It's like with wedding rings. The ring does not make you married, but it symbolizes an important commitment made in the heart and ought to be lived out.
You dare make your love known and likewise the love that you receive.
There is a commitment SO special that the God of the universe, Jesus, commands we publicly declare it: the commitment to believe in Him as our God and, therefore, the One who we'll follow.
Previously, I thought that baptism is no more than something religious parents do to their infants. But God clearly consistently shows through historical accounts in the books of the Bible that baptism is something a person chooses to do out of obedience to Jesus.
Hence, baptism is not something an infant has the capacity to do for there has to be clear understanding when it comes to the purpose of the action. Rather, for such a precious infant, dedication can instead be done by the parents as long as they do not see it as a way for their child to attain salvation and enter Heaven later on.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. | John 14:6
In His Word, God makes it very clear that baptism is not the way to Heaven but the result of saving faith anchored in Jesus.
And about this, let's dive deeper!
THE BASIS OF BAPTISM
Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him." | Acts 8:35-38
One of the things I deeply appreciate about God's Word in the Bible is that it informs us of how things ought to be and does not leave things vague for us. Here we see how Philip, a known follower of Jesus, went about baptizing another man.
God clearly reveals to us here and in other accounts recorded in the Bible how baptism comes after a person's decision to put his faith in Jesus.
Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. | Acts 2:41
Knowing and believing in Jesus comes first. Baptism follows. This sequence makes perfect sense because how can someone believe and obey someone they do not trust let alone know?
BAPTISM
So... the water....
Is there some thing special or supernatural with it?
Well, it's a symbol.
If the relationship with the Lord is not there, then there is no point to do baptism.
Sometime last year (I think) I heard a man who got baptized say that he did not feel any different after his baptism and he was disappointed because he thought it was going to be something supernatural. So he eventually decided that he will no longer be a Christian because he just does not feel the fire in his heart for the Lord.
This, of course, is sad because feelings are a terrible god to have.
But my point in sharing this is that his experience is quite a contrast from how baptism actually is and what it is for.
I remember how some of my eager baptism batchmates (if there's such a term) curiously asked while we were studying the Bible how much baptism would cost. Candidly, the master of ceremonies responded "Water is free po."
So, what makes baptism so special in the first place? And why are there people who are excited about it and others do not have much regard for it?
Honestly, I think it's the posture of the heart.
Is the heart set on Jesus or not?
That's where it boils down, I believe. Because water baptism is symbolic of what happens from inside out of us when we are born again.
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” | John 3:3
Going under the water represents our old life being washed away.
And coming up out of the water shows that we are starting a new life with Jesus Christ.
If the object of one's faith is not Jesus but rather baptism itself or the belief that it's the key to getting to Heaven or being holy or being saved by good works, then to be baptized under such faith is all in vain.
"Christian baptism illustrates, in dramatic style, the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. At the same time, it also illustrates our death to sin and new life in Christ." Hence, being born again. "As the sinner confesses the Lord Jesus, he dies to sin and is raised to a brand-new life." (Source)
WHAT GOES DOWN DURING BAPTISM
Looking back, I can definitely say my baptism sure was a unique and once in a lifetime experience.
I am aware followers of Jesus baptize in different settings. Some in the river, some in bath tubs placed in church halls, and so on. I am just thankful that at Christ Commission Fellowship (CCF) they allow for two days of biblical lessons and teachings before you make this public declaration of faith.
And throughout this process, I can say God is sooo amazing as always (and I'll tell you why!)
Onto the story.
To the curious ones, here's what went down. I attended what felt like a class on baptism and then proceeded to this last part of the retreat which is an optional, actual baptism.
I fell in line while a worship team sang beautiful songs about God and when I already got to the pool, I got asked these questions by the brothers in Christ who baptized me:
1. Do you accept Jesus as your only Lord and Savior?
My answer... Yes!
In this I am certain: Jesus died for me.
Everything in my life and who I am is massively, radically, and completely affected by this reality.
There came a point in my life when I just knew that I am a sinner and I needed saving.
And my salvation, despite my best efforts, could never come from my imperfect self.
In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. | Hebrews 9:22
Even if I drain myself of all my blood and get crucified for all the wrong things I have done and harbored in my heart, it will not save me for I am not blemishless and holy the way Jesus is. And without Jesus, there is no way out from the wages of sin which is eternal separation from God (simply put, hell.). And the thing is hell can be experienced on Earth to some extent when we walk outside of God's presence.
How can a 20-something-year-old person say she is a sinner?
You know, in my seemingly best days, the truth is I end up judging someone wrongly even if I do not say it. There are lies I have told. There are days when I fail to have a heart of gratitude as I go from task to task. More than a handful of times I have focused on the grumblings of my heart that grows discontent and misses the mark. And it's because of these - my wrong calls, decisions, and desires - in years past up to the present why I know for sure I need saving... the kind of saving only Jesus can give.
