Baptism is the act of submersion in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Being cleansed of one’s sins, being reborn in one’s newfound faith, and taking upon oneself the name of Jesus Christ. It is symbolic in that when you are dunked into the water, you are brought back up, rinsed, and cleansed of your sins, renewed in the name of Christ, beginning your new journey as a follower of God, declaring your faith publicly among the world.

A Declaration of Faith

In 1959, the famous French philosopher Albert Camus once requested that his Methodist Minister friend, Howard Mumma, baptize him privately. He did this as he searched for meaning in life as one who lives by the absurdist philosophy. Mumma rejected Camus’ request for a private baptism and explained to him that a baptism is to be performed publicly, among others, to declare a rebirth and conversion to Christ. Camus was never recorded as ever having converted to Christianity, and later, in January of 1960, he died at the age of 46.

Baptism is a cleansing, a rebirth, a remission of sins. But it is not only that. It is a public declaration of faith. A declaration that one has found the truth, that one has turned his very soul unto God, that it is he whom they worship and he whom they trust. As it is written in Mark 8:38: “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Be open with your faith and love for God. Be proud to take his name upon yourself. Strive to spread his gospel and help to bring all unto him. Be not ashamed or shy of your Lord. Stand tall, walking through this life with your head up, living with the strength that comes with giving your all to him. Love God, for he loves you. Love your neighbors as yourself. Love them enough to show them the light of the Lord and the joy of his gospel. That they may heed those words and turn unto him, that they may be saved at the last day.

God be with you. Amen.