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Water baptism symbolizes the believer’s total trust in and total reliance on the Lord Jesus Christ, as well as a commitment to live obediently to Him. It also expresses unity with all the saints (Ephesians 2:19), that is, with every person in every nation on earth who is a member of the Body of Christ (Galatians 3:27–28). Water baptism conveys this and more, but it is not what saves us. Instead, we are saved by grace through faith, apart from works (Ephesians 2:8–9). We are baptized because our Lord commanded it: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).
How did Daniel find this balance in Babylon?
It all starts with a foundational belief in the sovereignty of God. Daniel believed that God was in control of who was in control. No matter what it looked like in the moment…Daniel was convinced that God would take current leaders and current situations and ultimately use them for His ultimate purposes. Daniel shared the same perspective as the apostle Paul who wrote in the book of Romans:
Romans 8:28 NLT
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
“Everything” …means “all things”. Every possible “thing” …whatever it is…will ultimately be used to glorify God. Daniel knew this and when you believe God is behind everything…it changes everything.
This foundational belief in the sovereignty of God birthed an eternal hope in Daniel. Eternal hope enables you to view life from a perspective greater than your current circumstances. When you have a hope that transcends the moment, it gives you courage to face the moment. It gives you courage to stand with conviction in the moment. This kind of hope even births in you the courage to love those who oppose you.
