QKAG: Issue # 34

PAST ISSUE # 34
Questions Kids Ask About God

Question: Why do Christians get water baptized?

Answer: Christians get water baptized because they want to make a public statement to their family, friends and the devil that they have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Water baptism is an outward sign by which we acknowledge what Jesus had done for us. When we are immersed in water, we identify with Jesus' death on cross for our sins and His burial. As we rise from the water, we identify with the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. (Please refer to diagram and photograph of a typical water baptism.) Another reason is that Christians want to follow Jesus Christ who was also water baptized by John the Baptist in the River Jordan (Matthew 3:13-17). A word of caution - Christians do not get water baptized in order to go to heaven. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ, and not by water baptism (Romans 3:22; Ephesians 2:8-9).

Key Bible verses:
Matthew 28:19; John 4:1-2; Acts 2:38-39

My views:
When we were in our mother's womb, we were surrounded by a sac of liquid called the amniotic fluid. This body of fluid provides protection and safety for the fetus. When our mothers gave birth to us, we went from a liquid world to this present arid world. Therefore, isn't it apt that Christians proclaim their "born again" status to the world by being water baptized (John 3:3-7)? Our sinful past is washed away by the water, and now, we arise to a new life in Christ. Therefore, a Christian who has accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Saviour cannot continue to dwell in his old sinful self. He is renewed and made afresh (Colossians 3:8-10). If we call ourselves "Christians" and yet are proud, deceitful, lecherous, violent, petty, etc; we need to carefully ask ourselves whether we are truly born again. If we are not born again, it is never too late to rededicate our life to Jesus and ask Him to renew our mind, heart and spirit.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for dying on the Cross for my sins. Thank You for your precious gift of eternal life. Before I knew You, I was proud, wretched, and unhappy. I humble myself before You and welcome You into my heart. I ask that You take captive of my mind so that I may understand Your purpose for me. Lord Jesus, refresh my mind, heart and spirit so that I may rejoice in worshipping You. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for everything. Amen.

Last words...
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)
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Source: 101 Questions Kids Ask About God, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc