The Immersion To a New Life
By Art Dmytriyev
Yancey County
It was a regular church service day when, in front of the congregation, a preacher had been performing the baptism of a friend who asked him for an unusual favor: to hold him under the water for a while — longer than usual preachers hold. The reason for his request was the experience of a brand-new life — he preferred to die symbolically and become a born-again Christian.
Nearly every Christian denomination today practices baptism. It is a Biblically-based doctrine. Why then do most of the churches do it differently: some spindle with water, some baptize in the sand, others baptize different parts of the bodies, and some experience complete immersion?
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized 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 KJV). Baptism testifies to our conviction to follow Jesus and drives us to live out our faith boldly and without fear. The biblical practice of baptism is an outward demonstration of an inward commitment. It symbolizes the death and burial of Jesus Christ. When one comes up out of the water, they are symbolically raised to a new life in Christ. It’s an exciting start to a new Christian’s life.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing 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 alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:19–20 KJV). Jesus commanded every believer to go out into the world preaching the Good News. Also, He said new believers were to be baptized. Baptism moves the heart of the believer toward a deep relationship with Christ. In the Bible, baptism is demonstrated as part of the Christian life. Baptism shows choice and transformation of the heart of the believer, and it begins the journey of a life deeply changed.
“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13–17 KJV). John the Baptist proclaimed the Word of God, and he called people to confess their sins through repentance, but Jesus did not need to repent and confess anything. He is God! So, we may conclude that baptism is simply an outward expression of a Christian’s faith, and Jesus’ example of baptism demonstrated his dedication to His Father in Heaven. So, we, as Christians, show our dedication to God through the biblical practice of baptism.
You may ask: Do Christians need to be baptized to be saved? The Bible answers: ”For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9 KJV). It’s the blood of Jesus that saves us, not baptism. Salvation is a free gift from God. It’s the Holy Spirit’s work that makes the difference. After the baptism, through the power of the Holy Spirit, a person joyfully begins a new life!
Dear Reader, have you ever been baptized? If not, then delay no longer. Dedicate your life to Jesus as your Redeemer and Savior! Perhaps you were baptized, but something happened in your life, and today you feel disconnected from the source of Life. Please come to Jesus immediately and surrender yourself to Him. The best way to do it is by being baptized in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They practice Biblical baptism by immersion, and they teach 100% Bible-based doctrine. Come, dedicate yourself to the Lord, and begin the New Life! May the Lord Bless You!
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Pastor Art Dmytriyev is originally from Siberia. He has traveled the world in Evangelism and pastoral ministry. He serves as a pastor in North Carolina, holds a Master of Divinity degree, and is currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate. More information at: https://burnsvillenc.adventistchurch.org/pastors-blog
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