Love Demands A Response

"If you love me, keep my commands."
John 14:15 (NIV)

Thomas Roberts spent most of his life as an atheist. When lung cancer confined him to a wheelchair and oxygen tubes, a miracle happened: he gave his life to Jesus Christ. The one thing this dying man was determined to do before leaving this earth was to get baptized.

There is a video showing Thomas being wheeled to the baptismal waters with oxygen tubes removed for just long enough to be immersed under the water and brought back up. If a man dying of lung cancer is that determined to be obedient, show his faith and love for Jesus publicly by being baptized—we can, too. 

The truth is, you don't have to be baptized to go to heaven. But Jesus explains in today’s verse that loving Him means keeping His commands, and being baptized is one of them. That means you can't be right with God if you refuse biblical baptism, because you're living in disobedience to a direct command from Jesus.

Jesus was baptized to identify with you. Now you can be baptized to identify with him. Jesus loved you enough to die on a cross for you; now you get to show your love for Him through solidarity, joining Him under water.

In the New Testament, you'll be hard-pressed to find an unbaptized believer. You'll find imperfect believers, ignorant believers, and immature believers, but never an unbaptized believer. Why? Baptism isn't optional; it's your first step of obedience as a follower of Christ.

If you've never been baptized since you became a believer, you can take action right now:

Write today's date in the margin of this page and commit: "I will get baptized"

Contact your pastor or church leader this week about baptism

Visit your church's website and find out when the next baptism is scheduled

If you're in a small group this week, tell them: "I want to be baptized"

You may never feel fully ready; that's why it's called faith. Don't wait until you understand everything. Baptism is where your obedience begins, not where it ends. Don't wait for a more convenient time. Jesus didn't wait to save you; don't wait to follow Him.

Your baptism obedience starts with one decision. Take that step. 

Prayer: Jesus, thank You that You loved me enough to die for me. I want to obey you completely, starting with baptism. Help me follow you in every way, and lead others to follow as well. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.