What hinders me from being baptized?

The practice of water baptism initiated by John the Baptist, and instituted by Jesus Christ as a corresponding action to our faith in Him, seems to have evolved through the church ages. The word baptize comes from the Greek verb (baptizō), meaning “to dip, immerse, or submerge, signifying the death and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The evolution of this practice has introduced the baptism of babies through sprinkling of water, drawing the sign of the cross on the forehead of babies, the immersion of babies into water among other practices. Although these practices are well intentioned and serve a certain denominational purpose, they still do not accurately mirror the original use of that word, “baptizo”

The immersion was a corresponding action that followed ones belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This was a conscience decision that the candidate had to make, the candidate had to first understand the basics of the salvation message and positively respond to it. It was conducted on those who were mature enough to make a personal decision to repent and turn from their sins. John the forerunner of Jesus, baptized those who were convicted by his message, they responded by coming to him to be baptized. His message was a radicle passionate call to repentance.

John 3:3 NIV

“He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”

John 3:7-8 NIV

“Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood^[b] of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? ⁸ Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.“

The topic of this wonderful subject reads “what hinders me from being baptized?”

This question stems from the conversation between the Ethiopian eunuch and the evangelist Philip in the book of acts chapter 8 verse 34-36. It says.

“So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” ³⁵ Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.³⁶ Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”

The Ethiopian eunuch believed the gospel message and wanted to be baptized immediately. In this case, the candidate was ready and the water was available, nothing stood in the way of this man demonstrating his faith. It is important to note that if baptism happens before one puts his or her faith in Jesus Christ, that baptism is inconsequential. Water baptism alone cannot make one a Christian, it cannot take one to heaven, faith is Jesus Christ is what does the job. Baptism rather is the expression of ones faith in Jesus Christ. Remember faith without works is dead, and the expression of our faith is important.

The question therefore is, if you have put your faith in Jesus Christ, what hinders you from demonstrating your faith in Jesus Christ through baptism? When we get immersed into the water, we are proclaiming the death and then resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, that we have died and resurrected with Him and for the glory of His name.

John the Baptist did not want to baptize Jesus because he recognized the greatness of the Son of God, but Jesus replied to him that it is proper for them to fulfill all righteousness, that meant He (Jesus) had to be baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness. Think about it, if Jesus had to be baptised, why not you?

Mathew 3:15NIV

“Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.“

Some of us reading this blog haven’t been baptized in water through immersion yet, my question to you is, what hinders you from being baptized?

All you need is water, plenty enough for an immersion to take place and a minister who will baptize you. I have met many baptized believers who have testified to me that baptism through emersion was a powerful and life transforming experience for them. It was a powerful expression of their faith in Jesus Christ.

My question to you again is, what hinders you from being baptized?

If you would like to experience this powerful expression of our faith in Jesus Christ, please write in the comment below and we will reach out to you.

Be blessed!

Elias Mchogori

RJM