The Essence of Baptism: Born Again
In the Gospel of John, Jesus introduces Nicodemus the profound concept of “you must be again." (Jn 3:5) Their conversation in John 3 reveals the necessity of this spiritual rebirth, our faith in Jesus is being “born again”. Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus ends with instructions on how to be born again, "that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:15) Many forget, that new birth is message of John 3:16, asserting, again, in the next verse that belief in Jesus as the foundation for such rebirth. These verses collectively inform Christians that believing in Jesus as the Son of God, a sacrifice for sin, is the new birth of the human soul. The early church in Acts connected the new birth with the ordinance of Baptism in a profound and passionate way. They were born of “water and Spirit” immediately upon placing their trust in Jesus. Just like marriage begins a “new birth” where two become one, Baptism, for the early church was an immediate and passionate proclamation of new life.
The Early Church: Baptism as a Rushed, Passionate Marriage Ceremony
The early church emphasized baptism's immense significance. Consider the fervor evident after Peter's sermon in Acts 2:37-39, or the swift actions in Acts 8:12, Acts 16, and other such accounts. Their approach to baptism wasn't a mere ritual but a fervent and immediate commitment to immersive baptism, a testament to a soul reborn in Christ.
When Jesus blood drenched over my sin, in the red-light district in Nuremberg Germany, I rushed out of that place to be baptized and start my new life with Jesus. It was indeed, a passionate and rushed marriage ceremony that proclaimed to the world, I am His, I am born again. Just like the first time, I was born of water, the second time I went down in the water as as symbol, that “I believed” and was born of the Spirit. (Jn 3:5)
Not all rushed weddings are a hasty, some are passionate and heartfelt. When I met my wife Jessica my soul experienced immediate transformative commitment. By our second date, I passionately told her, "You are going to ruin me for other women. I’m ready for a new life with you." This passion aligns with the essence of baptism and the early church’s practice — a wholehearted commitment to a renewed life in Christ.
But what are we born again into? Just like marriage changes everything, this new birth with Jesus changes everything. We are born again into something new. Here are three realities of being “born again” that we see through the Bible and emphasized in the Gospel of John.
1. Born Again into a New Family: Children of God
When we're baptized, we are welcomed into a vast and vibrant lineage. We become more than just believers – we are reborn as children of a divine family. John 1:12 beautifully portrays this transition, stating, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." This isn't a mere association; it's a divine connection.
Family Dynamics: the good, the bad and the ugly…
Every family, including our spiritual one, has its moments of tension, disagreements, and yes, that one eccentric member, it’s probably you! Think of the early Ephesian church. Comprising Jews and Gentiles with contrasting backgrounds, clashes occurred daily. Yet, Paul's words in Ephesians 4:4-6 resonate with the reality of the new birth, reminding them of their new family bound together in Christ: "There is one body and one Spirit... one Lord, one faith, one baptism." Our new birth, our baptism unites us….as family, children of one Lord, one faith, one Spirit.
To be candid – it's not always rainbows and butterflies. There have been times when my faith in the church community wavered, times when fellow believers, sometimes inadvertently, hurt or disappointed me. Just like any other family, we have our flaws, our internal challenges. But that’s why Paul wrote Corinthians 13… In the face of sin within the church, Corinthians 13 teaches us to approach each situation with love, as love is patient and kind, always ready to forgive. Love does not keep a record of wrongs but seeks the truth and always hopes for redemption. By grounding our reactions in love, we can navigate challenges with grace, understanding, be reconciled to each other as Christ has reconciled us.
The church's essence lies in its ability to rise above human limitations and sin. People in the church, these beautiful souls, walked beside me, mentoring, and molding me, teaching me to be a dedicated husband, and a responsible individual. They helped me pay bills, helped me through my struggles with sin, and loved me unconditionally in all circumstances. Their sacrifices, their unwavering faith, and their love have been a pillar of my life. We are a family of grace, redemption, and unmatched love. Hebrews aptly captures this sentiment, "do not neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another." (Hebrews 10:25) Here, in this divine family, we are not just members; we are cherished, valued, and deeply loved children of God. Embrace this family, for in its embrace, you'll find strength, purpose, and endless love. You are reborn into this new family, remember that.
2. Born Again into the Light: Children of the Light
"Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of the light" (John 12:36). This isn't merely poetic—it's a profound testament to our spiritual rebirth. Having transitioned from the dim recesses of worldly distractions, we are now enveloped in the radiant embrace of divine clarity. The Apostle John affirms our new identity, asserting, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5). Darkness is the struggle of all humanity, embodied in Israel and clearly shown in the OT.
"When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?" (Isaiah 8:19). Isaiah's pointed questions highlight the repeated spiritual missteps of the Israelites. Time after time, they oscillated between their divine covenant and the lure of other gods and prevailing philosophies. "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light" (Isaiah 9:2). This awaited Light was Jesus, for those who believe the He lights the scarred shadows of sin within the human soul.
With the arrival of Jesus, the Word made flesh, we were granted a profound rebirth—a chance to be born again into the light. This light isn't a mere ethereal glow; instead, it is a Christian’s literal embodiment of God's truths and precepts. Through Jesus's teachings and sacrifice, the path is clear. No longer confined by the ignorance of sin, or the illusory wisdom of the world, the prophet Jeremiah foresaw our transformation, speaking of a time when God's Word would be etched on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33).
3. Born Again into Eternal Life: A Promise That Never Fades
There's a truth embed deep within my heart from John 3:16: once you are born again to eternal life, it remains with you forever. It's an eternal promise, anchored not in our deeds, but in the finished work of Jesus.
Look to the Scriptures. In John 3, it's beautifully declared, 'For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.' Eternal. Not temporary. Not conditional. Not 'life until you falter or stumble.' Eternal life. This is the grace and power of God's promise.
Now, I know there's debate, even strife, over this topic. Some believe we can lose our salvation. But here’s the core of my message: It's not about you. This eternal promise isn't contingent on your ability to maintain it. You didn't buy it; Jesus did. It's about Him, His sacrifice, His holiness, His glory. Two millennia ago, on that rugged cross, He declared, 'It is finished.' Your sins paid for, past, present, and future: it’s done!
No matter how you feel, no matter the mistakes you've made or the valleys you’ve walked, remember this: the devil will try to sow doubt. He's the accuser, always whispering, ‘Did you really mean it? Are you truly saved?’ Yet, against these accusations stands the unshakable truth of Christ’s eternal promise.
The devil may remind you of your past, but Christ secured your future. Feeling guilty? Know this: Jesus endured everything for the joy set before Him. That joy includes His eternal communion with you. When doubt arises, lean into the assurance of His word.
I, too, have wrestled with God, questioned His plans, and felt the weight of my sins. But in my darkest moments, I am reminded of His character, His love, and His eternal promise. My journey has shown me that His mercies truly are new every morning.
Friends, this is the gospel: you can't sin your way out of His hand. Depression, anger, doubt — none of it can sever the bond Christ has forged with you. You are His, eternally. So, to every believer, young or old, grappling with faith: Know who you are in Christ. Stand firm in the eternal promise of salvation.
Let’s lift our hearts in gratitude for this boundless grace. For in the midst of life’s trials, one truth remains unshaken: In Christ, we are eternally held. Amen."
