“And in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:11-12)

Baptism has replaced circumcision as the sign of belonging to God’s covenant people. In the Old Testament, circumcision marked you as part of Israel. In the New Testament, baptism marks you as part of the body of Christ. It’s an external sign of an internal reality. The circumcision of the heart that happens when the Holy Spirit regenerates us. This isn’t about earning salvation; it’s about obediently responding to what God has already done in saving us.

Here’s the challenge: obedience often requires us to step out of our comfort zones. Maybe you’re hesitant about baptism because of family expectations, fear of embarrassment, or uncertainty about what others will think. But remember, in some partsof the world, baptism costs people everything: their families disown them, they lose their inheritance, they face persecution or even death. Yet they still obey because they love Jesus more than comfort or approval. You may not face that level of opposition, but the principle remains: obedience to Christ matters more than our fears. If you know Jesus and haven’t been baptized, today is the day to stop waiting. If you were baptized as an infant and now understand that baptism should follow personal faith in Christ, don’t let loyalty to tradition keep you from obedience to Scripture. Jesus gave us this command because it matters.

Reflect:

• What fears or concerns have kept you from being baptized or from fully embracing what your baptism means?
• How can you prioritize obedience to Christ over comfort, tradition, or the approval of others in this area of your life?
• Ask God for the courage to obey Him fully, even when it’s uncomfortable or countercultural. Pray for wisdom to understand baptism from Scripture and strength to take the next step He’s calling you to take.