What Is Water Baptism?
Water baptism is the immersion of the believer in water. In this act, the believer publicly acknowledges their acceptance of all that Christ has done for them. As Christ died, was buried and rose again from the dead for the salvation of sinners; so the believer in baptism declares their own death to sin, the burial of the old sinful nature, and their resurrection to a new life in Christ. Baptism is our testimony that we have died to the old self, we have buried it and have risen to a new life.
Please read: Matthew 3:13-17; 28:19, Acts 8:36-39; 10:48 and Romans 6:3-4.
Why Every Believer Should Be Baptized:
1. Jesus Commands It
In what is called, The Great Commission, Jesus commands us to, “… go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” (Matthew 28:18-20). Luke 6:46 tells us that if Jesus is truly Lord of our lives, we will do what He commands. Again He said, “If anyone loves me, he will obey My teaching.” (John 14:23)
2. Jesus Was Baptized
The account in Matthew 3:13-17 says, “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.’”
3. Baptism was Passed to the Disciples
As Jesus was baptized, He taught and instructed the disciples to continue doing the same. In Acts 2:38-41, baptism was instructed as a necessity for all believers. They also taught that baptism is a symbol of the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-5).
4. As a Matter of Conscience
1 Peter 2:21 tells us that we should follow in Christ’s steps. Further in 1 Peter 3:18-21, the apostle shares that baptism is a pledge of good conscience toward God.