Believers’ Baptism

Believers’ Baptism

Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:19

In the fifteenth century, Europe had essentially one church. During this time the church baptized infants, thus making every baptized citizen a member of the church, regardless of his or her interest or commitment. In 1524 in Zurich, a new movement arose, initiated by a group of people who desired a radical return to New Testament beliefs:

For them the church was a community of Christians voluntarily committed to imitating Christ and to each other. Baptism—the sign of church membership and commitment—was only for adults or those old enough to choose the path of discipleship. The state could have no part in controlling or directing the activities and doctrines of the church. The church must be free of government control.

From these first “free church” radicals Anabaptism was born. The name Anabaptist means “rebaptized” or “twice baptized,” since the first Anabaptists had already been baptized as infants under the Roman Catholic Church and then later were rebaptized as confessing adults. Both Mennonites and Amish branched off into their own Anabaptist groups. Today adult baptism is still one of the most important principles of the Amish religion.

Baptism is a step of faith. It’s an outward symbol of an inward choice. Baptism isn’t something to be taken lightly. It’s letting others know of our life change, and it’s a symbol of the change in our eternal status.

If you have trusted Jesus, have you been baptized? If not, consider taking this step of obedience to Christ. Talk to a pastor in your local church. If you have been baptized, what does it mean to you to follow Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations? How can following Jesus in this command bring peace to yourself and to others?

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for those believers who have taken a stand for You. Help me to do the same and to share Your truth with new generations.