Why Do People Get Baptized

By Rachael Gutierrez


The question that is usually on the minds of many is why do people get baptized. This is a question whose answers are buried in the verses and chapters of the bible. The reasons are either directly given or implied through words and actions. The basic reason is in obedience to the will of God just as Christ did at River Jordan. This means that every Christian should follow His example.

The baptism of an individual is a message that he has accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. This symbolic ceremony points at a life that has changed. Friends, relatives and the congregation begin to view such a person in a different light. It shows that the person is making progress in a different path in life. This is exemplified by the Philippians jailer, as accounts of Acts 16 read, who requested that his family receive baptism because they had accepted the God whom Paul served.

The New Testament quotes 1st John chapter 1 verse 19, Christians are required to confess their sins if they are to get purification. Baptism is used as an outside mark of purification and change of status. The change happens when an individual wills and submits to the teachings of Christ. The visible symbol of cleansing is water and the flow or dipping indicates the washing away.

The decision to submit to the will of God was given even more significance by Jesus Christ when he went before John the Baptist in River Jordan. When the skies opened and a voice was heard, it indicated that God had approved this action. Christians are asked to do the same and gain the approval of God in heaven.

When Jesus was sending disciples to go out and evangelize in Matthew 28, he ordered them to go beyond preaching. They were supposed to baptize those who agreed to convert in the name of the father, son and Holy Spirit. This meant a symbolic gesture that one has crossed over and is no longer the old sinner. Baptism affirmed that the word of God was taken and that the person is ready to follow what it says.

There is a lot of symbolism during baptism that explains why the trend is not about to die. A person is dipped in water to signify when Christ died. The minutes spent submerged in water point at the days Christ spent in the tomb. When the person emerges, it implies that new life has begun and the sins have been cleansed.

The concept of original sin as subscribed to by several churches is another genesis of baptism. Adam and Eve are said to pass the sin to every child at birth. This sin can only be wiped during baptism. It is common practice among Catholics to have infants undergo baptism.

Why do people get baptized is a question that continues to baffle many. The decision is personal and the desire must be communicated to the baptizing pastor. It is a decision to change ways and keep in the path of Christ. Each church has unique requirements and procedures for their faithful.




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