Baptism

“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name.” Acts 22:16

Bring all your sins to the cross,
Be baptized by His Word.
No longer bound to worldliness,
Rejoice! Let your voice be heard!

Bury all your sins with Christ,
Let the water wash them away.
Feel His cleansing wash over you,
You're born anew this day!

You'll feel His love upon you
When you arise with Him;
Rejoice and go tell all the world!
Never let your light go dim.

Our church recently celebrated baptism Sunday. We had over 20 people publicly profess their faith. Some had planned ahead to do so, but others felt the calling during the service. It was such a beautiful testimony to see these souls announcing to the world their love for Christ.

Baptism is important because it draws us closer to the Lord. He asks us to love Him with all that we are. (Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5) By getting baptized, we’re telling others that we are “all in.” Although being baptized is a symbol of burying our sins with Christ and rising redeemed, it doesn’t magically make us sinless. But it does helps us to stay accountable, because we now have witnesses who will help us stay the course. Baptism connects us with other believers.

Baptism is also important as a testimony to non-believers. When they see us living out our faith, it may be a catalyst for them to inquire about it. (But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15) People notice when our actions line up with our faith. It’s easy to preach it, but it’s quite another to live by those words. When your faith is authentic, it can draw others to God.

I remember my baptism as an adult. Although I was baptized as an infant, I felt God calling me to own my faith by getting baptized. It took me awhile to finally answer that call. During prayer vigil at camp one summer, I read Acts 22:16. It felt like God was giving me that final push to follow through. (And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name. Acts 22:16) I’d seen numerous baptisms there over the years, and it always brought tears to my eyes. Now it was my turn, with several other camp friends, to express my faith in God through baptism. Oh what joy I felt coming out of the water! I felt revived! I felt His love!

So, if you are a believer but have not been baptized, what are you waiting for? Take that step into the water. You’ll never regret it.

Dear Jesus, thank you for showing us the importance of baptism by getting baptized yourself. May our own baptism be another step in our walk with You as we live out our faith. Amen