Are you ready to get baptized?
Will you ever be? This answer might differ from person to person. When I accepted Jesus in my heart, I was super ready to get baptized. I wanted to jump into the baptismal waters. I wanted all that had to do with Him, and I knew that this was something I had to do to start my Christian life. There was no doubt in my heart and mind that I wanted to give my life to Jesus. I didn’t know what I had to do or stop doing. I was willing to do whatever was required of me to do to have a relationship with God. I don’t know what is making you doubt whether you’re ready or not but today I’d like to share what the bible tells us about getting baptized and then I’ll share about my own experience. Let’s dive in!
What does the bible say?
Let’s start with Jesus himself. Jesus set the example when he went to John the Baptist to get baptized. John was hesitant to baptize Jesus because he thought that he wasn’t worthy to baptize Christ. This is something that can come to our mind, too. We might not feel that we are worthy enough to get baptized and to be called His children but just like Jesus responded to John, I tell you, this needs to be done. There is no other way to heaven but through Jesus Christ. I see it as an act of obedience.
Now, I’d like to touch a little bit about whether we should get baptized as a baby or as an adult. The bible tells us that we shall get baptized for forgiveness of our sins and for this to occur we need to be aware of our sinful nature and ask for forgiveness. I once had this conversation with my father. I asked him how can a baby be conscious of his sinful nature and ask for forgiveness of his sins? His silence told me everything. This message I shared with him was not only for him, but God was also confirming to me why we need to be older to get baptized.
There are a few things we receive when we are obedient to God’s calling and get baptized. Many talk about how we will be able to enter God’s kingdom. Of course, going to heaven is something I look forward to but something that pulls me even more is how we can start enjoying God’s promises now, here on earth. Such as the peace and joy that surpasses all understanding. This is something we get to experience now; we don’t have to wait until we get to heaven. How beautiful is that! Want more? According to Peter, we get the Holy Spirit as a gift (Acts 2:38). With the Holy Spirit’s help, we’ll be able to have a successful spiritual life. Through the Spirit we’ll receive love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). The bible also says that the Holy Spirit will help us in our Christian walk by giving us wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, and fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2). All of these are necessary to succeed in our walk with God here in the world. The good things in life cost and a relationship with God is not an exception. Everything has a cost—it could be money, time, strength. God deserves it all. He is worthy of all our time, dedication, and sacrifices. When God makes a call to our life to serve him and when we are obedient, we are not left alone rather we are fully equipped to succeed. Never underestimate the power of God, when He calls you, it’s because He has equipped you already, your job is to trust and believe.
When I think of baptism, I think of a second opportunity in life. The bible says we are reborn (John 3:3) and become new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). In short, we became a whole new person. Don’t worry about your past, rather worry about maintaining this new life in God by focusing on God and God only.
Testimony time!
When I met Jesus in a personal way, I was someone who had committed several types of sins. Despite this, there I was, having a beautiful encounter with God. I fully opened my heart to Jesus and accepted Him in my life. There was no doubt whether I wanted to get baptized. I was 100% sure I wanted to and that I was ready. But there was a sin I had that had control over me that didn’t permit me to get baptized. I would feel ashamed to be baptized and to continue sinning in this way. As I stepped out of church, I remember telling God, “I’m ready to get baptized but I will not do it until you heal me from this problem of mine. The day you do it, I will get baptized.”
I was in a beautiful phase in my life having finally accepted Jesus in my life. I remember wondering how the Almighty, the Creator of the skies and earth, has had me in His plans since the beginning? How in the world did Jesus Christ die in the cross for forgiveness of my sins? How and why had He laid eyes on me, believed in me? Why didn’t He give up on me despite my sinful nature? On the contrary, when I looked back, I could see how His hand moved in every phase of my life. Praise God, the Almighty, for all His goodness, faithfulness, and everlasting love!
Fast forward 2 months later, He did it! He healed me. I never doubted he would do it. I knew He was going to heal me; I just didn’t know when He was going to do it. Now, this did not stop me from serving God. Although I didn’t get baptized that same day, in my mind and heart I had already given my life to God. We don’t have to wait to get baptized to serve God, we can start serving Him from day one.
For me it’s an honor to be called the daughter of the King of Kings, it’s an honor that God chose me, it’s an honor that He believes that I’m worthy enough to go out into the world and share His word. Brothers and sisters, feel honored, overjoyed because God has put His eyes on you. You are chosen, you are handpicked, you are special, you are loved!
I’d like to leave you with these words:
If you’re thinking of getting baptized and you have it in your mind, then you might be ready to get baptized. This is the Lord working in your heart and mind. Your soul will always be willing to connect with God and be obedient but it’s your flesh that will always doubt. It’s already in you, but now it’s up to you to take action. God will always put things in your heart, but He will never force you to do nothing. He wants you to make the final decision.
At the end of the day this is a very personal decision, don’t let anyone decide for you. You must decide but I do want to tell you that you have nothing to lose. On the contrary, you have much to gain. If you think you’ve been blessed up to now, well wait until you are obedient with God’s will and get baptized. If you think that you don’t know much about God’s word yet, or are not holy enough, or are a sinner, (this list can continue…) I want to tell you that you will never stop sinning, you will never know enough about God’s word because God is always showing us something new from the same books in the bible. Take a leap of faith and let the Holy Spirit guide you. May God bless you greatly with the knowledge of His word.
Still in God 
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