Do you believe Jesus loves you more than you ever dreamed? I hope so! Because He proved just how high, how deep and how wide is His love for you when He died on the cross.
Love is empty without actions.
You can tell your friends; your family, pet, or classmates, you love them, but if you’re careless for their needs, ignore them or put yourself first, can you blame them for doubting your words? The book of James says, “Faith without works is dead.” The same is true for Love. Love without action is dead.
Symbols of love
If you get married, then on your wedding day, rings will be exchanged and then worn for the rest of your days. Now, those wedding rings do not somehow make you married. The vows do that. The rings don't keep you married, either. The commitment does. The rings don't promise a relationship of love.
So why bother with the rings?!
The rings are an outward expression of an internal love. They declare you are willfully in a covenant relationship with a bride or husband. Now, let’s say you don't wear your ring. Does that mean you are not married? No. Does it mean you no longer love your spouse? Probably not. It does, however, give cause for consideration. Why, if you love him/her as you profess, would you not want the whole world to see. If love is true, action always follows. Love cannot help itself. It just overflows.
Making a commitment
Rings are not worn by the bride and groom until after vows are made. The confession of love and acceptance of relationship responsibility comes first. Similarly, when you choose to be baptized, it comes after you've invited Christ into your heart, and given up your life, plans, sin, and selfish wants in order to follow Him.
Baptism is not salvation. Baptism does not put the Spirit in your heart or secure your eternal destination. No, baptism acknowledges the One who already has done the saving work. The only way we’re eternally secure is by surrendering our whole, imperfect life to Christ. Baptism is an outward expression of inward faith.
Why should I get baptised?
Baptism won't change whether or not you are saved—it is your opportunity to announce your love, to wear your ring, and tell this world, “I’m taken, washed, and loved.”
In baptism, going under water reminds us we are washed by the blood of Christ. Our old, helpless selves are buried in His death. New life is represented by rising from the water. Jesus rose from the grave to grant new life, today. One day God’s children will resurrect with him forever.
God won't love you more if you get baptised
John 3:16 is a visible verse in our world. From tattoos to ballparks and billboards to pulpits… it’s no wonder many believers think it’s only elementary. To better understand baptism, let’s consider what this verse does not say.
John 3:16 does NOT read, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him (and gets baptised) should not perish but have eternal life.”
You can do nothing to make God love you more. You can do nothing so terrible to make God love you less.
The only reason God sings over you with love is because your heart is home to Jesus. If this still seems too good to be true, read and memorise Ephesians 2:8.
Baptism is about declaring your love
Baptism is not something you do for your youth pastor or parent. Baptism is something you do for God. It's your way to show your commitment, wear His ring unashamedly, and declare to a world adorned with all things else that you love Him above all else.