Baptism: It's about your identity

2 Corinthians 5:17–21 ESV

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Jesus was immersed into our humanity, sin, and penalty for sin so that we might be immersed in His deity, righteousness, and reward for righteousness.

Notice how it says “he MADE Him sin” and not “he GAVE Him sin”. Notice that it says “so that we might BECOME the righteousness of God” and not “so that we might GAIN the righteousness of God”.

Illustration with sponge and water.

Grow Group Discussion

STUDENT READS: 2 Corinthian 5:17-21

Our emphasis will be on 5:21 and how Jesus became sin so we might become the righteousness of God.

Highlight the fact that both “sin” and “righteousness” are nouns and not verbs here. Sin and righteousness are more than just things that can be done.

Someone ask Siri to define the word “identity”.

What is a fact?

What are some things that people use to define their personal identity

Why is identity so controversial now?

Why do you think people are so obsessed with their identity?

Do people ever find true peace and acceptance by embracing an identity of their making?

Who has the final authority over a persons identity? Why is this good news?