Survivalist and author Bear Grylls fulfilled a long-held dream by getting baptized in the Jordan River, as he shared on social media this Monday. The 49-year-old, known for his adventurous exploits, expressed the significance of being immersed in the same waters where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, one of Grylls’ heroes.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Grylls posted a photo capturing the moment and described the story of Jesus’ baptism as “amazing.” Reflecting on the transformative nature of Jesus’ journey, Grylls noted that wherever Jesus went, it brought about new birth, new life, and a new vision. He praised the reliability and poignancy of Luke’s account of Jesus’ story, highlighting the detailed narrative provided by the physician Luke in the Book of Luke.
Grylls has been vocal about his faith, previously releasing a daily devotional titled “Soul Fuel” in 2019. The devotional delves into themes of hope, courage, risk, heaven, and more, emphasizing the empowering role of faith in Grylls’ survivalist expeditions.
In an interview with the Christian Post earlier this year, Grylls expressed his belief that Jesus would find difficulty with many contemporary churches. He advocated for prioritizing a personal relationship with God over religious rituals, urging individuals to embrace the aspects of community, honesty, faith, and love within the church.
Grylls shared with The Guardian in 2021 that his faith, while not overtly religious, provides a sense of belief in something greater, a source of love, light, and strength. He emphasized that faith, for him, is a quiet empowering daily presence, enabling him to navigate life with inner light.
Beyond his adventures, Grylls serves as an ambassador for the Alpha Course, an evangelistic program introducing people to the Christian faith through discussions. His faith journey aligns with his unconventional approach to spirituality, reflecting a personal and empowering connection with Christ.
Globally recognized for his survival feats and outdoor explorations, Grylls, a former member of the British Special Forces, summited Mount Everest at the age of 23, just 18 months after breaking his back in a parachuting accident.