“For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.” Colossians 2:12.

Yesterday, I watched with emotion as my three children were baptised. It was a day I had looked forward to and prayed to see - the day when my children publicly declared their commitment to the the Lord.

Why was I happy and filled with emotion at this event? It is because Baptism is a command given to the Church. Jesus’ last command to the disciples was given in Matthew 28:19-20, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age".



Although my wife and I have been discussing the importance of Baptism with our children, we wanted them to make up their minds on taking that all important step. You can therefore understand why for me, it was a joyous occasion seeing all of them being baptised on the same day.

Baptism itself does not make us believers, it is a declaration that we are believers. It is the Christian, making a public declaration that He or She has chosen to obey and serve the Lord. Matthew 28:19 shows the process discipleship, first, the word is preached to a person and when they have believed, they are then  baptised. It is important that the person being baptised should understand what he is doing and what is expected of them.

In Colossians 2:12, Paul explains the significance of baptism. When the believer is immersed in the water, it symbolises the burial of Christ and when the the he emerges from the water, it signifies the resurrection of Christ. Baptism is a declaration by the Christian that the ‘old’ life is gone and a new life in Christ has began. It does not mean that the Christian is now perfect, it means that he has began a journey into perfection.

As parents, we have no illusions about our children following our footsteps as we serve the Lord but we pray and entrust them into God’s hands,  knowing that only He can rule and reign over their hearts. As the world evolves with every generation, it is getting more difficult for children to choose to serve the Lord.  They are exposed to various things which aim to create a disconnect between them and God.

This is why I am a happy father knowing that my children have taken that step of faith and I know that God is faithful;  He will keep their feet from straying and help them to fulfil His purpose for their lives.

If you are a Christian and have not been baptised or still haven't made up your mind about baptism, I encourage you to examine the above scriptures and other related scriptures and take that step today.

Jesus did it, so should we.