Water Baptism is one of the most significant moments in a Christian’s life. However, sadly, only some know where this tradition originated from and why it is essential. Although most people will request one, they usually do so without realizing how it affects them.
If you ever struggled to understand why people need to have a water baptism, you have come to the right place. In this article, you will find the true meaning of getting baptized. You will also be presented with the other types of baptisms. Being an educated Christian means being an educated child of God and living life how He wanted it to be lived – peacefully.
Jesus Himself said the following about baptism “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20) And it is so very comforting to know He is always with you.
Why Do You Need a Water Baptism?
Everyone tends to ask in their lifetime, but only a few find the answer to why we need water baptism. In short, it is simple, straightforward and not ambiguous as some may think. The meaning is obvious. Water baptism is the first step to God’s Kingdom – Heaven. God Himself said, “Amen, Amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.” (John 3:5).
From this, we understand that you “wash” your sins away by getting baptized in water, which ultimately grants you passage into Eden. Ananias said, “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins.” (Acts 22:16)
However, you don’t need to panic if you did not receive a water baptism. It would be cruel to think that our Lord and Savior would abandon us, His children, if a baptism were not performed. Getting into Heaven is not an “invite only.”
There are those, primarily children, who sadly passed away before getting a baptism. However, it is heartbreaking to think about such things. If you ever encounter a situation like this, you must know God is pure love. If one were to pass away without getting a baptism first, it is because God wanted it this way: His way, merciful.
While it is essential to get baptized, one thing that is way more important and larger than anything that you always need to remember when researching religion is that God loved, loves, and will always love you. You are His, and He will always fight for your salvation. So that you may rise and be with Him forever.
How Many Types of Baptisms Exist?
As a devout Christian, you must be educated about Him and everything He taught. Currently, there are three ways of being baptized. The first way is to get a sacramental baptism (water baptism). By doing so, you will forever bear the “mark of Christ.” This is but a symbol to show that you are entirely His. No sin can take this mark away; only God will judge you when you stand in front of His gates, the gates of Heaven.
The second baptism is one of desire. This means you will need to explicitly or implicitly show that you desire to be part of the church founded by Jesus Christ and, therefore, one of His children. This is also one of the other ways to bear the symbol of God until your last day on Earth. After expressing or showing your desire to join the church, you will prepare to have a water baptism.
The third type of baptism is the baptism of blood, also known as martyrdom. Showing God, you are more than willing to sacrifice for Him to prove to everyone how much you love Him is considered the ultimate sacrifice. While nowadays, these are rare, nobody can deny their existence. Unlike the other two types presented before, there won’t be a water baptism after the baptism of blood.
What Age Do You Need to Be to Get Baptized?
The Bible claims a baptism has to be done when a child is eight years old. He said, “And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands.” (Doctrine and Covenants 68:27). However, many religions choose a water baptism earlier, usually when the baby is close to 4 months. This way, it is believed that God is with them to protect them from all evil and sin. But, although Christians from all corners of the world put tremendous pressure on the age, as mentioned before, God loves everyone equally.
If you fear you missed the age of eight and can no longer be baptized, do not engage in that fear. Remember, you can prove your love to God. And He will always listen and guide you. Some people live their whole lives without being baptized or even realizing how important Christ and religion are to them. Until they are older and therefore choose to get baptized later in their lives. If this is your case, don’t be scared, as God will accept you at any age because, for Him, age does not matter; your soul does.
And if you or a loved one are suddenly called to the afterlife without a baptism, remember God’s comforting words “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God: have faith also in me. In my Father’s house, there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I would prepare a place for you? I will come back again and take you to myself so that where I am, you also may be.” (John 14:1-3)
