THY VOWS O LORD ARE UPON ME
‘Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again.’ John 3:7
What does it mean to be born again? Being born again is a change similar to the caterpillar changing into a beautiful butterfly. When you are born again, you are a new person, your lifestyle is changed, your heart is inclined to righteousness and by the power of God, you
subdue your carnal desires.
For God so loved the world, that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
This is a very popular Scripture and one that is favourable to us because we all desire to be loved, especially by God. However, we must remember that it is in giving that we receive. Jesus came as our Saviour; He was the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. (John 1:29) John the forerunner of Jesus declared that while he baptised with water, Jesus would baptise with fire. This fire is the Holy Spirit which is given to all whom are walking righteously before God.
Before Jesus began His Ministry intensely, He went to John to be baptised. He was not baptised because He needed to show that He had renounced the sinful pleasures of this world because Jesus had no sin. He went through the procedure to show us the importance of being baptised.
While Jesus was standing in the water after His baptism, the Spirit of God came upon Him and a voice from heaven clearly declared ‘This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.’ (Matthew 3:16-17). This was God’s way of endorsing Jesus’ Ministry in the eyes of the people. God will do the same for us when we follow Jesus’ example.
Baptism is such an important step, that one must be totally committed before doing it. The believer should also ensure that the proper procedure is followed. Sprinkling is not baptism; one must be immersed in water.
Notice that it was after the baptism that Jesus received the Holy Spirit. This is a lesson to make us aware, that it is after our total commitment has been expressed through baptism, that God will pour His blessings on us. The motive for us getting baptised is to show the world that we have buried the old man and is now walking and living a new life.
In Acts chapter 10 we read that Apostle Peter was sent to preach the gospel of salvation to the Gentiles. The Jews would not readily accept the Gentiles as members of the Body of Christ therefore they were shown an extraordinary sign.
Cornelius and those to who Apostle Peter spoke received the gift of the Holy Ghost without being baptised. There is no record of this incident being repeated; God did it for a special purpose.
THE COMMISSION
At the end of His Ministry Jesus gave a commission. He said ‘Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world.’ Matthew 28: 19-20
Every disciple of Christ is a propagator of the gospel. As an ambassador, believers must encourage the hearers of the word to repent and be baptised.
WHY BE BAPTISED?
Why should one be baptised? When we are baptised, we are baptised into Jesus’ death. Jesus became the sacrifice for sin. Man sinned willfully and Jesus also willingly gave His life to redeem us from sin to a life of righteousness (Hebrews 10:28). So, Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many. Before Christ died animals were used as sacrifice for sin. This could not adequately cleanse us so Jesus came as our Rescuer. The songwriter asked, “Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing blood are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?”
Baptism shows that we are buried with Christ and even as Christ was raised from the dead, so we rise from the water to walk in the newness of life. Therefore, when we are willing to be baptised, we are expressing our faith that Jesus died for our sins and was resurrected on the third day and is now ascended to His Father. Presently, He is sitting by His Father’s right-hand interceding for us.
Why reject this wonderful opportunity to become a member of God’s family? This is our only guarantee of being reconciled to God and obtaining eternal life. Be reminded that Romans 6:23 says, ‘The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’
HOW DID THE APOSTLES FULFIL THE COMMISSION?
The Apostles continued the Ministry after Christ’s ascension. They fearlessly expounded the gospel and led many to baptism. On the day of Pentecost, when Christ’s disciples were gathered in harmony with God and man, the Holy Spirit came as a mighty rushing wind and anointed the Saints. Apostle Peter declared the Ministry of Jesus to the hearers and thousands were convicted and repented of their sins. After their conviction they asked ‘What shall we do?’ Today, even as you read this tract, you may be asking a similar question. I encourage you give your heart in baptism to the Lord because tomorrow may not be yours to live.
After the hearers asked for spiritual guidance, Peter said unto them, ‘Repent and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.’ Acts 2:38. The listeners gladly accepted and about three
thousand souls were baptised that day. God’s power led that multitude in submission; therefore, you too can be led. Today, as you hear His words, do not harden your heart.
The Church continued to grow as the followers of Christ ministered to sinners. Satan challenged the Ministry but God saved such as should be saved. The Gentiles gladly accepted the golden opportunity of salvation. When Peter saw how God worked in the lives of Cornelius and his family, he commanded that they be baptised in the name of the Lord. The Lord referred to here is Jesus Christ.
Phillip also baptised the Ethiopian eunuch. People everywhere saw the importance of being immersed in water depicting Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. They embraced the gospel of truth and light. They were eager to move out of darkness into the marvellous light of salvation. Would not it be good for you to make a similar decision today? Remember if you walk in darkness, you will stumble and fall.
In Acts 19 we read that Paul was passing through Ephesus and he saw some disciples. He asked them if they had received the Holy Ghost. They had not received it, so he asked how they were baptised. They told him that they were baptised according to John’s baptism.
Paul told them that John baptised with the baptism of repentance saying that they should believe on Jesus but it was now necessary to be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ. When the disciples heard this, they accepted re-baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus. Here we see that when one is not baptised in the name of Jesus Christ a second baptism is recommended.
WHY BAPTISE IN THE NAME OF LORD JESUS CHRIST?
One may wonder how Jesus said baptism should be done in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and the Apostles to whom He left the Ministry did not use those terms. Let us examine the term used and decide if they faithfully followed God’s commission. Remember Jesus said in the name of therefore we are to find the name.
Who is the Father? What is His name? in Isaiah 42:8 God said, ‘I am the Lord: that is my name.’
Who is the Son? What is His name? Matthew 1:21 answers the question. It reads, ‘and she shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call His name Jesus.
What is the Holy Spirit? It is the power of God. Do you remember that after Jesus was baptised the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove. It was after this that He was declared to be Christ, the Anointed One. Jesus asked His disciples, who do men say that I the Son of man, am? After their response, He asked them who was He. Peter answered, ‘Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus responded, Blessed art thou Simon Barjona, for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.’
(Matthew 16:13-17). Jesus told His disciples not to tell anyone that He was Jesus, the Christ.
Readers, there are several steps which lead to baptism. These are: hearing the words, believing, accepting, repentance, conversion, then baptism. Be reminded that Jesus was pure and sinless, yet He was baptised by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. Therefore, I implore you now to repent and be baptised for the remission of your sins. Baptism saves us and is the answer of a good conscience toward God. 1st. Peter 3:21
Prayer
Heavenly Father I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ my Redeemer. I thank You for granting me the opportunity to call You, Father. I pray that You will forgive me of my sins and inspire me daily. Lord, help me to keep my baptismal covenant with You and be a true follower of Christ. Thanks for washing me with the water and Thy word. Please grant me wisdom and strength to minister to others so that they will know about You. I love You Father. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Writer - A. E. FISHER
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