A NEW LOOK AT YOUR BAPTISM
Introduction
On the Baptism of the Lord Sunday, it is good to take a new-look at our baptism. When I
was a pastor, I often had a renewal of baptism vows on this Sunday. Baptism is a
significant event in the life of every Christian. We often take it for granted. This Sunday
gives us an opportunity to take another look at our baptism to discover or re-discover
some things we may have forgotten, overlooked or cast aside.
A NEW LOOK AT THE CONCEPTION OF BAPTISM
Baptism is not mentioned in the Old Testament. There is some evidence of early people
who practiced baptism. The records show that the Jewish law authorized baptism as a
practice to restore ritual purity for instance when one had touched a corpse. Later, the
practice was used during the Babylonia captivity to immerse converts to Judiasm.
John the Baptist used baptism for the repentance of sins. He pointed to Jesus who
would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. There is no indication that Jesus ever
baptized anyone. Jesus himself submitted to baptism to fulfill righteousness, referring
to the Servant of God in Isaiah 42. Jesus' baptism inaugurated his mission on earth.
A NEW LOOK AT THE CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM
Baptism celebrates a born again experience as someone becomes a new person upon
receiving Christ as Savior. Baptism of new Christians becomes a special day in many
churches as recipients, sometimes dressed in white array, are immersed in the water.In
churches using pouring or sprinkling, baptism day is also a special occasion with
friends and relatives attending the services. In churches that practice infant baptism,
the day is special with parents and relatives looking on with joy as the minister sprinkles
water on the forehead of the baby. Sometimes the celebratory meaning is lost in the
excitement of the day. A celebration is in order because sins have been washed away.
A celebration is in order because someone has passed from death to life. A celebration
is in order because night has been turned into day in someone's life. A celebration is in
order because someone has been saved, saved, saved! The Bible confirms the
legitimacy of celebration because the kingdom of God is good news.(Acts.8:12) We
celebrate because someone has been saved through the preaching of the word. (Acts
18:8} Other reasons for celebration are
a A clear conscious through the resurrection of Christ. (1 Peter 3:21
b. United with Christ (Galations 3:27)
A NEW LOOK AT CONVERSION IN BAPTISM
Conversion means that we have changed our actions. We have been traveling one way
and turned around and went the other way. We had one way of thinking and changed our
minds. Conversion means to repent of our sins and receive forgiveness through Jesus
Christ. ( Acts 2:38) Conversion means to believe in Christ for salvation.(Mark 16:16)
Conversion means to be sincere about our change of direction and leave our sins
behind. Stories are told about dry sinners who are baptized in the water and come out
wet sinners. Real conversion results in real change. George Whitefield writes that we
should not accept converts too early. We should wait awhile and see if they bear fruit.
Conversion should be observable and permanent. I remember the story of Joe who was
a drug dealer on the corner of a tough city street.Everyone was afraid of Joe as he was
no one to be crossed the wrong way. However, one day Joe disappeared and was
missing for a long time. No one knew where Joe was. One day someone saw Joe going
down an alley. The next day a woman walked down that same alley looking for Joe.
Much to her surprise the alley led to a small church. There in the back of the church she
found Joe ushering. After the service, the minister gave the invitation. The women
went up to the altar where the minister asked her if she wanted to accept Christ.
However, she said, "All I want to do is to see the man who changed Joe!" Joe had
experienced a true conversion. The man who changed Joe was Jesus Christ.
A NEW LOOK AT CONFIRMATION IN BAPTISM
Confirmation services are held in those churches who baptize infants. Children and
young people who have been baptized as babies confirm for themselves the pledges
their parents gave for them at their baptism. Infant baptism goes on the assumption
that God has his hand upon us even as infants. This is called prevenient grace, the idea
that even in infancy God has his eyes on that child and desires its salvation. The parents
in turn promise to raise the child in such a way that when they are of the age of
understanding, around early teens or later, they will confirm the vows their parents made
for them as infants. This hopefully involves accepting Christ for themselves in the
pardon of their sins. Many churches have confirmation classes for these young people
before they are accepted as full members of the church and receive communion.
However, many churches allow children baptized as babies to receive communion. The
problem with this as I have found is that parents and churches do not follow up on
these children and see that they accept Christ for themselves and confirm the vows
their parents made for them.The false idea they have is that infant baptism is the end of
it instead of only the beginning. Baptism does not save you. You must accept Christ
either before or after baptism. That's why many churches only practice believers'
baptism. However, the Bible does speak of confirmation in such verses as Psalm
119:106 and Hebrews 2:3.
A NEW LOOK AT COMMITMENT IN BAPTISM
As indicated before, baptism is only the beginning of the Christian life. One has to
commit to growing in faith. Too many baptized Christians remain babes in Christ.
2 Timothy 2:15 implores us to be like workmen who are not ashamed, earnestly
explaining the Word of God.We have too many babes in Christ in our churches who
refuse to study and show themselves approved by God. Spiritual growth involves Bible
Study, prayer, and church attendance. We need to be strengthened and to strengthen
others believers. Christians in other countries are tested by hardships. They are
restricted in practicing their faith. In America and in some other countries where there is
freedom of religion, we are not pressured about our religion. We are free from religious
oppression. So we take our religion for granted, not concentrated on growing in Christ
and becoming the strongest Christians he desires us to be. Other verses on
commitment are:
a.Growing in grace and knowledge 2 Peter 3:18
b.Devoted to teaching, fellowship, and prayer Acts 2:42
A NEW LOOK AT COMMISSION IN BAPTISM
Christ gives us what is called the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. The
commission was not just for the disciples, but for us today. There are many ways we
can witness for Jesus. The best way is to do this is to live the life that Christ wants us to
live. We not only carry the gospel with words, but by actions: loving and caring for those
who are in need, reaching out and loving those who are of a different religion, race, and
class than we are, and those who are in despair. Too many baptized people resort to
what has been called cheap grace, the idea that we can continue to live the way we did
before baptism. The great Dietrich Bonhoffeer has said that when Christ calls a person,
he calls him or her to die. That means to die to self and live for Christ. It is not an easy
thing to do. In 1 Corinthians 15:31, Paul speaks of dying daily. In Acts 26:19, Paul says
he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells the disciples that
they would receive power from God to be witnesses for him. Some people will never
read the Bible, but they should see some evidence of whom Christ is through our
witness.
CONCLUSION
How well have you lived up to the components of Baptism: Conversion, Confirmation,
Commitment, and Commission?
Would God celebrate your baptism with the words he uttered at Christ's baptism: "This
is my beloved child, in whom I am well pleased."?
