Baptism
What is Baptism?
A public act that represents a personal transformation. Baptism is the first step in every Christian’s spiritual journey. It is a tradition dating back to the New Testament that publicly demonstrates the inward transformation Jesus has made in your life. When you choose to be baptized, you are taking your first step in obedience for Christ after deciding to follow him.
While the Bible does not teach that baptism is required for salvation, it is commanded of us in the New Testament. Baptism is reserved for those who have professed faith in Jesus Christ and have chosen to follow him. At First, we baptize by immersing individuals under the water, symbolizing the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Biblically Speaking, Baptism Signifies:
1. Baptism portrays the death and resurrection of Christ. (Rom. 6:3-4)
2. Baptism demonstrates a person’s union with Christ in his death and resurrection. (1 Cor. 12:13, Col 2:12)
3. Baptism proclaims cleansing from sin. (Acts 22:16, 1 Pet. 3:21, Heb. 10:22)
4. Baptism symbolizes deliverance from judgment. (1 Pet. 3:20-21)
Why Do We Baptize?
We, as believers in Christ, practice baptism for three main reasons:
1. To follow the example of Jesus. (Mark 1:9)
2. To obey Jesus’ commandment. (Matt. 28:19)
3. To publicly declare that a person is a believer. (Acts 2:38)