God has designed us for an intimate and personal relationship with Him. Baptism is our confession of faith that we’ve received Him.
To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, John 1:12 NIV.
It is important in your Christian journey to understand and prepare for water baptism. It is a wonderful expression and public confession of your decision to follow Christ. It is a sacred experience meant for every loyal follower of Christ Jesus.
“We believe that as in baptism we have been united with Christ in His death and resurrection, so we have died to sin and should walk in newness of life.” The Moravian Covenant for Christian Living.
The act of baptism is not merely symbolic but a sacrament that connects you, the believer, to God.
What is water baptism?
Baptism is a very public announcement of consecration (set aside for God alone). God purifies you and readies you for worship. It is a serious, sacred exercise of faith. This heart change and commitment to Christ are real. If you’re a disciple, then baptism follows the mandate of the Great Commission.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matt 28:18-20 NIV.
Why should I be baptized?
Don’t wait to be baptized until you “feel” like it. Once you decide to receive Jesus Christ into your life, you can and should arrange your baptism. Simply obey what the Lord has commanded you to do. It is a valuable act of obedience for spiritual maturity. We follow Jesus Christ’s example because He mandates baptism.
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased. Luke 3:21-22 NIV.
The meaning of Baptism?
It’s the heart of the New Covenant in Christ Jesus.
I will give you a new heart and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. Ez 36:27 ESV.
Why Immersion?
Baptism by immersion follows the example of Jesus (Matthew 3:16), and it is biblical (Acts 8:38-39). The Greek word “baptizo” signifies immersing, plunging, or dipping rather than sprinkling.
So, what happens when I’m baptized?
Baptism is a significant event in your Christian life. This is a good opportunity to share your decision to follow Christ with your family and friends. I encourage you to invite them to attend the baptism. Of course, discretion and modesty are important during baptism. You will need a change of clothes and a large bath/beach towel.
What does the pastor do?
The pastor may allow you to share your name and a brief testimony before you are baptized. This adds to the personal touch and meaning of the service. Then the pastor may give you an opportunity to answer the following questions:
Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?*
Do you believe that Jesus died for your sins, rose again, ascended to the Father, and is coming again?
Have you invited Jesus Christ into your life to become your personal Lord and Savior, and are you determined to live for Him from this day forward?
Are you ready now to be baptized in obedience to Christ’s command?
The Pastor will make an oath by saying the following statement before you’re immersed: “on the confession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and by His authority, I baptize you now in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen”
Steps in the process?
The pastor welcomes you into the baptismal waters.
We enter into the waters in obedience to the Lord.
Express your commitment: public confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Acknowledge your belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As we go under, we die to self. When we come up out of the water, we identify with the risen Savior.
After the baptism, you will exit the baptismal waters and be directed to a private place to change into dry clothes.
Now What?
After the baptism, your life changes:
Show the world your changed heart by loving others.
Live in the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit
Demonstrate God’s goodness to others
Communicate with God daily in prayer and engage Scripture
Let the Lord help you walk in spiritual maturity and transformation
“True believers, when troubled by sin, can always remember their baptism, and so be assured of eternal washing in the blood of Christ.” John Calvin
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About Christine Malkemes
Christine is a friend, wife, mother, and Sister Disciple. Her friends call her Chris, but her dearest friends call her Chrissy. After over 21 years in the military, Christine listened to God's call to write, teach, and disciple. Her joy is in sharing the "with-God" life. It's an intimate journey to the heart of God. Walking hand-in-hand as sister disciples will help us live such a life here, now, and today.
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