Thursday 31 October 2013

Answering The Question Why Do People Get Baptized

By Rachael Gutierrez


The question that is usually on the minds of many is why do people get baptized. This is a question whose answers are buried in the verses and chapters of the bible. The reasons are either directly given or implied through words and actions. The basic reason is in obedience to the will of God just as Christ did at River Jordan. This means that every Christian should follow His example.

Baptism is used to indicate salvation where an individual accepts Jesus as Savior and Lord in his life. The ceremony serves as an indication of a changed lifestyle. It sends a message to friends and family members that the person has taken a different path in life. An example is the Philippians Jailer in Acts 16 who underwent the ritual with his entire family. The same is required of other persons who seek salvation through Christ Jesus.

The New Testament quotes 1st John chapter 1 verse 19, Christians are required to confess their sins if they are to get purification. Baptism is used as an outside mark of purification and change of status. The change happens when an individual wills and submits to the teachings of Christ. The visible symbol of cleansing is water and the flow or dipping indicates the washing away.

The mission of Christ began when he was baptized by John the Baptist at the shores of River Jordan. For every Christian who seeks to follow Him, this is one thing that he must also do. The voice of God that came from heaven to affirm the acceptance of Christ by God and the decent of the Holy Spirit are expectations when baptism takes place.

When Jesus was sending disciples to go out and evangelize in Matthew 28, he ordered them to go beyond preaching. They were supposed to baptize those who agreed to convert in the name of the father, son and Holy Spirit. This meant a symbolic gesture that one has crossed over and is no longer the old sinner. Baptism affirmed that the word of God was taken and that the person is ready to follow what it says.

There is a symbolic aspect in baptism that must also be understood. The dipping into water is a sign of death in Christ Jesus. When one emerges after being dipped, it signifies that the person has risen and is no longer the same. The moment in water signifies burial and the time that Christ spent in the tomb. It is preparation for new life.

The concept of original sin as subscribed to by several churches is another genesis of baptism. Adam and Eve are said to pass the sin to every child at birth. This sin can only be wiped during baptism. It is common practice among Catholics to have infants undergo baptism.

It remains important to know why do people get baptized and later move on to what is required before baptism. It is a person decision that is followed by the need to live according to the dictates of Christ. The procedure varies from one church to the other. One is called upon to live a Christian life after that.




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