A watery connection

Imagine a wild, stormy afternoon at Milk Beach, Sydney, on September 6, 2008. A tight-knit group braves the shore, battling the fierce wind that snaps umbrellas inside-out, straining to hear the pastor’s voice against the cacophony of the elements. I stand in the water next to the pastor, not to go for a swim, but ready for baptism, the chill of the waves paling in comparison to the fire of my conviction. Lightning tears through the sky and thunder echoed my resolve; nothing can sway my determination.

This moment was mine—to  symbolically turn my back on an old life and rise, refreshed in Christ. The storm raged, but my conviction did not falter. I was prepared to begin anew, even in the rain—besides, rain didn’t bother me knowing that I was going to be fully drenched soon.

Just a couple of weeks before, God had opened my eyes through the Bible to the true essence of baptism—it’s so much more than mere tradition or ritual. Baptism marks the start of a significant spiritual journey, leading one from a past marred by sin to a rebirth with Jesus. It stands as a bold declaration of faith, a solemn vow to pursue a life in unwavering adherence to Jesus’ teachings. As I was immersed in the water, even the storm seemed to hold its breath, as if acknowledging the weight of my pledge. And as I rose from the baptismal waters, although the storm raged on, I had been made new—fortified, ready to weather any tempest with unshakable faith.

“go therefore”

My personal revelation on baptism started with the profound statement known as the “Great Commission”. Here, Jesus presents His disciples with a mission of unmistakable clarity;

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:19,20).

This command is the cornerstone upon which baptism rests. It’s far from a mere suggestion; it’s a divine mandate, fundamental to the Christian faith. Baptism is set forth as an overt act of a person’s resolve to embrace and live out Jesus’ teachings and to integrate into the fellowship of believers, embarking on a journey of faith that is both personal and collective.

For those just beginning their walk with Jesus, baptism is a powerful stride forward. It’s a visible expression of an invisible transformation—a change of heart, a decision to follow a new path.

it’s all Greek to me

The term “baptism” comes from the Greek word baptizo, which paints a picture of immersion, of being fully drenched. It’s a whole-body commitment, not just a tip of the hat. In the Bible, baptism is a full-immersion experience. Jesus was dipped entirely underwater and then swiftly raised back to the surface, as an example for new believers to follow. This isn’t just for show—it’s packed with meaning. Going under the water symbolises joining Jesus in His death, leaving old ways and mistakes, buried in the depths. And just as Jesus rose from the grave, when a person comes up from the water, it’s a picture of a fresh start, a resurrection into a life filled with Christ’s spirit.

The apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans hits right at the heart of baptism:

Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life (Romans 6:3,4).

It’s a profound thought—in baptism, we’re not just getting wet; we’re joining in Christ’s death and resurrection, starting afresh, empowered by the glory of God. It’s a transformative experience that beckons us to a life renewed.

And let’s not forget the promise of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 reminds us that baptism is connected with receiving the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live a life that reflects the character of Jesus. With baptism, you’re not just turning a page, you’re starting a whole new chapter with God as your guide. Think of baptism as the ultimate “status update” for the soul. In the Bible, it’s part of the fabric of a believer’s new life. It’s an outward symbol of an inner revolution, a public declaration of a very personal choice.

doing a 180

The Bible is full of stories where baptism is the exclamation point to a life-changing decision. Like a spiritual grand opening, it’s the believer’s way of saying, “Here I am, ready to start fresh, ready to follow Jesus.” Take, for example, a story from Acts 8. Picture Philip, one of Jesus’ disciples, guided by an angel, travelling down a desert road. He encounters an Ethiopian official—a man of importance in charge of the queen’s treasury. This man had been to Jerusalem to worship and was now on his way back, sitting in his ride, reading prophecies about Jesus given by the prophet Isaiah.

The Holy Spirit nudges Philip to talk to this man. Philip jogs over, listens in as the official reads and asks if he understands what he’s reading. From there, Philip shares the good news about Jesus and it hits home with the Ethiopian. As they travel, they pass some water and the official says, “Hey, why can’t I get baptised right now?” And just like that, they stop the chariot, hop out, and Philip baptises him then and there. This official was so jazzed about his new understanding, his new-found faith in Christ, he couldn’t wait another minute. He wanted to dive into this new life head-first. Acts 8:39 tells us the Ethiopian “went on his way rejoicing”. 

So, why does this all matter? Well, choosing baptism means committing to a lifelong journey of faith, which begins, not ends, at this sacred moment. This path is one of consistent prayer, dedicated study of the Bible and a vibrant relationship with Jesus. Whether you’re considering baptism or just curious about its significance, it’s crucial to grasp the depth of its meaning. It’s not merely a formality but a transformative experience that marks the beginning of a new life in Christ. Baptism was not just a personal milestone for me, but a step closer to the ultimate reunion with my Creator. And that, my friends, is what makes every baptism not just a ceremony, but a celebration of eternal promise and hope.

That’s why, more than 15 years after I entered my watery grave, baptisms still strike a deep chord within me. Witnessing this fusion of divine grace with personal dedication moves me profoundly. Baptism connects us to something (and Someone!) far greater than our individual existence, and truly, there’s nothing more remarkable than this connection.