What is Baptism and Why is it Important?

We know the certainty of life in this physical world. After all, we are here. We start out drinking, then eating; nourishing our cellular life as we grow. We treasure our relationships. We care for ourselves.  We seek enjoyment of work, play, and all that this world has to offer. But at the same time, we face earthly hardships and deal with the life-robbing reality of death.  Life is not inherent within us; it is a gift from God.  The good news is that God has life inherent within Himself – not just physical, but even spiritual life. The bad news is that we proud human beings naturally resist His spiritual life.

But God loves us and He is always working to break through our resistance. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to this earth to die in our place. Death is the inherent result of resistance to God. Jesus was not resistant to God in the least, but He paid our price of death because He loves you so deeply. Though Jesus had died and was placed in a grave, He rose again, showing that He has life inherent in Himself – eternal and undiminished life. God wants to connect you to Jesus and that kind of life.

That is what baptism is all about – God connecting you to all that Jesus did to give you spiritual life with Him.  God is really the one baptizing a person no matter whose human hands He uses.  Baptism is a simple but very awesome thing. It’s God’s design.  It is called the Sacrament of Baptism because it is a sacred act that God is doing using something visible that we can see.  And He uses something so simple – just ordinary water – something available wherever there is physical life.  Yet, when God attaches His words of promise to that water, spiritual, life-giving, awesome things take place.

As we read about baptism in the Bible, we learn of those awesome things: We receive the Holy Spirit and forgiveness of sins (Acts 2: 38-39). We are cleansed of our sinful inclinations and declared holy and faultless (Ephesians 5:25-27). We are made alive with Christ (Colossians 2: 11-13). Life with God is regenerated and renewed in us (Titus 3:5). We are clothed with Christ, as in a pure, white righteous robe (Galatians 3 26-27).

Baptism is a simple action, but it is linked with the very special trust-creating message of God. You can think of it as though God is adopting you, and baptism is His signature on your adoption paper. His love for you breaks through any resistance you may have toward Him. He longs to call you His own child and to make you part of His family forever. Through your baptism, you are connected to Jesus and all who believe in Him. God’s love and promise to you in baptism are irrevocable and give you great security in your relationship with Him. Baptism gives you the certainty of life with God forever.

Have you been baptized?  How about your children?  God desires to give you the comfort and assurance of this wonderful sacrament.  And if you have questions or first want to discuss further the meaning of baptism, we would love for you to connect with us. You may call us or email us through the message box. We can also send you a pamphlet entitled “May I Have This Dance? – God”.  It discusses baptism in more detail. If you are in the Montrose, Colorado area where we are located, we warmly welcome you to plan a visit to our church. Our pastor would also be glad to meet you and visit with you in person. God bless you in your baptized life or on your path toward being baptized into life with your Savior, Jesus.