Baptism, Who Needs it and Why?
John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Amen, Amen, I tell you: Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God!
When a baby is born into this world, no matter where in the world it is born, there is something wrong with the baby. We always pray for a healthy baby and rejoice when the baby is healthy. But no matter how healthy the baby looks and acts, it is not perfect. It is born in sin and is spiritually heading away from God.
The answer to this sinfulness is not, “What can we do about it?” But rather, “What has God done about this sinfulness?”
Jesus gives us the answer today in the Gospel of John, when he says to Nicodemus, to you and me, “Amen, Amen, I tell you: Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God!”
When you and I were baptized we were given what Jesus earned for us. He paid for our sins on the cross. In baptism we received the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation.
Simple water was used connected with God’s Word. “I baptize you in the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” In the name of the Triune God, you became a child of God. You became a member of God’s family. You were born again!
Before being born again you were dead in trespasses and sins, heading away from God. This was not good. You were spiritually dead in trespasses and sins. You were helpless, hopeless. You were dead spiritually.
Jesus gives us the answer to our questions. Who needs Baptism and Why? He tells us, “Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God!”
Did you note that he began his answer with the words, “Amen, Amen, I tell you..” That means what Jesus is telling us is very, very, very important. What he is telling us is true. He wants us to listen carefully and do what he says. He wants to give us the gift of eternal life in heaven. He wants to give us forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. That blessing is ours in Baptism.
Prayer: Dear Lord help me each day to remember and appreciate my baptism. Thank you, Lord, for making me your child and assuring me of eternal life with you in heaven. Amen.