Baptism

Baptism is a symbolic picture of a Christian’s union in the Trinity, in and through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

“Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death so that, just as Jesus was raised from the dead (through the Spirit) by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4).

As you are “buried” by immersion into the water, you are symbolizing your death to your flesh, your sin, and your rights to your life. When you are raised out of the water, you are symbolizing His Spirit, giving you a new life of forgiveness and a new life to live with power for the glory of God.

You should be baptized after you express faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior! In the New Testament church, Christians were baptized as soon as they believed. “Those who believed were baptized that day.” (Acts 2:41) The story below is a great example of baptism following salvation immediately.

“Then Philip began with the Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.” (Acts 8:35-38).

The Bible teaches that there is no reason to delay your baptism. After becoming a believer, you should be able to participate in the next available opportunity.

1. To follow the example set by Jesus. “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” (Mark 1:9)
2. Because Christ commanded it. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19–20)
3. It unites the Body of Christ. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ”—Galatians 3:26-29

The Bible says that every person who believes in Jesus should be baptized. A believer is someone who has realized that their sin has separated them from God. They have given up all personal efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between themselves and God.

A believer is someone who has decided to trust Jesus alone for salvation. You should be baptized if you have reached that point in your spiritual journey.

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