Hey guys!
This morning at church one of my close friends was baptized. I was so happy and excited for her. Hearing our youth pastor say "raised to walk again in the newness of Christ." was such a joyful moment. A common question people ask is why Christians are baptized after they give their lives to God.
The act of being baptized is in the Bible so we know it has a biblical background. Jesus himself was baptized by John the Baptist in Matthew 3. Where baptism can become confusing is whether or not it determines your faith. The answer is that it doesn't. Just because you're baptized does not mean you're saved. Likewise, just because you haven't been baptized doesn't mean you aren't saved if you have accepted Christ.
As Christians, we are called to be baptized. Being baptized is a public display of your salvation. It shouldn't be the only display though. It's a symbol of your repentance and of you surrendering your life to God. We are called to live completely different lives when we accept Christ. That is a beautiful thing.
Until we are saved it is not possible for us to completely change our lives. Because of Jesus, we can live a new life. What confused me for a long time was the process of being baptized. Like why do I have to be dunked underwater?
In Genesis we see God flood the earth to clear it of the wickedness that had overcome it. Just as the flood cleared the earth, it represents each person beginning a new life. In this new life we are with God, not separated from him. We are then called to live like Christ and be like him. Romans 6:3-4 shows that we are completely new through Christ. Our old life has no hold on us. We're free.
When you walk in the "newness of life" you are glorifying God. Big decisions, small decisions, and everything in between should be made with God in mind. God is calling you with his arms open wide. Begging you to come to him and make it known to others that you have done so. He wants you to follow his commandments and love him. He wants to reward us for these things. He has prepared a room for each of us.
I cannot stress this enough, being baptized does not save you. Acknowledging that Jesus is God and he came to Earth as a man and died in our place, confessing our past sins, trusting Jesus, and asking Jesus to come into our hearts is how we are saved. There is nothing magical about the water that you're baptized in. Jesus changes lives and it's our job to reflect that.
I pray that you not only are saved but you are walking in the newness of life. I pray that you continue to build your relationship with Christ even after you are saved. Remember that being saved is not the end of your story, but rather it is the beginning of your new life.
Praying,
Addison Wimbish
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