Indeed, there is new life in Jesus Christ!

In the afternoon of Sunday, July 28, our 15 beneficiaries from Angono, Rizal, many of whom are UPLIFT Cares scholars, joined the over 300 other individuals in publicly declaring their faith in Him through undergoing the Water Baptism Rites at the CCF Center.

With this inspiring, life-changing event, they were able to express their inward transformation made possible by His work in their lives, as well as their commitment to follow Him as their ultimate Shepherd.

To prepare for the ceremony, they first attended the CCF Sunday Worship Service at 9:00 a.m., then participated at the Water Baptism Class led and designed for them by UPLIFT Cares Community Development Head Jeff Castillo. The class took place at the UPLIFT Cares head office, also located at the CCF Center.

Water Baptism Class

The beneficiaries were familiarized with a deep explanation of the biblical concept of water baptism. UPLIFT Cares Discipleship Lead Jun Lavetoria first led them in pouring out their praises unto God by singing the gospel song, “God So Loved” by We The Kingdom.

Castillo, as he started the class, said that water baptism is a decision between the individual and God. He first shared about the simple message as read in Ephesians 2, which talks about being made alive in Jesus and dead to sin. In this biblical passage, Paul was addressing to the Ephesians and reminding them of their salvation by grace through faith in Jesus.

Castillo said partly in Filipino, “As said in the Bible, there in no one righteous, not even one. We all have committed mistakes; we have all sinned… [It is a] reality that we are all sinners.” Grace is something that is undeserved. As he said, salvation is attained only by grace – a gift from God – through faith in Jesus. Good works are a by-product of salvation.

“That’s why we believers have turned our backs from our old selves and the ways of the world. And we’re walking in the new chapter of our lives,” he said.

Uttering the question, “Do you have that kind of faith in Jesus,” Castillo said that Jesus himself was baptized to set an example for everyone.

Castillo then shared that water baptism is not a way to salvation or cleanse someone of his or her sins, and is not about membership in a church or change in religion. Castillo added, “As Christians, right now, we are commanded to be baptized, and to baptize others also.”

The beneficiaries learned about the nature of water baptism. This act is a physical one symbolizing a spiritual truth, that it is a visible action of a believer which bears spiritual significance. It best simulates Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection scenario that took place around 2,000 years ago (as stated in Romans 6:3-4).

“Water baptism is a decision that only you can make,” Castillo said.

Baptism is a transliteration of the Greek word “baptizo,” which means “to immerse.” Rising from the water symbolizes Jesus’ resurrection and the believer’s new life in Him.

Baptism is also a sign of believers’ commitment to follow Jesus and live righteously as being dead to sin (Romans 6:11). It is a declaration of salvation, rather than being means to salvation. Castillo encouraged the beneficiaries to rely on the power of Jesus to help them flee from worldly desires, telling them, “The Christian life is impossible. But with God, with Jesus, it is possible.”

“Remember that you are declaring, firstly, to God; second, to the world. That’s why we have a lot of witnesses there (in the water baptism area),” he stressed. However, Castillo pointed out that a believer can undergo water baptism again, when he or she desires to express his or her recommitment to Jesus.

Castillo shared that a believer needs to be baptized, also in obedience to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). A believer is to undergo water baptism when he or she believes in the gospel message of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

“If you have faith in Jesus, immediately, you will be baptized,” he added.

Castillo said that baptism is to be done by immersion, as Jesus was also baptized by immersion. The occurrences of baptism in the Bible are understood as having been done in the same manner. In Matthew 3:13-17, John the Baptist immersed Jesus into the water along the Jordan River, which still exists up to this day.

He then led the beneficiaries into silent prayer time regarding their then-upcoming participation in the ceremony. After the class, they had a group photo opportunity and enjoyed a quick lunch with the UPLIFT staff in attendance.

Water Baptism Rites

At around 12:30 p.m., the UPLIFT beneficiaries, dressed in black shirts, first walked to the ground floor of the CCF Center New Building to register for the Water Baptism Rites. They were each asked to write and submit their life testimonies narrating their lives before and after they accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.

In spite of the rains, they took turns in being immersed in water at the upper swimming pool of the CCF Center. The ceremony would make an impact in their spiritual lives.

Lavetoria, along with other baptism facilitators, joyfully baptized the 15 beneficiaries. While immersed in the swimming pool, each beneficiary was asked three questions: whether he or she had accepted Jesus into his or her life, renounced sin and the ways of the world, and committed to follow Him for the rest of his or her life. Shortly afterwards, the baptizers would utter a short prayer, and briefly lower the participant in the pool before raising him or her again.

The witnesses, which included some UPLIFT staff members, cheered in celebration as a beneficiary rose from the swimming pool after being baptized. The beneficiaries went home with smiles on their faces.

With this ceremony, the beneficiaries are continuing to receive support in their discipleship journeys! Kindly join us in prayer that they will make more Christ-committed followers in their families and communities.

To volunteer or donate for our community development activities, you may send us a message on our social media accounts or send us an email at sponsorship@upliftcares.com