JESUS SPEAKS
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” —Jesus— (Matthew 28: 19 – 20)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Jesus identifies baptism as an essential component of the gospel message. When an individual is baptized in water, they are committing themselves to the lifestyle of repentance that accompanies genuine faith. Salvation and forgiveness are from the Lord alone; but the decision to turn away from sin and permit God to transform us is an individual decision. Abandoning sin is difficult; fornication, idolatry, lewdness, adultery, deception, addiction, etc. can be familiar and comfortable; and yet every authentic convert must abandon their sins and attempt to live rightly. Baptism is therefore the outward manifestation and public profession of our commitment to Holy living.
As the story goes, some years back a man who was practicing Hinduism chose to place his Faith in Jesus Christ. He immediately chose to be baptized. He arrived at the ceremony wearing, as all Brahmins do, the ‘Yagnopavita,’ or sacred thread that hung from his neck; these decorative sashes also identify the highest members of India’s caste society. During the baptism, after coming up out of the water, he snapped the thread and tossed it into the surrounding water; thus signifying the death of his old life and his commitment to, ‘walk in newness of life’ in Christ.
Like this converted Hindu realized, Baptism is an act of submission to God’s will. Those who embrace the gospel must choose to repent of their sins and return to the Lord. Being baptized is a public profession of this commitment; a promise to follow the teachings of Christ. Those who are baptized will experience a strengthened relationship with God. If you have placed your faith in the Lord and have never been baptized, consider undergoing the ceremony whenever possible. If you desire to accept the faith and convert, then be baptized and know the fullness of God’s love for you.
“Lord Heavenly Father, you are an amazing and powerful God. We accept and recognize the importance of water baptism; especially among those who are turning to the faith. Give us the strength to live according to the commitments we have made. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, may we continually remain faithful and repentant; transformed by the beauty of Your grace. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 