Baptism, a word that dates back to at least Homer’s Odyssey, really is a concept of “sinking.” When a Greek ship sank, they said the ship had been “baptized.” Those on board the “baptized” ship either perished or were rescued. They either died, or had a second chance on life. Interestingly, we see this same concept of death or rescue in the many baptisms recorded in scripture.
Noah — he and his family were rescued; they survived the Flood. However, those not on board the Ark perished — all of creation was destroyed.
Moses — he was rescued as a baby by Pharaoh’s daughter while floating in an “ark” on the Nile. Also, he and the Israelites were rescued when they crossed the Red Sea on dry land. The Egyptians, however, were drowned when they followed the Israelites into the Sea.
Naaman — he was given a second chance on life when he dipped (“sank”) himself into the Jordan River. If Naaman had not obeyed the prophet’s command, he would have died of his leperosy.
Jonah — he was rescued from the belly of the great fish and given a second chance on life. Jonah prophesied destruction on Nineveh, but Nineveh repented and was saved from the destruction.
Jesus — He had two baptisms, just like Moses! First, He was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. His greater baptism was His death, burial, and resurrection. It’s this baptism that gives us a second chance on life and saves us from death.
In Acts 1:5, Jesus tells the apostles that they will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. As Jews living in a Greco-Roman world, and with several of them coming from a background in the fishing industry, they understood the concept of “baptism.” They realized that Jesus was telling them the Holy Spirit would give them a second chance on life — He would save them from death. More than this, they would receive the power to go out as witnesses to the entire world (Acts 1:8), baptizing the nations (Matt. 28). The disciples understood what we must: everyone will be baptized. Remember, everyone on board a “baptized” (sinking) ship is in peril. Some perish and others are rescued. The hope of the gospel is that we do not have to perish; we can be rescued! Praise God for the Holy Spirit and for His salvation! Let’s take up the call to share the Good News in the power of the Spirit so others can be rescued, too!
Habakkuk Ministries 