BAPTISM

When our Lord Jesus Christ gave His disciples the Great Commission, He commanded them to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). From the very beginning, baptism was an important step of obedience for those who have believed on the Lord Jesus unto salvation.

Baptism Is a Picture of the Gospel
Just as salvation is an inward work of God that cleanses us from sin, baptism is an outward picture of what has happened in our hearts. Romans 6:3–4 tells us, “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Going down into the water pictures our old life of sin being put to death with Christ.

Coming up out of the water pictures the resurrection life we now share in Him.

Baptism does not wash away our sins—only the blood of Jesus could pay for that (Revelation 1:5). Rather, our baptism testifies of our belief that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again for our salvation.

Baptism Is an Act of Obedience
When we confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we are saved (Romans 10:9–10). Then, to follow Jesus in baptism is an act of loving obedience. He Himself set the example for us by being baptized by John the Baptist, even though He was without sin (Matthew 3:13–17). Jesus showed us that this step pleases the Father and declares our commitment to the will of God.

Who Should Be Baptized?
According to the Scriptures, every person who has trusted Christ as Savior—turning from sin and believing on His finished work—is a candidate for baptism (Acts 2:41; Acts 8:35–38). Since it is a picture of a believer’s identification with Christ, baptism follows salvation. We are baptized because we are saved, not in order to be saved.

How Should I Be Baptized?
In the New Testament, baptism was done by immersion—placing the new believer completely under the water and then raising them up again (Matthew 3:16; Acts 8:38–39). The very word “baptize” in the original language means “to immerse” or “to dip.” This way of baptizing best pictures Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

Does Baptism Save Me?
No. Salvation is by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8–9). We are saved the moment we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism, then, is a joyful step of obedience, a public testimony that we belong to Him. It is an outward confession of the inward change God has already worked in our hearts.

What Happens After Baptism?
Just as we grow in our relationship with God by reading His Word, praying, and gathering with fellow believers, so baptism marks a starting point in our life of discipleship. When we follow the example of our Lord in baptism, we stand before the church and the world, declaring that we now live in Him. In baptism, we announce, “I have decided to follow Jesus—and there is no turning back.”

If you have trusted Christ as your Savior but have never been baptized, prayerfully consider following the Lord in this step of obedience. Remember the example of the Ethiopian eunuch, who, upon believing the message of Jesus, immediately asked, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:36). If God is stirring your heart, we invite you to talk with us about taking this blessed step, and rejoice in what God has done in you.