Bishop Edir Macedo explains the importance of being baptised in water, in the booklet called ‘ Baptism in water’.
“In the same way that a burial ceremony signifies that the last tie between man and his earthly life has been severed, baptism in water is a public declaration that a believer is severing all tied to his natural life. Our inner self is put to death, and sin no longer has dominion over us”.
Therefore it is for this reason that the church encourages members to follow this practice.
Nyameka’s life story is a good example of the transformation that takes place after baptism.
When she came to the church she was addicted to snuff and she had hatred in her heart. She struggled to forgive, instead he would keep grudges. “Even my neighbours knew me as a bitter and heartless person” said Nyameka.
She attended the church for almost a year, however she struggled to let go of her old life. “When I saw someone having snuff, the cravings would come back strongly and I would give in,” she said.
Nyameka recalls one service where the pastors spoke about the benefits of forgiving. She realised that she was the reason for her life not to change. Having tried and failed several times, Nyameka understood that she needed God to change her life.
She later learnt more about baptism, with desperation to change, she took a decision to be baptised in 2001.
” My life took a good turn. I was filled with joy and love for people. I wanted to share my experiences with others.” she explained.
She said that as she committed herself to forgive others, God intervened in her life and her addiction days turned into her testimony.
By: Thato Mochete