The call of Scripture is to believe and be baptised (Mark 16:16). In the New Testament we have water baptism, which demonstrates our new life in Christ. Jesus spoke of being baptised with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5), of being incorporated into the family of believers and receiving His power. Jesus also spoke of a baptism of suffering or a baptism of death (Mark 10:38; Luke 12:50).
| Every year Barnabas Aid encourages churches around the world to set aside a Sunday in November (or at another time if this is more suitable) to remember our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. The information and resources on these pages will help you to organise a service or meeting for your own Suffering Church Sunday. |
For Christian converts from Islam, baptism is that pivotal moment in their faith when they express publicly their new allegiance to Jesus, their total loyalty to Him, and their willingness to follow Him even unto death. Baptism is regarded as the point of no return, the decisive break, and is therefore often the moment at which real persecution of the convert begins.
Across the world today, there are many converts who are choosing to take this step of baptism. Indeed, there are more Muslims coming to Christ than at any other time in history. For some this step will end in almost certain death. I was in East Africa recently, and a church leader told me of two young ladies who had left Islam for Christ and then returned to their communities only to be slaughtered by their fathers.
President Barack Obama has made a remarkable call for freedom of religion (see page 6). Mr Obama’s father and grandfather were Muslims, so, according to sharia, he too was born a Muslim. In taking a decision to follow Jesus Christ he became an apostate. When he called for freedom of choice in matters of faith, he sent a message across the Muslim world that every individual should have the freedom to choose their own faith.
This message is desperately needed in the Islamic context. But it is also needed in other religious contexts where conversion to Christ and baptism are viewed as traitorous acts, a betrayal of one’s community that warrants punishment, even death. Mr Obama’s conversion has been accepted by Muslims. Will they now accept all other conversions?
Barnabas continues to appeal for an end to the Islamic apostasy law. Starting with Islam, where legislation for the death penalty for apostasy is more detailed and enforceable than in any other faith, we hope and pray that in time all religions will allow their followers the freedom to choose.
Dr Patrick Sookhdeo
International Director
