“...REPENT FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND...”
The words of one of the most fearless figures of the Bible: John The Baptist. (see Matthew 3:2)
John’s Ministry was transformation and preparation for the coming saviour Jesus Christ whom he would later baptize.
So what is BAPTISM and why is it so significant to the Christian believer?
Baptism: a common practice amongst Christian denominations, though done differently amongst the same, signifies a public declaration of one’s decision to begin a new (Changed & Transformed) life in Christ. The term itself is rooted in the Greek Baptizo which means to cleanse by dipping or submerging an item. Once done the item is then placed in a different source to change it into something new. This can be down by bleaching a garment then dying it in a new color or with a vegetable. (biblestudytools.com)
So why are some people fearful of doing it?
I’ve come across quite a few people who give their hearts to God openly in front of the church during service but would quickly shy away from the idea of getting baptized.
Noting this trend I decided to ask a few converts why they “feared” Baptism. The consensus was simple; Baptism meant serious business.-That they had truly chosen a life with Christ and that there was no turning back.
Though this was quite true, this signifies water Baptism. Many believe that surrendering to God isn’t as serious as getting baptized but it actually is.-Spiritual Baptism!
We are told in order to receive the gift of salvation we must receive Jesus as our savior and we are saved from the second death which is eternal fire in hell. Hence if you give your heart to God but return to you sinful life a few days later simply because you didn’t get baptized is very wrong. Perhaps even an oxymoron.
Paul explains it to the Romans in this way; “ That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” –Romans 10:9-10
Another common scripture is John 3:1 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son that whoever BELIEVES in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
So by making the declaration while praying the prayer of salvation you ARE taking the step to be in a relationship with God and accepting a life of change and transformation hence you WILL be held accountable.
Therefore it makes not since to boldly give your heart to Christ, profess your belief in Him but avoid getting baptized thinking that it’s not that serious. This belief is equivalent to agreeing to be in a relationship with someone without marriage because you somehow believe it gives you leeway to ‘play the field’ while still getting all the benefits of a marriage.
Whether it is fear of commitment, the lies that you will fail or the misconception of this walk with Christ, please know that once you declare it, believe in Him and receive Him it is already done. So going against that is crucifying Christ all over again.
“and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the son of God all over again and subjecting Him to public disgrace.” -Hebrews 6:6
With that, I take this opportunity to congratulate the 18 newly baptized who took the bold step of faith on Saturday 19thSeptember 2020 after a 5 day fast at Miracle Ministries International.
