The “waters” of Baptism

Being the oldest of six kids, I learned the language of birth early on. I can still hear my mother talking about where she was when her “water broke.” I learned that babies in the womb are surrounded by a “watery” sack that breaks when the time is right.

As followers of Jesus, we celebrate a second kind of “breaking water.” It’s called “baptism.” In the waters of baptism, we celebrate spiritual birth and the emergence into a new world where everything seems new… new opportunities, new relationships, new hope and dreams. The bible says that “all things are new!” (2 Co. 5) Baptism is about being born “anew” and into a new spiritual family.  

The method of baptism as practiced by our church is also symbolic. It’s called “immersion.” We go down under the water as an expression of death and burial to the old self. We come up out of the water illustrating our “resurrected” lives. (To my knowledge, no believer has ever entered the waters of baptism without coming back up out of the water.)  

Baptism is a beginning, not an end. It’s an entrance into a lifelong journey where Jesus Christ becomes our personal guide, instructor, mentor, sponsor, encourager, forgiver, companion, etc. He is the very presence of God in our lives.

The Scriptures say, “Repent (stop running away from God) and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit is an essential player in baptism. Ultimately, it’s not the water that makes us “clean.” Nor is it our decision to be immersed that does the work. No. It’s the work of God through the power of His Spirit, calling us into the Light of Jesus and out of a world spiraling into darkness.

If you have not begun this journey with Jesus through the waters of baptism, we invite you to do so. If God is speaking to your heart, trust him and follow. If you need clarification, talk with a deacon, staff member or SS teacher. Request a call from the staff on the blue card. While everyone who believes in Jesus need not become a pastor or missionary, we all should pass through the waters of Jesus. It’s our “coming out” event that invites others in.  Email with questions: mpoole@hatcherchurch.org