Sprinkled

Baptism is a word that has been used for centuries, all with various meanings and interpretations across religions.

But, I want to go back to the basics, to the start of Jesus’ ministry. You see, I was baptized as a baby. I was clothed in a beautiful white dress, my family was surrounding me, and water was poured on my head to signify my baptism to God. So, for years I told people that I was baptized when I was baby, therefore, that meant I was God’s child. Boy, was my theology wrong. After educating myself a bit more on my faith, I had to unlearn many untruths I was told over the years as it related baptism. I quickly started to realize that I was taught many man-made traditions over the years.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love traditions. But, when it comes to my faith, I want truth and accuracy. Seminary was where my theological mind was blown! Did you know that there is no mention in the Bible of babies getting baptized? Did you know that the word baptism comes from the Greek word baptizo, which means “immerse”? Did you know that the pouring and sprinkling of water during a baptism is a man-made tradition that came about in 1311 A.D. by Pope Clement V? If you answered “yes” to all of these questions, I’m pretty sure you’re a genius!

So, the question is: why do we get baptized? Is it because our families want us to? Our spouse wants us to? Because our pastor wants us to? Listen, the only acceptable reason for getting baptized is because Jesus commands us to. Acts 2:38 says,

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 of the Holy Spirit.

But, listen… Jesus not only commands us to, He also modeled this for us when He was baptized by John the Baptist in Matthew 3:13-17, which says,

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

This passage tells us four important things about Jesus’ baptism: 1) He did it of his own free will, 2) He would not be denied, 3) He did it to fulfill all righteousness, and 4) His Father (God) was pleased.

Family, baptism is a public declaration of our faith. It signifies that the old is gone and the new is here! If you have yet to be baptized or haven’t experienced “baptizo” (immersion), then I urge you to make that personal decision to align yourselves with God’s command.

Years ago, I made a personal decision to be obedient in the area of baptism. No, I wasn’t wearing a white dress this time, but yes, my family and church were surrounding me as I was “baptizo,” completely immersed under water. When I came up out of the water, I was filled with so much emotion because I knew how significant that moment was for my faith. And in that moment, I had experienced the death of my old self and the resurrection of who God was calling me to be.

The old is gone and the new is here.

Som Tami

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