Baptism Represents Commitment
Baptism Represents Commitment | November 15, 2025
Several years ago, I faced the challenging responsibility of officiating the funeral for a young man who had left behind a wife and three children. He had also served in the military. After delivering my eulogy, the deceased soldier's father took the time to thank me. He emphasised his son's commitment to Christ by sharing, "He loved the Lord and his country so much that he was baptized in his military uniform."
The father's reflection on his son's faith beautifully encapsulates one of the main reasons why individuals seek baptism.
See, baptism represents an inward and outward commitment to Christ. Throughout the centuries, beginning during the time of Christ, baptism in many instances proved to be costly for the person being baptized due to persecution. However, these threats didn't stop people from publicly professing their faith. For some, baptism resulted in being ostracized, threatened, jailed, beaten, or even executed. Thus, the motivation wasn't comfort or prosperity, but rather it was a response to the Gospel and the call to follow Christ.
We can see this understanding and response on the Day of Pentecost, 40 days after Christ ascended to the Father, following His resurrection. On this day, Peter gave the first post-ascension sermon, which resulted in many people coming to Christ and being baptized.
Acts 2:40-41 says, "With many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, ‘Be saved from this corrupt generation!' 41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them."
Whether you were baptized many years ago, recently, or are preparing to take this vital step, remember that baptism represents your commitment to follow Christ. Therefore, seek to live for God's glory, look to grow your faith, give God your undivided focus, and leave the results to Him!
Special note: On Sunday, November 16th, Crossroads will have its next baptism. If you would like to take this step of faith, please contact me directly at ray@crossroadsny.org
The father's reflection on his son's faith beautifully encapsulates one of the main reasons why individuals seek baptism.
See, baptism represents an inward and outward commitment to Christ. Throughout the centuries, beginning during the time of Christ, baptism in many instances proved to be costly for the person being baptized due to persecution. However, these threats didn't stop people from publicly professing their faith. For some, baptism resulted in being ostracized, threatened, jailed, beaten, or even executed. Thus, the motivation wasn't comfort or prosperity, but rather it was a response to the Gospel and the call to follow Christ.
We can see this understanding and response on the Day of Pentecost, 40 days after Christ ascended to the Father, following His resurrection. On this day, Peter gave the first post-ascension sermon, which resulted in many people coming to Christ and being baptized.
Acts 2:40-41 says, "With many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, ‘Be saved from this corrupt generation!' 41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them."
Whether you were baptized many years ago, recently, or are preparing to take this vital step, remember that baptism represents your commitment to follow Christ. Therefore, seek to live for God's glory, look to grow your faith, give God your undivided focus, and leave the results to Him!
Special note: On Sunday, November 16th, Crossroads will have its next baptism. If you would like to take this step of faith, please contact me directly at ray@crossroadsny.org
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