Baptism, From Mom's Journal

I was baptized as a baby.  When I started actively walking with God, I thought that that was enough for me.  About a year or so after I got clean and sober God decided on more (most likely God always had the plan) .  I believe, at the time, baptism had been playing somewhere in my thoughts, perhaps not consciously but there all the same.  I was going to Cornerstone Bible Church at the time and I can remember saying to the Lord, "if you want me to be re-baptized, then let it be talked about today in Sunday service."  And of course it was !!!  A God visit even back in the day !!!  So I spoke to my Pastor, and shortly after that I was baptized at the church picnic, in the pool of the other church leader.  I can only tell you it was the most wonderful experience....I have never felt such joy, tear-filled jubilance as when I arose out of that water....unbelievable and amazing.  I can still remember it so clearly.  So today Mom's journal entry is on baptism.

Matthew 21:25  "John's baptism--where did it come from?  Was it from heaven, or from men?"  They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'from heaven', He will ask, 'Then why didn't  you believe him?'

Immerse - dip  Baptism emphasizes "the result" of the act rather than the act itself.
The Christian baptism is identified with Christ in death, burial and resurrection.

1 Peter 3:21  and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also--not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God.  It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Faith.  Baptism----is the answer of a good conscience toward God --through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Response of the faith that saves.

The act of water baptism outwardly declares or confesses and inward experience of salvation through the blood of Jesus.

From me:

I won't get into whether Baptism is necessary for salvation...I leave that to the apologists and debaters, brighter minds than me. (but leaving it undone on the chance that it is a requirement seems foolish to me)  I only know that I was led by the Lord to do it.  And I am forever glad that I did.  I will include some extra verses here regarding baptism.  Sometimes I think that was the day I got my perseverance and stubbornness to not quit trying and walking on this labyrinthine Christian road.  God's gift to me.  LOL   Perhaps, one of you out there is wrestling with it or asking the same question I did, "God, if You want me to be baptized, then let it be talked about." So here it is in this blog...talked about.  You will have to take it from there, but I highly recommend it !!!

Mark 16:16  Whoever believes and is baptized will be save, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Acts 2:38  Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.  And you will receive the gift f the Holy Spirit.  

Romans 6:4  We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.  

Epehsians 4:5  one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

Colossians 2:12  having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.  

Baptism--a beautiful picture of our unity with Christ, our risen Lord and Savior. Like Mom said, death, burial and resurrection.  Identifying ourselves with Him.

Lord, thank You for the experience and institution of baptism.  Thank for the washing away of sins.  Let us bind ourselves with Jesus, not just in ritual, but in reality, not just once at baptism, but also in our everyday steps.  Open hearts to take that step, take away the fear and the questioning, and let those doubtful hearts go boldly forward into the waters of baptism.  And thank You for my gifts, perseverance and stubbornness and especially for the gifts of the Holy Spirit and eternal life.  There is none like You.