Holy Baptism

Christian Baptism is important to all of us. For many of us who were baptized as a little baby, the first time we came to church was to be baptized. People can also be baptized as adults if they didn’t get baptized as a child. You should try to remember the day you were baptized. It is the day we were welcomed into God's family and made a child of heaven. No one would forget their natural birthday. We should always remember and give thanks for our Christian birthday - our Baptism day.

Now many people don't know what the Bible teaches about Baptism. They are not clear about what Baptism means or what it gives or what it continues to give throughout the rest of their lives. Some people think Holy Baptism is some kind of initiation ceremony like when you "christen" a boat. Other people mistakenly believe that Holy Baptism is all about them. Their decision — their promise — their living a holy life acceptable to God. Some other people mistakenly believe that you have to apply the water at Baptism just right or it won't work. For example, some Christian churches teach that if you aren't completely dunked in the water, all your sins won't be washed away.

It is sad to know that some churches charge money for someone to be baptized. The Bible shows us that God's free gifts in Christ should be offered and given freely. Here at Redeemer we don't demand a fee to perform a Baptism, just like Jesus didn't demand a fee to forgive someone their sins.

For people who don't know what Christian Baptism is all about, there are some places in the Bible you can go to better understand Holy Baptism. Actually, when you take a look at what the Bible says about Holy Baptism, it's pretty easy to figure out.

Jesus commands that the Church make disciples of all nations. How is this done? Whenever there is baptizing and teaching according to Jesus' Word and command. We are made disciples of Jesus when God's name (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is spoken over us as the water of Holy Baptism washes away our sins. We are given a new name: the name "Christian."

At Jesus' baptism the Son of God was baptized into His mission to be the Savior of the whole world. He took upon himself our sins and paid the penalty for our sins on the Cross.

At Jesus' Baptism, the voice of the heavenly Father announced, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased." Because of our Baptism into Christ's death and resurrection, God now says to all who have been baptized: "You are my beloved child, in whom I am well-pleased."

But what about those people who receive Baptism and then, later, walk away from Jesus and his promises? What about those who are baptized but no longer believe in Jesus or their Baptism or the Lord's Supper or the Bible? What went wrong? Can we blame Holy Baptism for people who don't believe any more?

We need to remember that Holy Baptism is a gift. A heavenly gift. A perfect gift of forgiveness and new life. But you can always throw away a gift. But that's not Jesus' fault.

What are some ways that I remind myself of my Baptismal birthday? You can put a shrunk photocopy of your Baptismal certificate in your wallet or purse. Or get a bumper sticker that has the date you were baptized on it. You can use a Baptism candle when you celebrate the anniversary of your Baptism.

Or you can remind yourself of your Baptism by making the sign of the cross - just like the sign of the cross was made over you on the day you were baptized.

Today I become an official member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. I am a confirmed member of this congregation. But really, I'm already a member of the Christian Church through my Baptism. I am God's dear child and an heir of all the blessings of heaven.

It's that simple. My sins have been washed away. I am a member of God's family, today and forever.

Joshua Hill, 5/23/2010