The River, or Something Like It

We're covering three points made by a fellow player last Thursday night, when we asked him if he believed in Jesus. "I'm saved. I'm baptized," he answered. What is this "baptism" thing about?

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. - Matthew 28:19

Jesus gave this instruction to His disciples before ascending to heaven. And Jesus set an example for them several years earlier....

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.... As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.... - Matthew 3:13, 16

Our Lord was baptized in a river -- even though John indicated in verse 14 Jesus didn't need it. Why would John say that? Because something else goes hand-in-hand with baptism:

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." - Acts 2:38

The Bible indicates repentance is part of the process -- meaning a turn away from sin to a sin-free walk. (This is way the words turn and river in poker have always struck us as fascinating.)

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. - Romans 6:4

That "new life" isn't always easy -- especially if you're used to a life revolving around poker, with temptations from tobacco and alcohol to heavy gambling. That's why you need the third part of our friend's answer. We'll get to that next.