baptism
Romans 6:3-4
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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.”
Baptism. Most of us had experienced this during our infant days. It is part of the stages of life that we need to go through as Christians. But do we understand the reason why is it so? We were too young to know what had happened. We only have our pictures as evidence. And of course the godparents that we go to at Christmas or who gave us gifts on our birthdays.
In the New Testament, baptism is how we come “in contact” with the death of Jesus. Baptism follows repentance. There could only be one baptism. Baptism is a participation in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, it is not ceremonial. Baptism is not a removal of dirt from the body but an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism is not an empty command but one with a promise.
I had my baptism last July 9, 2006. It was only then that I understand why I need to go through it. I felt happy because it is written in the scripture “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mk16:16) But it doesn’t end there. I still need to work out my salvation. I need to follow God’s will. I need to fulfill my purpose as a disciple.
When I acknowledged Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior – everything changed. I had this feeling that is unexplainable. I believe it is because my sins were forgiven and I was given the gift of the Holy Spirit. But life after is still not that easy. I still face different situations everyday. I still have my share of struggles every now and then. I still flare up at times. But what makes it different this time? I have God in my life. I have Him who reminds me to take things easy. I have Him who understands me in any way. I have Him who never gets tired of holding me. Isn’t that enough to keep me going? Plus, I have Him who loves me unconditionally – no ifs, no buts. Can I afford to hurt Him?
As for my salvation – only God knows. As long as faith lives in my heart – I need not worry.
