Christian Baptism


Baptism is a symbolic act of submission to God's will by believers in Jesus Christ, that symbolises dying to sin and rising to newness of life in Jesus Christ by the forgiveness of a believer's sins. This is possible because Jesus who is God's only begotten Son, is perfect, and has committed no sin, - suffered death for all of mankind's sins and has authority to forgive sins. The Holy Bible clearly says that Jesus forgives the sins of those who repent to Him, and believe in Him:


Acts 5:31-32 says:
"Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Saviour,
to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His
witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has
given to those who obey Him."


Baptism can only happen when someone has given their heart to the Lord, by confessing and repenting (acknowledging and turning away from) the sin in their life, and by having faith in God - that Jesus Christ is the Son of God:


Acts 8:36-38 says:
Now as they went down the road, they came to some water.
And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me
from being baptised?" Then Philip said, "If you believe
with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said,
"I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." So he
commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and
the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptised him.


Baptism is administered by total immersion of the believer into water, and is a very special occasion for every Christian who comes to know Christ and has the desire and hope to become like Him. Jesus gave His disciples clear instructions of how to baptise His believers, as this very special scripture known as "The Great Commission" says:


Matthew 28:18-20 says:
"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority
has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore
and make disciples of all the nations, baptising 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."
Amen.



It is also very important to remember that Jesus set an example to all who believe in Him, that they should be baptised - by allowing Himself to be baptised. Jesus is totally without sin, yet he allowed Himself to be baptised "to fulfill all righteousness", and thus set a powerful example for all of His believers:


Matthew 3:13-17 says:
"Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptised by Him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I need to be baptised by You, and are You coming to me?" But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptised, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."