What Is Water Baptism?
Jesus commanded us saying: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19
Why did Jesus think it was so important to be water baptized? It is because water baptism is an open and outward symbol of a Christian’s personal relationship with Him.
Why did Jesus think it was so important to be water baptized? It is because water baptism is an open and outward symbol of a Christian’s personal relationship with Him.
When you accepted Jesus: your old nature died (the nature that made you sin) and a new nature was born (Romans 6:5-6). The Bible calls this being born again (John 3:3).
Water baptism illustrates: this miracle of the new birth. When we go into the water, it symbolizes the death of our old nature, and when we come out of the water it illustrates the new birth. Only people who have accepted Jesus as their Savior should be baptized, because baptism does not mean anything to those who have not been born again. Baptism does not save a person, it is an act of obedience from someone who is already saved.
The word “baptism:” comes from an ancient Greek word that means “to immerse.” Therefore baptism is the immersion of a believer under water. Some churches practice pouring or sprinkling of water, but this does not fully illustrate the death and rebirth of the person. Baptism is an important step to take for every person who accepted Jesus as their Savior, because it is a public proclamation of their salvation and that they will follow Jesus all the days of their lives!
“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
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 6:3-4
Water Baptism Is a Wonderful Testimony Of:
A new focus and purpose of life (Psalm 16:8; Colossians 3:2)
A new and total dependence on God (John 15; Philippians 4:13)
A new boldness to share and proclaim your faith (Ephesians 3:11-13)
A casting away of sinful habits (Colossians 3:8-10)
A growing life of faith with our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2)
What Does The Bible Say About Water Baptism?
1.
Why should I be water baptized?
A believer should be water baptized because Jesus told us to do it. The Bible has a lot to say about water baptism and how it is designed to continue until Jesus Christ returns to rapture His church.
- It is spoken of and commanded by Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew 28:19)
- It is celebrated by the early church in the book of Acts (Acts 2:41, 8:38, 10:44-48, 16:31-33, 18:8)
- It is explained in the Epistles (Galatians 3:27-28; Ephesians 4:5, 1 Corinthians 1:14-17)
2.
Who should be baptized?
All disciples of Jesus Christ should be baptized. Baptism is an act of obedience and is limited to those who have personally received Jesus Christ as their Savior (trusting Him) and Lord (obeying Him)
3.
What does water baptism mean?
It is a public declaration of a believer's identification with Jesus Christ and is an outward act signifying the inward work of salvation already wrought in the believer by God. It is the believer’s way of saying
- I love Jesus Christ and will follow Him all of my days.
- I want everyone to know of my commitment.
4.
How should we baptize?
5.
How does water baptism testify to my new life in Christ?
We believe the Bible teaches "total immersion" not pouring, sprinkling, or three times under. Immersion gives weight and value to the symbolism of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection! The examples in Scripture strongly imply immersion rather than any other mode:
ENTERING INTO the water: The open admission that my old allegiance and selfishness to my life is dead.
SUBMERSION UNDER the water: The outward acknowledgment that the old man and his ways are dead and buried.
COMING UP OUT OF the water: The public commitment to walk in the newness of life in Jesus Christ.
ENTERING INTO the water: The open admission that my old allegiance and selfishness to my life is dead.
SUBMERSION UNDER the water: The outward acknowledgment that the old man and his ways are dead and buried.
COMING UP OUT OF the water: The public commitment to walk in the newness of life in Jesus Christ.
It testifies to a new focus and purpose of life (Psalm 16:8; Colossians 3:2)
To a new and total dependence on God (John 15; Philippians 4:13)
To a new boldness to share and proclaim our faith (Ephesians 3:11-13)
To a casting away of sinful habits (Colossians 3:8-10)
To a growing life of faith with our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2)
To a new and total dependence on God (John 15; Philippians 4:13)
To a new boldness to share and proclaim our faith (Ephesians 3:11-13)
To a casting away of sinful habits (Colossians 3:8-10)
To a growing life of faith with our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2)