Have you ever wondered, “Why Do People Get Baptized?” It’s a question that might cross your mind when you see baptism ceremonies, or perhaps when considering your own spiritual journey. For many, like myself, baptism can be a topic filled with questions, especially if you were baptized as an infant. Growing up, I didn’t fully grasp the meaning behind my infant baptism, and it wasn’t until later in life that I really started to ponder its significance.
Baptismal Questions from My Youth
Unlike some who grow up understanding baptism from a young age, my upbringing wasn’t deeply rooted in Christian traditions. While my grandmother had Lutheran roots and arranged my infant baptism, the deeper meaning wasn’t something I considered until my teenage years. I remember in high school, our youth group planned baptisms in a hot tub – which initially sounded appealing! However, the reality of a freezing cold hot tub in February quickly shifted my focus to more profound questions about baptism itself.
Witnessing those brave souls get baptized in icy water sparked a series of questions in my mind. By this time, I had made a personal commitment to follow Jesus. This led to thoughts like:
Since I had already dedicated my life to Jesus, did I need to be baptized again? If a second baptism wasn’t essential, would there even be any benefit to it? Could it somehow diminish the importance of my first baptism, or would it be disrespectful to the original ceremony?
Lingering Questions About the Purpose of Baptism
These questions weren’t just fleeting thoughts; they stayed with me for years. You might think these are unusual concerns, but they were genuine and important to me. I genuinely wondered about the real purpose of undergoing baptism again.
Later, when my wife and I were looking for a church community and found Berean, church membership became a priority. However, Berean required baptism by immersion for membership. This requirement became a significant hurdle for me.
For a long time, I held firmly to the belief that a second baptism was unnecessary. I had been baptized as an infant, and in my mind, that should be sufficient. I reasoned that this “experience” wasn’t something I needed to repeat. I had already accepted Jesus into my life; how could another baptism bring me any closer to Him?
Background and Experiences Leading to Baptismal Confusion
My time at a university associated with the Assemblies of God denomination further complicated my understanding. Speaking in tongues was a practice strongly encouraged within this Christian tradition. Friends would suggest that speaking in tongues was essential for a deeper connection with Jesus, a special language between God and me. They encouraged me to pray for this gift to draw closer to God. I tried, but it didn’t resonate with me.
Through research and reflection, I realized that speaking in tongues isn’t a prerequisite for closeness with Jesus. What truly strengthens my relationship with Him is consistently engaging with God’s Word and prayer. And thankfully, prayer can be in any language, including English, which is perfect for me!
Following university, our search for a church home led us to various congregations, which unfortunately added to my confusion. We encountered churches that implied that specific actions or achievements were necessary to get closer to Jesus. This left me constantly questioning, “How do these actions bring me closer to God than simply spending time in His Word?” The answers often felt vague, almost like “magic,” without any clear explanation.
Confused person seeking answers about baptism – outstretched hand with question marks symbolizing doubts about the meaning of baptism
Confusion as a Barrier to Baptism
By this point, you can understand my hesitation about baptism at Berean. My desire for church membership clashed with my unresolved questions. The overarching thought was, “WHY? What is the real point of adult baptism? Will it truly bring me closer to Jesus in a way I haven’t already experienced?”
I wrestled with these questions internally and discussed them with pastors. Still, the idea of re-baptism felt uncertain, and it almost prevented me from pursuing membership.
A Shift in Perspective: Baptism as a Public Declaration
Finally, someone offered a perspective that changed everything. They said, “Lucas, baptism isn’t just about you personally. It’s a public declaration of your faith, a powerful testimony that encourages the entire Christian community. While your infant baptism was meaningful, adult baptism is an opportunity to publicly affirm your faith and inspire others on their own faith journey.”
This explanation, though seemingly obvious in retrospect, had never been presented to me in this way. Previous answers often revolved around vague notions of “the next step in your faith.” That was unsatisfying. I needed to understand the why and how behind baptism, not just be told it was something I should do to get closer to Jesus.
Baptism: Sharing God’s Work, Not Focusing on Ourselves
I realized then that baptism isn’t primarily about personal spiritual gain. It’s an opportunity to declare to a community of believers that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, and I have chosen to follow Him. It’s not a self-centered act; it’s about giving glory to God. My previous defensiveness had blinded me to this crucial aspect.
Baptism became a way to publicly share my faith, to reflect God’s glory to the world. It was a celebration of what God had already done in my life and an encouragement for others to consider the same path.
What’s Holding You Back?
If you, like me, were baptized as an infant, I understand your hesitations and questions. Perhaps you’ve pondered similar things. Keep asking those questions! And if you’re seeking answers, reach out to trusted pastors or Christian mentors.
Taking the step to be baptized as an adult was a decision I cherish. It has enriched my faith story, adding another chapter that God has used and continues to use for His glory. Since my baptism a year ago, I’ve had numerous opportunities to share my faith journey with others.
Did it bring me closer to Jesus? In a way, yes. Not in a magical, transformative sense immediately after emerging from the water, but in the sense that it opened doors for me to share my faith more openly and confidently.
So, I ask you, “What’s standing in your way?“
Ultimately, it’s all for His glory, always.
