Many people who proclaim faith in Christ say that they were baptised as babies, when water was sprinked on them.
However, although this ritual is practiced by many churches it is not scriptural and instead I would encourage new believers to experience full-immersion water baptism.
Why? I hear you ask...
A central reason why we practice adult full-immersion is as a sign of commitment and devotion to our faith, is because we are following the example Christ gave us in the scriptures. In Matthew 3:13-17 GNT, we witness Christ's baptism.
"The Baptism of Jesus
13 At that time Jesus arrived from Galilee and came to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to make him change his mind. “I ought to be baptized by you,” John said, “and yet you have come to me!”
15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so for now. For in this way we shall do all that God requires.” So John agreed.
16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he came up out of the water. Then heaven was opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and lighting on him. 17 Then a voice said from heaven, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased.”
It is hard to fully explain the importance and the significance of adult full-immersion baptism in words, baptism is a physical act which is attempting to demonstrate a change of spiritual state and a symbol of devotion and commitment to Jesus Christ as his disciples. Firstly as already noted, Jesus was baptised although he was without sin as a symbol to us, we follow his footsteps as noted previously to show our commitment to Christ and demonstrate to the world that we are on a new path. Secondly water baptism represents the death of the "old man" or old life before we met Christ and our new life in Christ as his believers, some refer to baptism as a watery grave. This is symbolic of the death of our old lifestyle before we became believers in Jesus and the birth of our new life style in Jesus as his followers.
Although baptism does not save us it a symbol of a new life or a new beginning as followers of Jesus Christ. For a clearer understanding we could compare baptism to marriage. When a couple get engaged they know they love each other and want to spend the rest of their lives together, as Christians our equivalent is the prayer of repentance. Just like the engaged, they declare their love and commitment to each other through their wedding ceremony or marriage; we do the same with baptism. We are saved when we pray the prayer of repentance, however baptism publically declares to all, our decision to become followers of Jesus Christ.
Baptism should be the second step on your path as a Christain and it is an important and necessary step of faith.
Other scriptures which refer to the importance of baptism in the life of a Christian's life are:
Romans 6:4Good News Translation (GNT)
"4 By our baptism, then, we were buried with him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of the Father, so also we might live a new life."
So start with the step of baptism, it will mark the beginning of your most amazing journey and new life in Christ.
In Jesus Names, I wish you God's blessing
Sista Cheli
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