Baptism is commanded by Jesus Christ for every believer. It’s an evidence of your faith in Christ after your confession of Jesus – Christ as your Lord and savior (Romans 10: 9-11).

What’s the meaning of baptism?

First, it’s a public declaration of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:32).

Next, baptism is a perfect illustration of what Christ has done for all sinners through his death, and resurrection. It illustrates the believer’s break with the past and the beginning of a new life through a new birth in Christ.

Then, baptism is a personal identification and unity with the character of Christ (Galatians 3:27).

What it means to be baptized?

Baptism says, “I now belong to Jesus Christ and vow to obey and honor him”. It is the seal of the commitment to Christ, and the responsibility of his church to teach the new disciples his commands (Matthew 28:19).  For example:  Baptism is like a wedding ring which reflects the commitment of your life to another. For the church is the bride of Christ.

What’s the importance of baptism?

Baptism is important for the believer’s identity and obedience. Let’s take the example of the wedding ring. You can be married without a ring, but the ring is the visible indicator that you belong to someone you have accepted to be with. Also, Christ showed us the example through his own baptism by John the Baptist while on earth (Matthew 3: 13-17).

Why getting baptized?

Baptism is a command of the Lord. It not only signifies our identification with Jesus Christ but our desires to live a life of obedience to him. Jesus said “If you love me, obey my commandments” (John 14:15). By doing so, we demonstrate our trust in him and our submission to his will. That’s why we follow Christ in baptism.

Reasons for the church practice of baptism:

• Through baptism Jesus Christ was identifying himself with those he came to save.
• He was showing us what he came to do for us. He died on the cross for our sins and rose again for our eternal salvation. That’s why John the Baptist said of Jesus at his baptism “This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29-31.

Examples of people getting baptized in the New Testament: Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8: 26-38), Peter and Cornelius (Acts 10: 47-48), Paul and Philippian jailer (Acts 16: 25-34).

So, the motive in baptism is obedience to Christ.

How should baptism be done?

The word “baptized” means baptizo in Greek. It means to “immerse” or “submerge”. Scriptures mentioned in Matthew 3: 16 that Jesus came up out of the water of baptism. Because it is a picture of our identification with Christ’s death and resurrection, baptism has to be by immersion.

When should I be baptized?

Baptism always follow salvation (Romans 10: 9-11) because it is important to understand what personal repentance and faith in Jesus Christ means before taking the solemn engagement. Then, after you put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ you can be baptized (Acts 2:41).

Why some churches require Baptism for membership?

Those who have never been baptized by immersion are required to do it because baptism is not a matter of choice but a command from the Lord. Churches are required to teach the full gospel of Christ and teach Christ’s disciples to obey his commands.

Note: Baptism does not save us from our sins but salvation does. Salvation is a gift provided through Christ sacrifice on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-10).

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