Today we wanted to talk about baptism. Christians talk about baptism a lot, but do we really understand what it means and why it is important?
WHAT IS BAPTISM
Baptism is a way for you to be cleansed from sin and welcomed into the Body of Christ (church). It is a way for a Christian to declare his or her faith in God and their willingness to put sin behind them to start a new life following the example of Jesus Christ.
SO WHY DO WE DO IT?
In the simplest terms, because Jesus told us we need to. In Matthew 28 he commands the people to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit." Disciples of Christ were told that they are responsible for spreading Jesus' words.
OKAY...SO WHY DOES IT MATTER?
These are some of our favorite Bible verses explaining why baptism matters:
And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name. | Acts 22:16
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ. | Galatians 3:27
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. | Mark 16:16
When you are baptized, you are declaring that you will live your life in the same manner as Jesus Christ. You become his disciple and representative on earth. That is a huge responsibility, and one that should not be taken lightly. With this commitment you are promising to live out the remainder of your life as perfectly as you possibly can. Baptism is a decision that should be taken with sincere prayers to God. When it is the right time for you to be baptized, God will confirm it to you. Have you been baptized? What blessings have you seen in your life because of your baptism?