Last Sunday morning, following services, Amy told me a little something that made me laugh.  She informed me that when Pauline was baptized, Delevan immediately said, “We saw her get drowned.” 

     There is something very interesting in that simple statement - something I want you to think about.  If Jesus hadn’t come forth from the tomb, the significance of baptism would end with a person drowning.  I know that sounds odd, but please consider what Paul

wrote in Romans 6:  “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (vs 3-4).  To many, the idea of being baptized seems odd.  Why be dipped in water?  Well, Paul explains by giving the representation of baptism.  Let’s paraphrase what he wrote:  Just as Jesus died upon the cross, we are to become dead to sin;  Just as Jesus was buried in the tomb, we are to be buried in the waters of baptism;  Just as Jesus rose to live again, we are to rise from the waters of baptism to live a new life.  But, if Jesus hadn’t come forth from the tomb, any representation would end with a burial in water - a drowning. 

     Let’s be careful not to under-emphasize the importance of Jesus’ resurrection.  In 1 Corinthians 15:1, Paul stated, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel...”  In verses 3 and 4 he states, “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”  Notice, Paul was sure to include the resurrection.  In 1 Peter 3:21, Peter wrote “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”  Notice, baptism is rendered effective by the resurrection of Jesus. 

     Isn’t it wonderful to serve a risen Savior!  Had Jesus remained in the tomb, the meaning of baptism would be incomplete and we would be “most miserable” (1 Cor 15:19).  Yet, we can confidently sing, “He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today.”