216. Simeon Costa – Washed in the Water

In this episode, I sat down once again with Simeon Costa for a conversation that I believe is both timely and foundational. We focused on a subject that is often minimised or misunderstood – baptism.

What struck me throughout this conversation was how consistently Scripture presents baptism not as a symbol to be appreciated later, but as an obedient response to faith that happens now. As Simeon walked us through Acts, the Epistles, and the Old Testament, it became clear that baptism is woven into the story of redemption from Genesis to Revelation. It is not a human work, but a God-ordained response enabled by grace.

This episode isn’t about winning arguments or elevating tradition. It’s about letting the Bible speak plainly. When the apostles preached the gospel, baptism was never an optional add-on, it was commanded and connected to repentance, remission of sins, and new life in Christ.

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10 Key Takeaways

1. Baptism was never optional in the early church
   In the Book of Acts, belief and baptism are always connected. When people asked, “What do we do?” the answer was immediate: repent and be baptised.
2. Baptism is not a work—it’s a response
   Scripture distinguishes between works of the law and obedience of faith. Baptism belongs in the second category.
3. The apostles treated baptism with urgency
   From Acts 2 to Acts 22, baptism wasn’t delayed, scheduled, or softened—it was commanded.
4. The Bible links baptism to the washing away of sins
   Acts 22:16 and Acts 2:38 explicitly connect baptism with remission and cleansing, not mere symbolism.
5. Calling on the name of Jesus is consistently tied to baptism
   Throughout Acts, the name of Jesus is invoked at baptism as an appeal for salvation and authority.
6. Old Testament patterns prepare us for baptism
   Noah and the flood, Israel through the Red Sea, circumcision, and the tabernacle all point toward cleansing, covenant, and new life.
7. Baptism marks entrance into covenant
   Just as circumcision was the sign of the Old Covenant, baptism is the sign of the New.
8. Romans 6 presents baptism as participation in Christ’s death and resurrection
   Being “buried with Him” is not just metaphorical language—it’s baptismal language.
9. New life begins where obedience meets faith
   Scripture presents baptism as the transition point between bondage and freedom, not the finish line.
10. This is about alignment, not superiority
    The goal isn’t theological snobbery—it’s obedience to what Jesus and the apostles clearly taught.

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Scripture References Mentioned or Alluded To

Baptism & Remission of Sins

These passages directly connect baptism with forgiveness, cleansing, and salvation.

• Acts 2:38–41 – Repentance, baptism, remission of sins, and receiving the Holy Spirit
• Acts 22:16 – “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins”
• Acts 8:36–38 – Immediate baptism following belief
• Acts 10:47–48 – Baptism commanded, not optional
• Acts 19:1–5 – Re-baptism in the name of Jesus

Baptism as Identification with Christ

These scriptures show baptism as participation in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

• Romans 6:1–7 – Buried with Christ in baptism, raised to new life
• Colossians 2:11–13 – Circumcision of Christ fulfilled through baptism
• Galatians 3:26–27 – “As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ”

Calling on the Name of Jesus

These passages highlight the connection between baptism, salvation, and the authority of Jesus’ name.

• Acts 2:38 – Baptized in the name of Jesus Christ
• Acts 4:12 – Salvation found in no other name
• Acts 22:16 – Calling on the name of the Lord in baptism
• Romans 10:9–13 – Calling on the name of the Lord unto salvation

Old Testament Types & Shadows of Baptism

These scriptures show how baptism is foreshadowed throughout redemptive history.

• Genesis 6–8 – Noah, the flood, and salvation through water
• 1 Peter 3:18–21 – Noah’s flood as a type of baptism that now saves
• Exodus 14 – Israel passing through the Red Sea
• 1 Corinthians 10:1–2 – Israel “baptized unto Moses” in the sea and the cloud
• Genesis 17 – Circumcision as the sign of covenant
• Genesis 3:15–21 – Covering, sacrifice, and clothing after the Fall

New Birth: Water and Spirit

These passages frame baptism within the broader new birth experience.

• John 3:3–8 – Born of water and Spirit
• Romans 6:4 – Walking in newness of life
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – New creation in Christ

Obedience, Faith, and Grace

These scriptures clarify the difference between works of the law and obedience that flows from faith.

• James 2:14–26 – Faith made complete by works
• Ephesians 2:8–10 – Saved by grace, created for good works
• Matthew 28:19 – Baptism included in the Great Commission

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Final Thought

Baptism is not about earning salvation, it’s about responding to the command of Jesus. When Scripture is allowed to speak without filters, baptism emerges not as an afterthought, but as a moment of transformation, obedience, and new life. If the Bible is clear, the response should be simple: get washed in the water.

If this episode stirred questions or conviction, I encourage you to return to Scripture and let it shape your response. That’s always where clarity begins.

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