The Unbaptized Christian
Wednesday in chapel, Sissy continued our series on the three groups of American Christians. Two weeks ago, we discussed the "Almost Christian." This week, we focused on the Unbaptized Christian.
An unbaptized Christian is someone who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior but has not yet taken the next step of obedience through baptism.
One important truth we learned is that baptism does not save us. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. A powerful example is the thief on the cross in Luke 23:40-43. While hanging beside Jesus, he admitted his guilt, recognized Jesus' innocence, and asked Jesus to remember him. Jesus responded, "Today you will be with Me in Paradise." The thief was saved, even though he was never baptized.
While baptism does not save us, it is still an important step for every believer. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It is a public declaration that we belong to Jesus and have chosen to follow Him.
What Is Baptism?
Baptism is a physical picture of our spiritual union with Christ. It symbolizes:
Romans 6:4 teaches that just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too can walk in a new life.
When we are baptized, we are identifying with Jesus and declaring that our old life is gone and that we have been made new in Him.
Why Should We Be Baptized?
Scripture presents baptism as an expectation for followers of Christ. Jesus Himself was baptized, and before returning to heaven He commanded His followers:
"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 28:19-20)
Baptism is not about earning God's love or becoming worthy. It is an act of obedience that demonstrates our faith and commitment to Christ.
Let Your Light Shine
We also looked at Matthew 5:14-16, where Jesus calls His followers the "light of the world."
A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Likewise, a lamp is not lit and then covered with a bowl. Instead, it is placed on a stand so it can bring light to everyone in the house.
Jesus teaches us that our faith should not be hidden. Baptism is one way believers publicly show that they belong to Christ. As we follow Him, our lives should point others to God's goodness and bring Him glory
Walking with Jesus Daily
When we spend time with the Lord, we learn to recognize His voice and follow His leading. If we are constantly listening to the world, we can drift toward becoming "almost Christians" rather than fully committed followers of Christ.
Walking with Jesus means keeping our lives anchored in Him. With one foot firmly planted in God's truth, we can pivot and follow wherever He leads. We are called to stand with Christ rather than conform to the culture around us.
A Picture of Unity
An illustration shared during chapel compared baptism to a unity candle often used in wedding ceremonies. Two candles are used to light one central candle, symbolizing unity. In a similar way, baptism symbolizes our union with Christ. It is a visible picture of the relationship we have with Him.
Chapel Challenge
Adults are called to model faith well and intentionally disciple the next generation. Children should remember that salvation and baptism are not the finish line; they are just the beginning of a lifelong walk with Jesus.
God created us for relationship with Him:
Most importantly, our faith should never be "Jesus plus something else." It is Jesus alone.
Some people delay baptism because they don't feel worthy or because they worry about what others might think. This week's message reminded us that the focus should not be on ourselves or others.
GOD IS WORTHY!
Dinner and Discipleship (Family Chapel Chat Around the Dinner Table)