Born again
Is Baptism Important and Why?
The photo above is of my own baptism which took place on July 28, 2018. It was the day of my death and yet just the beginning of my lifelong journey with Jesus.
That commitment was the easiest but the most difficult step one could ever take, which should never be made in haste or without fully understanding its true meaning. We will explore the meaning of baptism and why it is an important aspect of our walk with Jesus. We shall also explore the common form of baptism that is practiced today and which form is the preferred method by not just the church but by Jesus Himself.
Baptism By Sprinkling
This method of baptism (also referred to as affusion) appeared between the 12th and 14th centuries. Lutherans, Angelicins, Presbyterians, and Congregationalists practice this method. Babies are sprinkled not long after birth. This began as a way to protect the young soul in case of crib death, which was common.
How Old Should You Be To Get Baptized?
We are to be baptized when we are old enough to recognize right from wrong, have established a relationship with Jesus, and wish to give our life to Him and His ministry.
Question: Has a baby had the opportunity to sin? Does a baby know right from wrong? Can a baby make a conscious decision to follow Christ?
A baby may be dedicated to the Lord, but it must be his/her personal decision to serve the Lord. God’s greatest gift to mankind besides life has been free will. Even though that free will did bring about the fall, God still continues to allow free will, not forcing anyone to love or serve Him.
Will I Be Lost If I’m Not Baptized?
There are instances when baptism cannot be performed, but this does not mean the person will be lost. watch the following video by Pastor Doug Batchelor:
When we consider the thief on the cross next to Jesus we see a prime example of this in Luke 23: 42,43
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee To day, shalt thou be with me in paradise.
One can be saved by confessing and repenting (turning away) from sin on their very death bed, yet this is not recommended. You may find yourself in the first resurrection but you will have a very low rank among the rest. Even so, being saved is far better than suffering the second death, which will be forever.
If given this choice, I would be grateful for a tiny corner to call my own in God’s great kingdom!
Jesus Was Baptized As An Example
John 3:13-15
Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.
Jesus did not need to be reborn. He did this in order to show us how to be. We are laid beneath the waters to signify death, to emerge clean, washed, and made new by the living waters. It was a wonderful feeling to come up out of the water in the newness of life! Your walk with our savior begins at that moment when you proclaim your willingness to die for him in a public setting. It is a very personal decision and an important choice that only you can make.
How Do I Know I Am Ready For Baptism?
If you have been spending time in daily prayer, studying God’s word, and knowing and believing that Jesus was born of a virgin, was crucified on the cross for all sins of the world, and resurrected on the third day, then you are well on your way.
If you are ready to confess to God, repent of all sins, and begin a new life in Christ then you are probably ready for baptism. Having a deep love for our savior and wanting to proclaim that love is a natural reaction to the Holy Spirit working in your life.
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38 KJV)
The bible is pretty clear on this subject. It is preferred that all are to be baptized. Who wouldn’t want to be?
We recently added a new brother to the family in our church and what a wonderful day! Heaven rejoices when there is a new baptism.
