Baptism is one of the major ordinances of the Baptist Church and many other faiths.

Examples of ordinances include baptism and the Lord’s Supper, both of which are practiced in denominations such as the Anabaptist, Baptist, Churches of Christ, and Pentecostal traditions.

“And that water is like baptism, which now saves you. Baptism is not the washing of dirt from the body. It is asking God for a clean conscience. It saves you because Jesus Christ was raised from death.”
1 Peter 3:21 (ERV)

It always makes my heart smile when I see people still coming to the church to be baptized and give their lives to the Lord. What amazes me is how often people believe that once they give their lives to God, everything becomes perfect — that blessings will rain down from Heaven and all their troubles will disappear. I wish that were true.

The reality is this: the gates of hell often open in your life when you proclaim God. The enemy had no reason to bother you when you served him, but the moment you decide to give your life to God, the enemy feels the need to pull you back. Everything you like will be presented to you. Everything you are trying to give up will become increasingly enticing. Every situation you face may feel more challenging and more stressful. The enemy will frustrate you in your purpose and turn friends into foes.

And you may ask yourself, why?
Because that is his purpose — but fear not.

“A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.”
John 10:10 (ERV)

Once you give your life to God and confess Jesus, you are saved. You are never left alone. No matter how dark the night becomes, remember that joy comes in the morning.

Rest assured: once you decide to live for God, it is for life. It is not temporary, nor does it have limitations. It is not for a season — it is forever.

“Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not death, life, angels, or ruling spirits. I am sure that nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us or nothing below us—nothing in the whole created world—will ever be able to separate us from the love God has shown us in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38–39 (ERV)

So, if you have not yet been baptized, let’s do it. Start by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus. Then be baptized and take your place in eternal life.

“If you openly say, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from death, you will be saved.”
Romans 10:9 (ERV)