WHY DO YOU WANT TO GET BAPTIZED? WHAT IS THE REASON?
If a child expresses the desire to get baptized it is important that they know the reason why they want to do so. If the answer is “I don’t know”, “because all my friends are”, “because I want to take communion” or “because my teacher said to” then the child is probably not making this decision with proper motives. The correct reason for wanting to be baptized is because God instructs us to do so and because we are ready to make a choice to live a life for Him. In addition to that we understand that we are sinners in need of forgiveness and that accepting the blood of Jesus and being obedient to baptism washes our sins away.
WHAT DOES GETTING BAPTIZED MEAN? WHY DO WE DO IT?
Children often make a decision to get baptized because they were taught by their superiors to do so. But, it is important that they truly understand why we believe in baptism. We follow the example of Jesus who was baptized. Baptism symbolizes death to sin and our sinful nature and resurrection of a new person in Christ. Baptism symbolizes the washing away of our sins. The act of baptism in and of itself does not save us, the blood of Jesus does. But our being obedient to this public act demonstrates our love for God and our acceptance of His shed blood as forgiveness for our sins. We also believe that we receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit after baptism.
WHAT WILL YOU DO DIFFERENTLY AFTER BAPTISM? HOW WILL YOUR LIFE CHANGE?
It is important for children to know and understand that things should be different once they are baptized. This does not mean that the moment they rise from the water they are sin free and perfect and holy rollers. But it does mean that choices will have to be made to please God rather than self. After baptism we work to build this new relationship with Christ through prayer, worship, scripture, Church attendance, etc. It is also important to comprehend that we are expected to use our gifts and abilities to serve God and advance the Kingdom.
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