The ChurchSample

What is baptism?

Baptism is the washing of water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Through baptism, believers signify their union with Jesus in his death, burial, and resurrection.

In the history of Christianity, there has been a lot of confusion and debate about the two great sacraments of the Church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

In the Middle Ages, it was often imagined that the sacraments worked like magic; if you were baptized, no matter the condition of your heart or your intentions or inner repentance, you were automatically saved.

But in our modern world, many Christians have rejected this magical interpretation of baptism and gone the other way to proclaim all that matters is the heart. In fact, you don’t need to worry about getting baptized. It’s not a big deal.

But are these two extremes the only options? Do we have to choose between magic and meaninglessness?

A better Christian approach to these issues is to take the Bible at its word. The whole Bible reveals that what matters is the inner transformation of your heart. But the Bible also says that Christians should be baptized, not because it’s magic, but because it’s one of the external, physical reminders of our relationship with God. 

Sacraments are the key ways that display relationship between God and his people. So, baptism is neither magic nor meaningless. It is a sacrament that God designed to symbolize entry into the Christian life for the person whose heart has genuinely been touched by God. It is an act of obedience and an external symbol to the world of what has happened to you spiritually. 

Spend some time today thanking God for the gift of baptism. If you haven’t been baptized, or you have questions about whether you should be baptized, talk to someone about your questions.