Water Baptism is one of the ordinances given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. It’s one of the first things He commands us to do once we are saved.
Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change. It is a public declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ and symbolizes our identification with His death, burial and resurrection! Just like Jesus died, was buried and was raised to a new life, we have died to our old self, buried that old person in baptism, and are raised again a new creation in Christ!
“For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”-Col 2:12
The word “Baptize” in Greek is the word “Baptizo” which means to be immersed, submerged, fully wet, to be washed and cleansed!
1. It’s a Part of the Great Commission
Mark 16:15-16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
2. Act and Symbol of Obedience
Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
Water Baptism is both an act and symbol of our obedience and submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We always say if He’s not the “Lord of All”, He’s not “Lord At All”. As Believers we are careful to listen to what He tells us to do. Baptism is a very real, and tangible act of obedience that we display
3. A Public Testimony
Baptism is an outward demonstration of an inward transformation. By being baptized, we publicly declare our commitment to follow Christ and renounce our old way of life. Galatians 3:27 says, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
4. Remission of Sins
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The word “remission” in this verse means “release from bondage or imprisonment”. There is a supernatural cutting away of our sinful nature that happens at baptism. You enter into a great consecration with Him!
1 Peter 3:21 And baptism, which is a figure [of their deliverance], does now also save you [from inward questionings and fears], not by the removing of outward bodily filth, but by [providing you with] the answer of a good and clear conscience (inward cleanness and peace) before God [because you are demonstrating what you believe to be yours] through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Romans 6:3-4 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
5. Greater Openness to the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:38 Repent, and be baptized … and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
When Jesus was Baptized in Luke 4, the Holy Spirit came upon Him! The Bible says when our heart doesn’t condemn us, we have confidence with God. When that old person is officially washed down the stream, we come up out of the water with a cleansed conscience! I have seen many people who had struggled to receive the Baptism in the Spirit get baptized and come out of the water speaking in tongues!
Don’t delay another day! Let me encourage you to do whatever you have to do to make this important step in your relationship with God. You’ll be so glad that you did!