Recently, I was having a conversation about baptism with a new Christian. Several questions came up about the necessity and importance of baptism.
Water baptism is more than a religious tradition or ritual. Baptism is you and I publicly demonstrating our allegiance to Jesus.
Pastor Tony Evans once said, “We would think it odd if a husband never wanted to go out in public with his wife. It would be so unusual if he wanted to be secretly married, but not let anyone else know. He might say, “I’ll eat dinner with you as long as it’s at home”, or “I’ll watch a movie with you as long as it’s at home,” or “I’ll talk to you as long as it’s at home.” That kind of behavior would be insulting to the wife. Pastor Evans goes on to say, “Christ is insulted regularly by His children because in private they will identify with him, but in public they don’t want people to know they are associated with him.
Does water baptism save us? The Bible clearly teaches us that our salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone. No work that we can do in our human ability, including baptism, has the power to save any of us.
Titus 3:5 – “he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
If baptism doesn’t save us, why should be be baptized in water?
It’s an act of obedience. Throughout Scripture, we are taught to live a life of obedience—to back up our faith with actions—so that we grow closer in our relationship with God and live a life that points others to Him. Baptism is the first step for those who choose to follow Christ.
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
It’s an opportunity to follow Jesus’ example. Jesus, Himself, was baptized. He was not a sinner, yet He humbled Himself in obedience to identify with us and give us an example to follow. All genuine Christ-followers should want to obey Jesus by doing what He said.
What is the meaning and significance of water baptism?
It allows you to identify with Christ’s death and resurrection.
Baptism is a symbol of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Our entrance into the water during baptism identifies us with Christ’s death on the cross, His burial in the tomb, and His resurrection from the dead.
It’s a celebration of your new life.
Baptism is also a symbol of your new life in Christ. When we come out of the water during baptism, it symbolizes that we have buried the old life of sin and have been raised to a new life in Christ.
When should a person be baptized?
The New Testament pattern – Reading through the New Testament you notice that people were baptized quickly after placing their faith in Jesus Christ.
I believe it’s important to be baptized sooner rather than later as a sign of your faith and allegiance to Christ.
Today’s Challenge: If you have not been baptized in water, I encourage you to contact your church today and let them know you are ready to obey Jesus by being baptized. It’s time to go public with your faith.
