Baptism is a rite of passage when becoming a Christian. It’s a declaration of faith; it tells the world, “Yes, Jesus Christ is my Lord and savior.” In fact, in John 3:3-7, Jesus commands us to get baptized.
I remember my baptism. I knew about Jesus’ commandment to get baptized. But, I didn’t know it was that big of a deal. Many of my friends and family came to my baptism. They treated it like I was getting married. And, it’s true. I was. I was getting married to Jesus. Not as a priest, or anything like that. But, as his child.
So, for a celebration of this magnitude. You need music about baptism—particularly if you’re planning to or wanting to get baptized (or as I like to say, getting dunked in the tank). Here are a few songs that might help.
Andrew Kurtz "Baptized"
In a recent interview with NewReleaseToday, independent artist Andrew Kurtz shared the inspiration behind the song, “This song was actually birthed from my role as a worship pastor and the opportunities I’ve had to baptize others. I wanted to write a song that celebrated those stories and the incredible freedom that comes from making your faith public.”
Maverick City Music “Rest On Us”
I remember getting dunked into the water when I made my proclamation of faith. It was amazing how the Holy Spirit overwhelmed me once I emerged from the water. Worship band Maverick City Music’s “Rest On Us” is a perfect song for that post-dunking moment. It’s a call for the Holy Spirit to consume us: “You're here and I know You are moving/I'm here and I know You will fill me/'Cause You love to meet us here/He-hey, baptize us afresh tonight/Baptize us afresh tonight.” Trust me, the Spirit will make itself present.
We the Kingdom “Holy Water”
Family band We the Kingdom have been climbing the charts since 2019 (maybe even before that). Many great songs have come from their catalog. One such song is “Holy Water,” a message about coming to God in brokenness and wanting to be born again: “Dead man walking, slave to sin/I wanna know about being born again/I need You/Oh, God, I need You/So, take me to the riverside/Take me under, baptize.”
A little bit of extra info about We the Kingdom. On YouTube, they defined the meaning of their name: “We The Kingdom comes from the idea that the kingdom of God is not merely referring to heaven or the power of God or his angles. The kingdom of God is here among us, after all, that is a kingdom without its people.”
Mac Powell “River of Life”
Mac Powell, former lead singer of the iconic band Third Day, recently released “River of Life,” a call to action to leave your old life behind, accept Christ, and get baptized in the river of life: “Come as you are/No time to waste/Open your heart/Don’t be afraid/Jump on in /The water is fine/There’s healing/In The river of life”
About the song, Mac shares: “We as believers know that our true life comes from the grace and mercy of Jesus, poured out from his sacrifice on the cross. In John chapter 4, Jesus shares with the woman at the well: Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.”
for King & Country “Amen”
Popular pop band for King & Country makes a valid point in their hit song, “Amen:” When you emerge from the water, you’re a new person. You’re resurrected, spiritually. Out with the old, in with the new. “Resurrection day is here/Bells are ringin' loud and clear/Caterpillar to a butterfly/Risen to another life.” Baptism symbolizes your new life in Christ.
Luke Smallbone, one-half of the band, came into the studio and shared a personal story. Joel Smallbone, the other half of the band, says to TheChristianBeat.org, “[Luke’s] personal story ended up becoming this song, “Amen.” He had heard the minister speak about the meaning of baptism and Luke felt compelled to make that statement once again as an adult. There was a tangible moment as he rose out of the water where time stood still, and a new day had begun.”
Zach Williams “Baptized"
In his song, “Baptized,” country folk singer Zach Williams reflects when he was dunked in the tank: “All those old stained-glass windows and the stories they tell/All the memories as clear as the day I was there/All those years I spent running, You've given me back/Now I'm stepping in, oh, I'm stepping in/Oh, I'm stepping in.”
And, as Zach Williams so eloquently puts it, “In the name of the Father/The name of the Son/The name of the Spirit/You're washed by the blood/Buried with Christ/Raised in new life/Baptized.” So, what’s your story? How did you get dunked? If you haven’t been baptized, I hope you take your turn to be baptized. Make your proclamation of faith to the world. Share your story.
Paul Phillips is a Canadian journalist with over 10 years of experience writing and editing digital and print content. He specializes in health, fitness, nutrition, and travel. He loves music, movies, and, of course, living for Jesus.
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