What is the significance of baptism?

In order to understand the reason for being water baptized, it is important to consider what the Bible says about it -- even Jesus himself was baptized! Water baptism is a symbol of taking the old self – our past and old ways – and burying them when submerged under the water and raised in new life in Christ. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Baptism is an outward declaration of an internal decision to follow Jesus. It is a significant moment in our lives that serves as a reminder that the old is gone, and that God will finish His work in our lives. Baptism is a face-to-face moment with the Spirit of God as he introduces us to our identity and purpose and the power from God to walk it out (Romans 6:4-6)

If you have recently decided to follow Jesus, water baptism is a great next step in your faith journey. 

Why should I consider getting baptized?

An act of obedience:

Jesus instructs us to be baptized and set the example by being baptized (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 1:9).  Water baptism is an act of faith and obedience to the commands of Christ. Jesus was sinless, yet he humbled Himself in obedience to the scriptures and set an example for us to follow! When we decide to follow Jesus, our old selves are left behind, and we are made new and alive in Him because of His death, burial and resurrection. Baptism is a bold declaration of the inward work that God is doing in our lives.

Scripture urges us to get baptized  and promises, "Behold, he makes all things new." As we identify with Jesus’s death burial and resurrection, we come face-to-face with our true identity as a child of the King (Acts 2:38). We encounter the Spirit of God that gives us the power to live out our true identity, and overcome the challenges of life.

A public declaration:

Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus Christ. Being baptized is a public declaration that you are different – you are following Jesus now and are on a journey of change! It is a public confession of your faith in, and commitment to, Jesus Christ. It is the next step after salvation through repentance and faith and is an important foundation for Christian life. Baptism is not about church affiliation. It’s about identification with Christ!

What is the meaning and significance of baptism?

A move from death to life:

Baptism is a symbol of Christ’s 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.

“Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of it was a resurrection, God raising you from the dead as he did Christ. When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God. God brought you alive – right along with Christ! Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ’s cross.” Colossians 2:12-14 MSG

A brand-new life:

It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian. We bury the “old life” and we rise to walk in a “new life”. Baptism is like a wedding ring, it is the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart, a commitment that has to be followed through and lived out on a daily basis.

Here is one simple way to explain baptism:

Baptism is a symbol. It’s meant to show the world that you love, trust and have put your hope in Christ. It’s like a wedding ring. It’s a public representation of your commitment and faith-bond to God. Baptism does not make you a believer; it shows that you already are one! Baptism does not “save” you; only your faith in Christ does that.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4

A new family:

Baptism also connects us to the “body of Christ” – His people on the earth. In baptism there is a real sense of being joined with other believers, not just participating in an individual act of our own spiritual journey.

“For we were all baptised by one Spirit into one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

How are we to be baptized?

As per the example of Jesus – by being immersed in water. The word “baptise” comes from the Greek word “baptise” which means “to immerse or dip under water”.

“As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water.” Matthew 3:16

Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water. The book of Acts shows us that this was the norm for every believer.

“Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptised him. When they came up out of the water…” Acts 8:38,39

Who should be baptized?

Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ. When Paul writes to the believers in Rome, he assumes that all of them have been baptised (Romans 6). The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ!

“Those who accepted his message were baptised.” Acts 2:41

“But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised, both men and women.” Acts 8:12

We believe in baptising children when they are old enough to understand what it means and make a personal declaration of belief.

When are we to be baptized?

Believers in the New Testament were baptised the same day. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, he can be, and is encouraged to be baptised.

“Those who accepted his message were baptised.” Acts 2:41

“Then Philip began with that very passage of scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they travelled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptised?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptised him.” Acts 8:35-39

“As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” Acts 8:36