When kids ask what does it mean to be baptized, I relate the act of obedience to exuberant players running onto the field of play, declaring individually what team they are on, shouting praises of their coach, ready to work as a team to defeat the opposing team. When we come to be baptized we declare our true team colors of love, trust, obedience, gentleness, patience, goodness, forgiveness, mercy and grace to now be a part of our lives as was given to us through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice.

We declare we now live for God and for others and less for ourselves. We declare to the world, we are saved by the grace of Jesus Christ and we now live for Him. The “Coach” calls the plays and we are called to fulfill what He has planned…for He has our best interest at heart! We declare we are His! And He is ours. Forever!

“Jesus then appeared, arriving at the Jordan River from Galilee. He wanted John to baptize him. John objected, ‘I’m the one who needs to be baptized, not you!’ Matthew 3, Msg

“But Jesus insisted. ‘Do it. God’s work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism.’ So John did it.” Matthew 3, Msg

“The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit–it looked like a dove–descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: ‘This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.'”
Matthew 3, Msg

AND we are baptized because Jesus was baptized to signal the beginning of His mission from God to seek and to save lost people of the world. Forever.

We are saved when we truly repent (not just regret) our sins and ask forgiveness in the Name of Jesus Christ, who died for our sins. We are baptized as a public declaration that repentance took place in our lives, being “washed by the blood of the Lamb”, then brought up out of the waters remembering his resurrection and victory over death!

Baptism – The Declaration

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you! Thank you, Jesus, for Your example of being baptized, though You had no sin to repent! You began your public ministry with this declaration and Your Father heard and responded with affirmation! What beauty of your love and grace is expressed in the ordinance of baptism! Thank you, Lord! We are Yours. And You are mine. Thank you for the Cleansing! Be our wisdom, insight and understanding as we live this life in Your abundant way.
In Jesus Name, Amen