EXPLAINING
BAPTISM

Topics: Baptism; Cleansing; Forgiveness; Grace; Punishment; Sin

References: Romans 6:1–14; Titus 3:3–7

Rena, age three, sat with us during the baptismal service last Sunday night, which was a new experience for her. “Why did Pastor Bob push that guy in the water?” she asked.

My wife quietly tried to explain, but Rena wasn’t satisfied. Later that night we tried again. We talked about sin and how, when people decide to live for Jesus and “do good,” they want everyone to know. We said water symbolizes Jesus’ washing away people’s sin; when they come out “clean,” they will try to be “good.”

A moment later, we realized we’d failed again when Rena asked, “Why didn’t Pastor Bob just spank him?”

—Bob Beasley, pastor, Gregory Drive Alliance Church, West Chatham, Ontario