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Although my actual birthday was on this passed Monday, October 12, my Rebirthday is today, October 15, 2009. Today marks the 3rd anniversary of my baptism!
I must say that ever since that day, I haven’t been the same – and I am so grateful! Before that point I had been struggling with the decision to get baptized. I questioned its importance, thinking if I believe, why do I need to participate in this ritual – I thought the New Testament meant we were free from rituals. I couldn’t understand how this physical act could do anything for my spirit.
As I continued to study the Word, I came to realize, however, that Jesus commanded it in Matthew 28:19 – a command that happened to be the last He chose to give the disciples. Out of everything else He could have told them to do, He told them to go to all nations and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
But why is baptizism so important? I continued to ponder. Suddenly, a thought came to my mind, seemingly out of nowhere, reminding of Matthew 10:32-33, the scripture in which Jesus himself says, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” It suddenly made sense – baptism is a public act that symbolizes purging and cleansing of the spirit. It also symbolizes rebirth into your new life with Christ. In other words, it is public acceptance of Christ. Refusal to get baptized is the equivolent of denying Christ before men as discussed in this scripture. I don’t know about you, but I didn’t want Christ to deny me before our Father in Heaven, so submitted my will, which by the way, is required in addition to belief, if you are to be a true follower of Christ.
So I’m grateful this day, that marks the 3rd year in my serious walk with Christ. I wouldn’t go back for anything. Since He has been guiding my path and ordering my steps, my life has changed dramatically.
If you would like to read about what the Grace Communion International, formerly Word Wide Church of God, says about baptism: click here.
If you would like to read more about what it means to accept Christ, read “The Good News.”
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Kiesha holds a Master of Arts in English and is a graduate of the University of Toledo.
[...] See more here: Why Get Baptized? [...]
I am definitely glad I was reborn in my twenties. I was baptized when I was a child but felt more accountable as an adult.
i liked your post about marriage it was all true keep up nice writing
Hi, I just found you on Twitter, via twitip, LOL. Love your beautiful blog. By the way, I was formerly Assemblies of God and now I’m Catholic. You and I have many things in common, as we are both Christians (although some Christians would disagree, LOL). I’m wondering what you think, and would always love to discuss anything of the Christian nature with you. Or anything at all, for that matter. After reading your post in twitip, and looking at your blog, I find you quite intelligent, full of wisdom, and also very compassionate. If you’d like to email w me my email address is on the first page of my blog.
The reason this post caught my eye is I have strong beliefs about Baptism and I wanted to see what you wrote about it. I see that we both believe Jesus commanded Baptism. Besides the verse you mentioned I wanted to also list another verse: Acts 2:38 says “repent and be baptized….for the forgiveness of sins…
A lot of Christians will try to turn that verse all kinds of ways to make it say what they want it to say. I just take the verse for what it says (repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins). Do what He says!
Feel free to email me or visit my blog, Hon. You’ll find my email addy on the front of my blog.
God bless you, girl!
krissy knox
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http://twitter.com/iamkrissy