Baptism is a visible sign that depicts our separation from the world, our death with Christ, the burial of our old man, the death of the old creation.

침례(세례)는 세상과의 분리, 주님과의 죽음, 우리 옛사람의 장사지냄, 옛창조의 죽음을 가시적으로 보여준다.

Constantine waited until he was on his deathbed to be baptized. 콘스탄틴 황제는 죽기 직전까지 기다렸다가 침례를 받았다. 왜냐하면 당시는 오직 침례만이 죄를 용서한다고 믿었기 때문이다. 즉 침례를 받은 후에는 더 이상 용서 받을 수 없었기 때문에, 서기 4세기까지는 침례를 가능한 늦게 받기 위해 연기하는 것이 흔했다.

Baptism accompanied the acceptance of the gospel. For example, when Lydia heard Paul preach the gospel, she believed and was immediately baptized with her household(Acts 16:14~15). When Paul led the Philippian jailor and his household to the Lord, they were immediately baptized (Acts 16:30~33). This was the New Testament pattern (see also Acts 2:41; 8:12, 35`37). Baptism marked a complete break with the past and a full entrance into Christ and His church.

So when did baptism get separated from receiving Christ? It began in the early second century. Certain influential Christians taught that baptism must be preceded by a period of instruction, prayer, and fasting. This trend grew worse in the third century when young converts had to wait three years before they could be baptized!

- Pagan Christianity

Christ Did Not Send Me to Baptize - John Piper

Thoughts on Baptism - John Piper

A Celebration of Baptism - John Piper

Baptism & Church Membership - John Piper