01/13/2025
Baptism Testimony
By: Jie Ying Tan
Hi, my name is Jie Ying. While I didn't grow up in the church, when I was younger, my parents, who are atheists, took me to Sunday school where I had some exposure to Christianity. Even so, I didn't know the gospel at the time, but I had some understanding of God.
From elementary to middle school, I seemed like a good kid, but inside, I really wasn't. I stole from my loved ones, such as family and friends; I often lied and deceived others for my own selfish gains; and sometimes I was full of anger and hatred towards others. I was also exposed to different forms of sexual immorality from a young age and acted upon it.
Some people might say "well, you were just a kid at the time," but that doesn't explain the underlying feeling of guilt and shame I felt whenever I committed those acts. Despite feeling remorse, I kept living in those sinful ways and felt like I couldn't change at all.
In sixth grade, my friend Noelani invited me to youth small church. I attended a few of these gatherings before COVID hit. At this time in 2020, God was actively working in me because when Noelani encouraged me to start attending Sunday services online, I kept going consistently because I felt this push from God.
Through these sermons, my understanding of the gospel grew, especially about how we are all sinners fallen short of the standards and Law of God, and thus we need Jesus to save us, redeem us, and pay for the wages of our sins, which is eternal death. It was through one of these sermons when the gospel was preached that I accepted the free gift of Jesus into my life as Savior and Lord.
In this moment, I felt a peace that transcends understanding because Jesus broke my chains to the sins that I thought I would be bonded to forever and because Jesus washed me clean of my sins by His blood. Even though I was so full of sin, even though I deserved the punishment of my sins, Jesus took it upon Himself and died for me, and because of Him, I was forgiven of my sins.
Gradually from 2020 to 2023, I became more spiritually hungry for God's Word and to be in His presence through prayer. I immediately broke out of sexual immorality, while it took time for me to develop traits that are Christlike and to forsake idols I have created. But I knew that the Holy Spirit was sanctifying me and bearing fruit in me.
However, in 2024, I found myself growing more distant in my relationship with God because I lacked a strong devotional life, and I allowed the distractions of life to take my focus away from God. But I am here today to recommit myself to God and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus.
Looking back, I give praise to God for working in me because He helped me understand the gospel, convicted me of my sins, and led me to repentance and salvation. I give praise to God for giving me faith in Jesus, for allowing me to put my full trust and dependency in Jesus to save me because there is nothing I can do to save myself.
Even though I fell away from God this past year, God has shown His faithfulness to me by not giving up on me. I am thankful that God has placed the desire in my heart to be on fire for Him, to no longer be in lukewarmness, and to seek His kingdom and righteousness first. I trust that though I am not perfect, by obedience to God, I can be transformed to become more like Christ.
I pray that my testimony can encourage believers who may have fallen away from God to return back to the arms of your loving Father who is abundant in grace and mercy. Most importantly, I pray that my testimony can encourage unbelievers that no matter how much you have sinned, Jesus is near and ready to offer His gift of salvation to you.
Thank you.
https://youtube.com/shorts/aoumXaIhuNI?si=q5NS9aiBtqR6wFm6
