My baptism
Before I became a Christian I mistakenly thought that baptism was just another name for a christening. I have recently experienced being baptised as a believer and now realise just how special it is, a day that remains with you for the rest of your life.
Unbelievers think that being baptised means just saying a few words and getting ‘dunked’ in a pool! But they miss out on its true spiritual meaning.
What it means
Jesus commanded, ‘Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’ (Matthew 28:19). As Christians we should want to be baptised because it is an act of obedience to Christ, who says, ‘If you love me you will obey what I have commanded’ (John 14:15).
Baptism pictures that you die with Christ to your sins and rise again in Jesus’ righteousness – ‘buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead'(Colossians 2:12). It is your testimony to faith in Christ.
It can be an evangelistic opportunity. When I was baptised a lot of my unbelieving family were there and heard my testimony and the pastor preaching the Word of God. That is really important, because people’s hearts are opened by God through his Word.
Finally, it provides entry to church membership. As a newly baptised Christian I was accepted into my church as a member – which means I can now take the Lord’s Supper. I try to be committed to my church and to faithfully attend the meetings – to live for Christ ‘who loved me and gave himself for me’ (Galatians 2:20).
