The Beauty of Baptism

Most of us don't look our best when we're dripping wet. And yet, baptism is beautiful. Not because of what we do, but because of what God does. Not because we're doing "good works," but because the good Lord is at work. While on the surface there's nothing inherently holy about being immersed in water, we should never diminish something God has commanded and blessed.

Baptism is beautiful because of its simplicity. No "holy water" needed, just plain old H2O. No fancy clothes required. No complicated theological platitudes to be recited. The only prerequisites needed are sincere repentance and confession of faith in Christ.

Baptism is beautiful because of its availability. It can take place in an elaborate baptistry or a mountain stream, on an ocean beach or in a church building. It's enough if there's a willing subject, a disciple-maker eager to follow the Great Commission, and a place like John found where there was "plenty of water" (John 3:23).

Baptism is beautiful because of its immediacy. No need to delay or debate it. Convinced about Jesus during their traveling Bible study, a government official from Ethiopia interrupted their chariot ride and told Philip, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" His response was immediate. They both went down into the water, and when they came back up, the Ethiopian was filled with joy and Philip was sent to another place to preach (Acts 8:26-40). Likewise, the Philippian jailer heard the gospel in the middle of the night and "then immediately he and all his family were baptized" (Acts 16:31-34).

Baptism is beautiful because of its consistency. It links us with a long heritage of Christian practice going back to New Testament times, demonstrating our unity with the rest of the body of Christ where there is "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5). Baptism levels the playing field. The tall, muscular athlete allows his body to be submerged in the water, momentarily helpless. The gorgeous model has her hairdo reduced to a dripping mess. The proud business leader submits himself meekly into the hands of another. The tattooed teen surrenders to the Lord who was pierced for him on the cross. The aging sinner at death's door finds living hope as he unites with the Savior in death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:1-4).

Baptism is beautiful because of its intimacy. A powerful spiritual drama unfolds when a repentant believer yields to the Lord's will. Peter connected baptism with some of God's greatest gifts: forgiveness of sin, the gift of the Holy Spirit, even salvation itself—"not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21). Salvation can't be earned, but it must be received by faith. Whether you're nine years old or 90, you can be "buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead" (Colossians 2:12).

Baptism is beautiful. That's why Jesus insisted upon it and the New Testament church practiced it. If you were baptized in the past, thank the Lord and let your memory of this blessed event always remind you of your commitment to Christ and your gratitude for what he's done for you. And if you haven't been baptized, "What are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name" (Acts 22:16).