In my testimony I talked about how I had been mislead in my beliefs about baptism. I don't think there was a problem with my church, just that there was too much emphasis on the fact that baptism doesn't get you your salvation. This is true, however it is something that all the believers in the New Testament did. It's no secret that I love the book The Purpose Driven Life. Rick Warren talks about baptism in one section. No, it doesn't change the way your name is written in the Book of Life, but it is the first step to a life lived out loud. It's the profession of your faith, saying publicly "Yes! I am a Christian!" Being a Christian doesn't do much good if you're too embarrassed to say it, especially when Jesus commands us to "Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19) Also, isn't it interesting that that verse says to not only proclaim Christ to them, but to baptize them? Accepting Him and baptism go hand in hand, often in the same day in the New Testament, points out Warren. Baptism is not how you get your salvation, but it is the very best way of showing everyone what happened on the inside and it is a great symbol of new life.
-Emily
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