“Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented.” – Matthew 3:15
Bible Verses About Christening
The Importance of Baptism
In our Christian faith, baptism holds a special place as a symbol of our inward commitment to God. It signifies the beginning of our spiritual journey and our acceptance of Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. As a community, we recognize that through baptism, we are publicly declaring our faith and inviting our family and friends to share in this sacred moment. It connects us with the global Christian family, reminding us that we are not walking this path alone. The importance of baptism is highlighted throughout Scripture as a command from Jesus Himself, setting an example for us all.
Matthew 28:19
“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
Acts 2:38
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” – Acts 2:38
Mark 16:16
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” – Mark 16:16
John 3:5
“Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.’” – John 3:5
Romans 6:4
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” – Romans 6:4
Children and Baptism
As we come together to discuss baptism, we often think of children taking their first steps of faith. Christening, or infant baptism, represents a beautiful initiation into the Christian faith, where parents and godparents make commitments that guide children in their spiritual path. In our hearts, we understand that this special moment holds the promise of nurturing the child’s relationship with God. It’s a dedication of the family to raise the child in God’s ways, and a reminder to us all about God’s love for every child that comes into this world.
Matthew 19:14
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” – Matthew 19:14
Luke 18:15-17
“People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’” – Luke 18:15-17
Psalm 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” – Psalm 127:3
Proverbs 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
Mark 10:16
“And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” – Mark 10:16
The Significance of Water
Water has universal symbolism, but in our faith, it exemplifies purification and new life. When we are christened, the water serves as a reminder of our cleansing and rebirth in Jesus Christ. It signifies leaving our old selves behind and embracing a fresh start in our spiritual journey. We gather together to celebrate, reflecting on the essential role that water plays in our baptism, symbolizing the washing away of sin and the arrival of the Holy Spirit. As we delve deeper into this act, we ensure that we are continually nourished and refreshed by God’s grace.
Acts 8:36-38
“As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?’” – Acts 8:36-38
Ephesians 5:26
“To make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.” – Ephesians 5:26
John 4:14
“But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” – John 4:14
Isaiah 12:3
“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” – Isaiah 12:3
1 Peter 3:21
“This water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 3:21
Baptism as a Fresh Start
As we reflect on baptism, we embrace the concept of new beginnings. It offers us a chance to shed our past mistakes and sins, emerging renewed in Christ. The act of being christened invites us to leave behind all that no longer serves us, and inspires us to walk in the light of God’s grace. Together we celebrate this fresh start as a promise of hope and renewal, filled with the assurance of God’s love. It helps us to remember that we are continually being transformed, leading us to pursue a closer relationship with Him.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Galatians 3:27
“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” – Galatians 3:27
Colossians 2:12
“Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.” – Colossians 2:12
Titus 3:5
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” – Titus 3:5
John 1:12
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12
The Role of the Holy Spirit
When we come to Christ and are baptized, we are not alone in our spiritual journey— the Holy Spirit guides our way. It is through the work of the Holy Spirit that we receive strength and encouragement as we navigate our faith. We recognize the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. It’s important to embrace this gift as we move forward in our faith, allowing it to lead us in every step we take. Together we can trust in the Holy Spirit to renew us and empower us to live lives that glorify God.
Acts 2:4
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” – Acts 2:4
John 14:26
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” – John 14:26
Romans 8:26
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” – Romans 8:26
1 Corinthians 12:13
“For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jew or Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Corinthians 12:13
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Community and Baptism
In baptism, we discover the gift of community, as we are surrounded by family and friends who support our faith journey. The gathering of loved ones during a christening reminds us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. Together, we celebrate the shared faith that we hold dear, encouraging each other as we walk in love and unity. Community is an essential aspect of our Christian experience, and baptism strengthens those bonds between us, enhancing our collective journey as we grow closer to God and each other.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Philippians 2:1-2
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” – Philippians 2:1-2
Final Thoughts
Baptism is a beautiful and powerful act of faith. Through the scriptures, we see the significance of being christened in our journey with Christ. It is a reminder of the special connection we have with God and each other as believers. As we reflect on the importance of this sacred act, we embrace our commitment to nurture a deeper relationship with God and our loved ones.
Our community’s support is essential as we walk this spiritual path together, and we can hold onto the promise that God has given us so many blessings. Let us continue to celebrate baptism and remind ourselves of the transformation that takes place in our hearts when we accept Christ.
For those seeking to deepen their understanding of faith, I encourage you to explore other topics like peace in Philippians or God’s love in Jeremiah. Together, we can grow in faith and love.