What's Next?: The Journey To Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, And Make A DifferenceSample

Baptism: The Wedding Band of Christianity

When I married my wife, Tammy, and vowed to be hers until death do us part, I put a ring on my left hand that, to this day, serves as a symbol of my commitment to her. My wedding band is a sign to Tammy and to everyone else that I am fully devoted to our relationship. I’m all in. It’s an outward expression of an inward devotion. Baptism is the very same thing—an outward symbol of the internal commitment we’ve made to God.

Jesus set the example for us by being baptized Himself. His baptism declared His commitment to His Heavenly Father and the life God had called Him to live on earth. We see throughout the New Testament that when people got saved, they followed the example of Jesus in baptism. It’s the next step for those who have given their lives to God: first believe, then be baptized.

I’ve heard many people say over the years that they don’t think they need to be baptized because their decision to follow Jesus is private, but there isn’t a single Scripture to back up that line of thinking. Your faith is not meant to be a secret! God wants you to make your relationship with Him public. If He has changed your life, let the world know. He will use your story and your boldness to draw others to Him. Take the step. It’s time to be baptized.