Standing in the Waters: Reflections on Baptism

There are certain moments in life that become spiritual landmarks—moments we return to again and again because they remind us of God’s faithfulness. For me, baptism is one of those landmarks.

I was first baptized in 1973 when I was nine years old at a Southern Baptist church. I remember making the decision to publicly profess my faith in Jesus Christ and stepping into the baptismal waters as a young girl. At the time, I understood baptism as an act of obedience and a declaration that I belonged to Christ. Looking back now, I see it as one of the earliest steps in a lifelong journey of faith.

More than forty years later, God gave me an opportunity I never could have imagined.

In 2015, I traveled to Israel on a church trip with my dad. Throughout my life, my father had been a tremendous influence on my spiritual growth. To walk where Jesus walked and study the places I had read about in Scripture was an incredible experience. Yet one moment stands above the rest: being baptized in the Jordan River.

Standing in those waters was deeply moving. The Jordan River is forever connected to the ministry of Jesus. It was there that John the Baptist baptized Him, marking the beginning of His public ministry.

The Gospel of Matthew records:

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.” (Matthew 3:13)

As I stood in the river, I wasn’t being saved again. My salvation had been secured through faith in Christ many years before. Rather, it was a beautiful opportunity to reaffirm my commitment to follow Him and to reflect on the significance of baptism in the life of every believer.

The New Testament teaches us much about baptism:

Jesus commanded His followers:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached:

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” (Acts 2:38)

The Apostle Paul explained the symbolism of baptism:

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)

And in Galatians, we are reminded:

“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:27)

Baptism does not save us; rather, it is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It is a public testimony that we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ. The act of going beneath the water symbolizes our identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. We emerge from the water as a picture of the new life we have in Him.

Studying baptism has reminded me that faith is not merely a private matter. Throughout Scripture, believers publicly identified themselves as followers of Christ. Baptism serves as a powerful witness to others and a personal reminder of God’s grace.

When I think back to my baptism as a nine-year-old girl and then to standing in the Jordan River with my father in 2015, I see God’s hand connecting those moments across the decades. One was the beginning of my public journey of faith. The other was a beautiful reminder of the God who has faithfully walked with me every step of the way.

Whether your baptism happened recently or many years ago, take time to reflect on what it represents. Remember the grace that saved you, the Savior who redeemed you, and the promise that He continues His work in your life today.

The waters may have long since dried from your skin, but the significance of what God has done through Christ remains forever.