We’re baptized in water for the forgiveness of sin. The gift of the Holy Spirit received in Confirmation empowers and guides us.
God proclaimed Jesus as His Beloved Son twice during Christ’s earthly life — when He was baptized (Matthew 3:17) and during His Transfiguration (Matthew 17:5). These two extraordinary moments reveal Jesus’ divinity as the Son of God. Further, they’re pivotal moments for the disciples who bear witness, reinforcing their faith that Jesus is the promised Messiah.
Jesus’ baptism is His public affirmation as the Son of God by God Himself. It marks the beginning of His ministry and sets the stage for the unfolding of God’s plan for our salvation. The moment of Jesus’ baptism, the heavens open, and the Holy Spirit descends upon Him as a dove. Then, the voice of God proclaims Jesus as His beloved Son.
The Transfiguration of Jesus.
Jesus’ Transfiguration happened later in His ministry, but before He traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover. The Gospels tell us that, “He took three apostles – Peter, James, and John – up to a high mountain to pray. As they were praying, His appearance changed, and His clothes became “dazzling white.” At that point, Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke to the Lord about His upcoming death. A cloud overshadowed the group, and God the Father’s voice came from the cloud saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to Him!” Luke 9:28–36.
Jesus ascends into Heaven.
In light of Jesus’ Baptism and Transfiguration, the words He spoke to His disciples before ascending into Heaven are especially meaningful.
After all, Jesus knew what lay before them. He knew the trials and suffering they would face in His name as they began their task of spreading Christianity. He also knew He had to leave them. Having completed His earthly mission, He had to take His place beside the Father. And yet, He did not abandon them. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to empower and guide them.
Being baptized is the beginning of a new life.
Saul’s journey from persecuting Christians to becoming Paul, a devout follower of Christ, is a powerful testimony of the transforming grace of God. Fundamentally, it’s a profound reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s redemptive love.
In Acts 22:16, Paul tells us that baptism marks the beginning of a new life in Christ. By being baptized and calling on the name of the Lord, we are publicly declaring our faith and commitment to follow Jesus. Baptism is also an act of obedience that’s essential for the forgiveness of sins and the reception of the Holy Spirit. Through the cleansing waters of baptism, we die to our old selves and are resurrected to New Life in Christ.
Water and Spirit.
We’re cleansed of our sins when we’re baptized. Water symbolizes our preparation for the coming of the Messiah, signifying our repentance and the forgiveness of our sins. Baptism is a public declaration of faith and our commitment to Christ.
We receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in confirmation. Confirmation is the public reaffirmation of the commitment we made to Christ during baptism. It symbolizes the spiritual empowerment we receive through the Holy Spirit’s presence within us.
Being baptized in water and confirmed in the Spirit affirms our reconciliation with God through Jesus. They’re not just rituals or traditions, Baptism and Confirmation are profound expressions of faith and our trust in Jesus.
Baptized in Water and Spirit
We are baptized in water.
Washed clean in the flood.
Filled with the Spirit.
Saved by His blood.
“This is My Son,
with whom I’m well pleased.
Chosen at Creation,
to return you to Me.”
We are beckoned to the altar.
Invited to the well.
At the foot of the Cross,
to surrender and kneel.
“This is My Beloved.
Son of all that I AM.
Follow where He leads you,
and listen to Him.”
We are blessed by His presence.
Healed by His grace.
When we look upon our Savior,
Our eyes meet God’s face.
“This is your Redeemer.
The Lamb of My Heart.
The Alpha, the Omega.
The ending and the start.”
We are baptized in water.
Washed clean by the flood.
Reborn in the ocean
of His Unfailing Love.
JN Fenwick (© 2025)
JN Fenwick (© 2025) | mothjournal14 | All rights reserved.
Discover more from mothjournal14
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
