Matthew 3:13-17
When God created the heavens and the earth, God in His infinite wisdom, covered 70 percent of the earth with water. It is crystal clear that from the very beginning, God, our Creator, intelligently designed our world with an intention that water would be one of the most important resources we have. The very survival of humans, vegetation, animals, and more is dependent on water. Water sustains life in many forms and is used to clean and purify. Without water, there is death. This is why there is such a concern about water sources as well as water cleanliness. The lack of water in some parts of the world is cause for disease and poverty. Because water is directly associated with survival, life, and cleanliness, it makes perfect sense that God would use water as a visible means to connect us to him and show forth our identity in Christ. Jesus was baptized by John in the River Jordan and he later gave instructions for all of his followers to be baptized. In the waters of baptism, our sins are washed clean and we are given the gift of eternal life made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Water gives life! Jesus gives life!
