Meyu Changkiri
Last Sunday was one of the most special days of my life - I had the incredible privilege of baptizing both my son and daughter. As a pastor, baptizing my own children wasn’t just part of my duty; it was a deeply personal and emotional moment. Watching them publicly declare their commitment to Jesus Christ filled my heart with gratitude. It was a reminder of God’s faithfulness in our family’s spiritual journey and strengthened our bond in Christ. Their baptism was not just a personal milestone but also a powerful affirmation of what baptism truly means in our faith.
The Readiness for Baptism
My 13-year-old son was sure about his faith in Jesus. He had accepted Christ as his Savior and had been asking to be baptized for a year. Some of his friends, however, teased him, saying he was too young and should wait until he turned 18. But he stood firm, saying he had made up his mind and was ready. This reminded me that baptism isn’t about age - it’s about a personal decision to follow Christ. The Holy Bible teaches that baptism is for anyone who genuinely believes. In Acts 8:36-38, we see the Ethiopian eunuch getting baptized immediately after understanding the gospel. Jesus also welcomed children into His kingdom, saying, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14). My son's unwavering faith showed me that readiness for baptism comes from a sincere commitment to Jesus, not from reaching a certain age.
Even after the baptism, some friends joked that his head hadn’t been fully submerged in water. But I assured him that what really matters is his faith in Jesus Christ and his willingness to declare it publicly. Baptism isn’t about the technicalities - it’s about a heart committed to Christ. My son’s baptism was his way of saying, “I belong to Jesus,” and no one could take that away. When teased, he simply responded, "This is my way of doing it. You’ll understand when your time comes." His response showed both confidence in his faith and a gracious understanding that everyone comes to their faith journey in their own time.
Traditional Views on Baptism
Growing up, we often heard elders say, "You need to get baptized; otherwise, there won’t be a cross on your tomb when you die." These words created a sense of urgency, but they also revealed a misunderstanding of baptism. Many saw it as just a church tradition or something necessary for a proper Christian burial. Some even viewed it as a formal requirement to be a full member of the church.
But baptism is much more than a ritual. It is a personal decision to follow Christ, an outward sign of an inward transformation. It is not something we do just to meet a church requirement - it is a commitment to live for Jesus. Baptism is not about checking a box; it is about saying, “I have decided to follow Jesus.” It is a declaration that we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. When we get baptized, we are telling the world that our old life is gone and we are now living a new life in Christ.
The True Meaning of Baptism
Baptism is not like a certificate needed for school or a job. It is not a requirement for getting married in the church or working for a Christian organization. It is not something we do just to be part of a religious group. Instead, baptism is a step of obedience for those who truly believe in Jesus Christ. It is a symbol of repentance, renewal, and a commitment to follow Jesus. If we treat it as just a tradition or an obligation, we miss its true meaning.
Baptism is deeply personal and spiritual. It is a way of publicly declaring our faith in Jesus and marking a fresh start in our Christian life. Many people experience a deep sense of joy and peace when they get baptized because they know they are taking an important step in their faith journey. It also connects believers to the larger Christian family, reminding them that they are not alone in their walk with Christ.
Baptism represents leaving behind an old life and stepping into a new life with Jesus (Romans 6:3-4). It is a symbol of cleansing, as mentioned in Acts 22:16. However, it is important to remember that salvation comes through faith in Jesus, not just through baptism. Jesus commanded His followers to be baptized (Matthew 28:19), making it an important act of obedience. In many churches, baptism is also seen as a way of officially joining the community of believers (Galatians 3:27).
Baptism in the Holy Bible
Baptism has always been important in the Holy Bible. John the Baptist baptized people in the Jordan River as a sign that they were repenting and preparing for the coming of Jesus (Matthew 3:1-6). Even Jesus Himself was baptized by John (Matthew 3:13-17). Jesus did not need to repent, but He was baptized to set an example for us. When He was baptized, something amazing happened - the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit came down like a dove, and God’s voice declared, "This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased."
After Jesus’ resurrection, baptism became an essential step for new believers. In Acts 2:38, Peter told the people, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins." Throughout the New Testament, baptism is connected to a transformed life. It is a visible sign that a person has chosen to follow Christ.
How Baptism Has Changed Over Time
Over the centuries, the way baptism is practiced has changed in different Christian traditions. In the early church (1st-3rd century), most baptisms were done by full immersion in rivers or special baptistries. New believers went through a period of instruction (called catechesis), which included prayer, fasting, and a public profession of faith before being baptized.
Today, different churches practice baptism in different ways. The Catholic, Orthodox, and some Protestant churches (like Lutherans and Methodists) baptize infants, while Baptists, Pentecostals, and evangelical churches emphasize believer’s baptism - where a person must first make a personal decision to follow Christ. Even though there are different practices, all Christian traditions agree that baptism is an important step of faith and a sign of belonging to God’s family.
The Personal Impact of Baptism
Baptism is more than just a ceremony; it is a powerful experience that brings believers closer to God and unites them with the church. Instead of focusing on the differences in how baptism is performed, we should celebrate what we share - our faith in Jesus Christ and our commitment to follow Him. Baptism is a public declaration of our faith, a sign that we belong to Christ, and an important step of obedience in our Christian journey.
For me, my children’s baptism reminded me that what truly matters is the heart’s conviction, not outside opinions or technical details. Whether baptism is done by full immersion or pouring, what matters most is the decision to follow Jesus Christ. Regardless of church traditions, baptism remains a sacred moment for every believer - a sign of being part of God’s family and a call to live a life of faith and love in Christ.
This experience also renewed my own commitment to Christ. Seeing my children take this step encouraged me to continue walking faithfully and setting an example for them. Baptism is not the end of the journey; it is the beginning of a lifelong walk with Jesus. As we celebrate baptism, let’s also commit to growing in faith, encouraging others, and living out our calling as followers of Christ.
