Georgia A. on Baptism

Baptism

Confirmation class of 2012

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16

Baptism. It means to apply water by immersing, washing, and pouring. For most Christians it means having your sins washed away forever. You are accepted by God and he will always love you. Being baptized is a special occasion? and will likely guide you in your faith throughout your life. Three blessings are received by baptism.

The first blessing is forgiveness of sins. The truth is, everybody sins. We are by nature sinful beings and it is impossible for us to never sin. It cannot prevent us from sinning, but it forgives them so we can be right with God. We should also routinely repent or sins and thank God for what he has given to us. That is why baptism is so crucial as a Christian.

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Acts 2:38

The second is resurrection from death and the devil. In this blessing we get the comfort of knowing that we will go to heaven and be with God there. It is very important and also a comforting thought for people to believe.

”He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption , the forgiveness of sins.” Col. 1:13-14

The third and final blessing is eternal salvation. It means that we will always exist with God and never perish if we believe in Him and all he stands for.

“He saved us through the the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5

Most people are baptized as babies. Why? As Christians we want to be baptized as soon as possible so we can start receiving all the wonderful blessings it gives. Babies can have faith and are included in people and need to be baptized.

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” Mark 28:19

When Christians are baptized they almost always have sponsors. Sponsors are witnesses to the baptism. They pray for the person being baptized and guide them in their faith.

“Every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” Matt. 18:16

Baptism indicates that we should try to not sin despite our evil nature by being sorry for our sins and repent of them with faith.

“Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” Eph. 4:22

The important words, “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” are regularly remembered in Baptism ceremonies. They are known as the Trinitarian Invocation. It is usually said with the sign of the cross. When we say these words we are confessing and remembering before heaven and earth everything that we a have received from baptism.

“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21-22

As I explained above, baptism is important and meaningful. You truly receive some of the most important elements of the Christian faith; forgiveness of sins, resurrection from death and the devil, and eternal salvation. I hope I have represented all the things which baptism offers justly and correctly.