“I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” 

I don’t know how many times I have heard that phrase. I grew up Southern Baptist meaning the churches I attended believed in baptism by submersion. When a new believer makes their confession of faith, they stand in the baptismal with the pastor (or sometimes a parent or spiritual mentor) and is asked, “Do you believe in Jesus Christ?” 

”I do,” the new believer said. 

”I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” said the baptizer before lowering them beneath the water line and lifting them back up to applause and cheers.  

To someone who did not grow up in the church or know theology, that probably sounds odd. Dunking someone in the water? Cheering when a person gets dunked?   

I see baptism as a symbolism. Baptism is an outward expression of your faith. Growing up, I learned the ABC’s of Salvation — Admit, Believe, Confess. Admit that you are a sinner, believe that Jesus is God’s Son and that he came to earth to die for our sins, and confess with your mouth that Jesus is your Lord and Savior. 

Have you ever admitted that you’ve done wrong before? What do you do first? Do you admit to another first or do you first admit to yourself? Most likely you admit to yourself first, then you have a choice. You can tell others or you can keep it inside. It is an internal and intimate matter. The same thing goes for your personal faith in Jesus. Just like no one force you to admit something, no one can force you to have faith in Jesus. It is a matter that you, alone, have to come up with. Confession follows admittance. You admit you did wrong, decide to right the wrong, and then confess your wrongs. Like how baptism follows your personal statement of faith.  

That is, if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and you are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 

You can’t hide a baptism. It is a ceremony. It is a proclamation of your faith. The baptizer is proclaiming to the world that they believe that Jesus is Lord and that he died on the cross and three days was risen. They are proclaiming that once they were dead in sin, but now alive and new through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.  

Elizabeth