On Easter Sunday morning, we celebrated three baptisms at our church. Family and friends present to witness this event were overjoyed by their decision to be baptized in Jesus’ Name.
One said to me afterwards, “I wanted to get baptized for years. Now that I have, I feel so different. It’s hard to explain.”
A friend shared something similar. “When I was submersed under the water everything I ever did fell to the bottom. I arose out of water, feeling totally brand new.”
I was raised Roman Catholic and was baptized as a baby by having water sprinkled over me, a custom of that denomination. For many years, I never gave my baptism and how it was done much thought. That all changed in 2010 while attending a non-denominational church that believed in baptism by submersion. How enlightening to discover what the Bible teaches about baptism. I was baptized again on Thanksgiving 2011. My way of giving thanks to God for the gift of salvation and eternal life.
Why Do Christians Get Baptized?
After becoming born again by receiving the gift of salvation and eternal life; Christians are encouraged to be baptized in Jesus’ Name for the forgiveness of sins. It’s also a way for them to glorify God and bring Him honor by publically making a commitment to follow Him.
Baptism enables Christian to have all guilt and shame associated with past sins completely washed away. It’s a symbol of a new life in Christ; to have a right standing with God that enables them to come before Him with a good conscience. How glorious is that?
The Bible gives another reason, found in Acts 2:38
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Through the Holy Spirit, Christians can do great and mighty works in Jesus’ Name. He sent the Holy Spirit to be a Comforter, Helper, Intercessor and Guide.
There’s also the Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. I encourage you to read the Gospel of Luke followed by the Book of Acts. Ask the Lord to open your heart and mind to receive the truth of what’s written in His Word.
I love the description of Jesus’ baptism found in Matthew 3:16 NLT, “After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him”
Jesus chose to be baptized. That was the starting point of His amazing earthly ministry. This reveals to us that Christians need to be baptized too. If you’re a Christian and not baptized yet, I encourage you to give it serious thought. Jesus will be so pleased with your decision, and you will be too!