He Faced Towards Jerusalem
The Bible is filled with deep irony, and one of the most profound examples occurs as Jesus prepares for His final journey to Jerusalem. Just as He transformed the Passover
Baptism
As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people. But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison.
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
All four Gospels recount the baptism of Jesus and emphasize an important truth: John the Baptist was not the Messiah. He understood his role—to direct people toward the One who could truly change their lives. That One is Jesus Christ. John was instrumental in preparing the way, but it is Jesus who transforms hearts and grants eternal life. Baptism serves as a vivid representation of this transformation, a powerful statement of our faith and commitment to Christ.
Baptism: More Than Just Words
Our lives are not defined by the discussions we have over coffee or the debates we engage in; rather, they are shaped by our actions. Faith is not merely spoken; it is demonstrated. Baptism is an act of obedience, a public declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ. It is not for God’s benefit or ego, but for us—to solidify our commitment to Him and proclaim our new identity in Christ.
Despite this, the practice of baptism, especially by immersion, has seen a decline. Many profess faith in Jesus but hesitate to take this important step. Perhaps it is because baptism is an admission that we are sinners in need of grace. It acknowledges that we cannot save ourselves and need Jesus to cleanse us and make us new. Or maybe it’s because baptism requires effort—it’s not always convenient. But isn’t that true of anything truly worthwhile?
The Symbolism of Baptism
Baptism is rich in meaning. It signifies:
Cleansing – A visual representation of being washed from sin.
New Life – A picture of dying to self and being raised to life in Christ.
Obedience – A step of faith demonstrating submission to God’s command.
Repentance and the Holy Spirit – A sign of turning away from sin and receiving the Spirit.
Belonging to the Church – A declaration of being part of the body of Christ.
Commitment to Growth – A promise to serve, witness, and embody the fruits of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 lists these fruits: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If nothing else, experiencing these qualities would make the Christian life infinitely valuable.
A Call to Public Commitment
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward reality. It is akin to a marriage vow—would it be acceptable for a husband or wife to refuse to acknowledge their spouse publicly? In the same way, faith that remains hidden is incomplete. Jesus calls us to make our allegiance known.
Throughout history, baptism has not always been easy or accepted. In the early days of the church, and even during the Reformation, believers risked their lives to be baptized as a profession of their personal faith. Felix Manz, an early Anabaptist, was executed in 1527 for practicing believer’s baptism. His death underscores the weight of this commitment—yet he considered it worth the cost.
The Biblical Method: Baptism by Immersion
The New Testament and early church history consistently point to baptism by immersion. This method best represents the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Even Pope Stephen I (753 AD) affirmed immersion as the primary form of baptism. It was only in 1311 that the Catholic Church officially accepted sprinkling as an alternative. Yet for over 1,100 years, full immersion was the norm, and for good reason—it powerfully symbolizes our complete surrender to Christ.
Martin Luther, a key figure of the Reformation, referred to baptism as the believer’s ordination into the priesthood of all believers. It is not a mere ritual but a commissioning into a life of faith and service.
A Step of Obedience, Not a Means of Salvation
Does baptism save a person? No. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. However, baptism is a step of obedience that follows salvation. Refusing to be baptized when given the opportunity raises the question: Are we truly willing to follow Christ? The Christian walk often requires us to move beyond what is comfortable or convenient. Baptism is one of the first ways we demonstrate this willingness.
A Call to Action
If you have yet to be baptized, ask yourself: What is holding you back? Is it inconvenience? Fear? A lack of understanding? Whatever the reason, consider the significance of this step. Baptism is not just about you—it is a testimony to others, an encouragement to fellow believers, and a bold proclamation to the world that you belong to Jesus.
God has given us this tangible expression of our faith. He calls us to obedience not to burden us but to bless us. If you haven’t taken this step yet, why not now? Let your faith be visible. Let your life reflect the transformation Christ has brought. Baptism is more than just water—it is a declaration that you have found the greatest treasure of all: life in Jesus Christ.
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