy, represents an ongoing journey of faith for me. It's an invitation to continually live in the reality of my new identity in Christ, embracing His victory over sin and death with each step I take.
May Colossians 2:12 remind us all of the profound significance of our baptism, whether experienced as infants or as adults. Let's cherish the promises made on our behalf or by our own choice, and let's walk confidently in the grace and love of our Savior.
4 Bible Cross References:
Romans 6:4
Galatians 3:27
Ephesians 2:6
1 Peter 3:21