All the excruciating things Jesus went through were what my wicked sins entailed. The good news is when we believe in Him as Lord and Savior, there is assurance from Him that His divine sacrifice covers all sins.
And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. | Hebrews 10:10
It's a love story like no other: that God rescued us though we turned away from Him.
“There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” | Romans 3:10-12
God's words, not mine.
More on this topic here.
2. Do you renounce Satan, the enemy, and all his work, and desires of the flesh?
My answer: Yes!
My brothers in Christ actually laughed a little and asked me why it seemed that I took a bit of time to answer this second question.
I responded by telling them it's because I really thought about it again. I know my weaknesses and there are a few sins I cannot seem to consistently waive off but I am continuously fighting and confessing to God and even others at times.
There are habits, tendencies, and pleasures I have wrongly given into and it will take something supernatural for me to overcome those.
But baptism is not what washes our sins away. It is Jesus.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. | 1 John 1:9
And when I remember the Holy Spirit is given to those of us who believe in Jesus, I grow confident strongholds can truly be broken.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” | Acts 1:8
And through this God brings to my remembrance strongholds that have already been broken in my life because Jesus has long been pruning me and it goes on up to this day.
3. Do you commit yourself to be a disciple of Jesus and follow Him for the rest of your life?
My answer... Yes!
Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. | Psalms 139:7-12
Time and time again, it is proven before my very eyes that it would simply be impossible to find satisfaction by following our whims.
This is why there are things that feel good but result in so many negative consequences.
There are things we try to hold on to but slip our grasp anyways. So what would be the point of ignoring He who is eternally loving, good, sovereign, blameless, and worth following? How can we say we believe in Him if our lives are not marked with love and obedience? And who in the right mind would refuse to experience God's love and the joy of obeying Him, a good Father.
To end, here are three lessons learned:
I am thankful God did not leave my baptism to be solely an experience.
I learned wonderful things too!
First, Jesus deeply cares about our relationship with Him.
In baptism, He reveals what He had personally gone through.
So, the thing is I do not know how to swim. Hence, for me to be even in the water was in itself a blessing (haha!).
After I was asked the questions above, the men in the photo taught how to position my body for baptism. Finally, when I was put underwater it felt sooo foreign. I had my eyes closed and did not know how long it was going to last. But I knew what I was getting into, I knew the purpose, and I trusted I would be brought out of the water at the right time. Still, it all felt unknown because I have not done it before.
And you know, it honestly reminded me of death because in a similar manner death is unknown to me. I know nothing about what it feels like to die. But it's comforting to know that I will be taken out of it by God.
To many, death is scary. Meanwhile, to others it's a total mystery and something accepted to be the end of a lifetime.
But what about God? How does He view death?
To God it is precious when His followers die. He pays close attention to it and cares heavily for us.
"God is so concerned about this matter of our death that He did everything that was necessary so that death would not lead to our eternal destruction. God was so devoted to freeing us from the claws of death that he put his own Son, Jesus Christ, to death as our Substitute." (source)
It is also written in the Bible,
“precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” | Psalm 116:15
When I got baptized I thought that Jesus is indeed a personal God because He commands us to be baptized. And in it, we get to identify with Him in His physical death and experience that it is Him who will pull us out of it just as how we have confidence we will be brought out of the water in baptism.
For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead. | Psalm 86:13
Next, to live in such a time as this is a blessing.
Our life is way different than those who lived before Jesus, wouldn't you agree?
They looked forward to the hope of the Messiah coming while we in this age live seeing and hearing traces of Jesus Christ everywhere.
Here's a photo from the retreat I attended. Hundreds of stories pointing to the reality of Jesus, the only God.
Lastly, God provides what we need so we can obey Him.
So the full story behind my baptism goes like this: my dear mother, who has been a Christian for nearly three decades now, did not tell me she wanted to get baptized but has been praying for it in private.
I, on the other hand, planned on being baptized in the summer at a singles' retreat for my specific life and age group. But as I was at work one day, I got reminded all of a sudden that she is not baptized and it would be a good way to love her if I encourage her to be baptized and offer my support to her by being with her throughout this upcoming retreat that is being held earlier which she is eligible to join.
To my surprise, she told me after I relayed my suggestion that she has quietly been praying for it but she did not want to impose on my schedule or other resources.
"But it's to obey God!" I thought. And truly, God provided all and everyone that I need so I can obey Him and support my mother and remember this moment.
To witness her baptism, it was so wonderful. And it is even more wonderful to have witnessed what I had all these years: her loving Jesus.
All through the grace of God that such obedience can be done!
Indeed, it's one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian life:
that no matter how many years go by, there's always something new God teaches us for His glory and our growth. I thought I understood baptism before but much was uncovered recently.
And I have a feeling that in the next years God will give me, if He so desires, I will continue to learn something new about baptism still.
In the Christian life, the adventure truly never stops!
Glory to God!
Until next timeee,
Grace :)
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