Baptism

“And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God” (Colossians 2:12)

IN the last words recorded by the apostle Matthew, Jesus tells His followers to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The call to be baptized is something that comes directly from the mouth of Jesus.

We see important symbolism related to baptism in the Bible. Baptism signifies the end of our old life and the beginning of a new way of life in Christ. We identify personally with the death and burial of Christ when we are put under the water and with His resurrection to eternal life when we come up out of the water. (Colossians 2:12).

Maybe most importantly, baptism is a public declaration to the world around us that we belong to Jesus, that we serve Him as the Lord of our lives, and that we are not ashamed to say it publicly. For those who have trouble “going public” with their faith it is a great opportunity to stand up publicly for Him. You r baptism is a public demonstration of your faith in Christ. If you have a chance to share a short testimony as part of your baptism, this is even better. Many time there are non-believing family members and friends at baptisms. As God what words He would have you share. This may be a chance for Him to use you to touch the heart of a person who is living their life apart from God.

Oftentimes new believers delay being baptized. They have a sense that they don’t know enough about being a Christian to be baptized. Every biblical account of baptism we see taking place in the early church happens immediately after the decision to follow Christ. The only thing you must know in order to be baptized is that you have placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ and you are committed to follow HIm. If you are sure of that, then you are ready to be baptized. Your baptism is a chance to let God use you to draw other people closer to Him. Get baptized at your first opportunity.