At the end of his ministry, Jesus commanded his disciples to go out into the world and baptize people in the name of the father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20). Baptism is not meant to be an option for the church. It is a command of Christ.
If you’ve never been baptized but consider yourself to be a Christian, I want to encourage you to get baptized.
I’ve heard various excuses throughout the years as to why people haven’t gotten baptized.
I wanted to just address a few of those.
1. IT’S NOT NECESSARY
Yes it is. Jesus commands it.
2. I’M AFRAID OF WATER
The pastor is not throwing you out into the ocean. If it’s a church that does baptism by immersion, the pastor is right there. You’ll be fine.
3. I DON’T WANT TO GET MY HAIR WET.
Wear a swim cap.
4. I’M TOO OLD.
You’re neve too old to be obedient to God,
5. I’M EMBARRASSED.
I can appreciate that. I really can. There might be different reasons why a person would be embarrassed. Maybe you’ve never gotten baptized and you’re at an age where you feel like you should have by this point but never got around to it and now you think you’ll look really silly.
I can appreciate that.
It’s not a good reason to not get baptized but I’m just saying I personally can appreciate that.
In Luke 9:26, Jesus said:
whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
If you’re someone who hasn’t been baptized and you do feel embarrassed about that fact, come talk to me. I promise you I’m not going to recoil in disgust that you haven’t done it. The fact that you didn’t do it in the past is something you can’t change. But you can do something about it and get baptized.
Part of the purpose of baptism is that it’s a public proclamation to the world that you identify as a follower of Jesus Christ. If you’ve waited this long and finally do it, people aren’t going to judge you. People will think it’s so great that you’re finally doing it now. You ever see those news stories at graduation time about some like 90 year old who finally is finishing up her college degree? People love those stories.
Don’t let stage fright be a reason to not get baptized. Don’t let pride be a reason to get baptized.
6. GOD HASN’T TOLD ME TO GET BAPTIZED YET.
It’s the devil who’s telling you not to get baptized and to disobey Jesus’ command!
You don’t need a divine prompt to do something that Jesus universally commands of his church.
You have God’s word and that tells you to do it.
7. IT DOESN’T APPLY TO ME.
It applies to all Christians.
Yes, there is the thief on the cross in Luke who’s promised heaven. Yes there are death bed conversions. But that’s not the same as a professing believer who’s simply dragging their feet.
8. I JUST DON’T WANT TO.
Once again, it’s a command of Christ for all Christians.
9. I’LL DO IT NEXT TIME.
Why then and not now?
As Nike used to tell us, just do it.
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Josh Benner 