Baptism
What is Baptism?
Baptism is going public with your faith in Jesus and communicating to the world your heartfelt commitment to following Him. It’s the next step after salvation.
Why should I be baptized?
To follow the example set by Jesus.
“It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth, of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” Mark 1:9
Jesus commands it.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20
It demonstrates that I really am a Christian.
“And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.” Acts 18:8
What is the Purpose of Baptism?
It illustrates Christ's death, burial and resurrection.
“Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
(Romans 6:4)
“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”
(1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
“Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.”
(Colossians 2:12)
It illustrates your new life as a Christian.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
Romans 6:4
Baptism doesn’t make you a believer –
It shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring. It is the outward symbol of the commitment you have already made in your heart.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9