baptism into Christ
Definition
Baptism into Christ (also: baptism into Christ Jesus) is the third and completing baptism in Noordzij’s soteriological schema. It is the transformative process toward spiritual maturity and God’s sonship, in which mortification of the “old self” and resurrection to “new life” are central (Rom. 6:3–5). This baptism surpasses both the symbolic water baptism and the cleansing work of spirit baptism: it is complete identification with Christ’s death and resurrection — mystical union with him.
Usage in the Corpus
Cees Noordzij
Noordzij describes baptism into Christ as the eschatological goal of the soteriological process:
Baptism into Christ Jesus takes place through the Holy Spirit — a transformative process toward spiritual maturity and God’s sonship, bringing mortification of the “old self” and resurrection to “new life” (Romans 6:3–5).
This third stage accomplishes the ultimate goal: complete identification with Christ’s death and resurrection makes the believer participant in his life. The three baptisms together form an indivisible unity:
This threefold baptism forms a foundation for growth toward spiritual maturity and God’s sonship (Hebrews 6:1–2; Ephesians 4:15).
Water baptism makes the heart receptive, spirit baptism accomplishes the inward transformation, and baptism into Christ completes the formation of Christ within. Each stage is indispensable to the others. [Noordzij, What Is Baptism?, b10]