EQUIP

The Significance of Baptism

 

Baptism is an important step in a believer’s life.

Here are some things to help you have a clear understanding of the significance of baptism.
 

I am baptized because it is commanded (Acts 2:38; Matthew 28:19-20).

Baptism is not an option. Jesus made it very clear that every person who claims to be a follower of Him demonstrates that through being baptized.
 

I am baptized as a step of obedience that demonstrates our love for Christ (John 14:21).

Jesus said one of the ways we demonstrate our love for Him is doing the things he commanded. Baptism is one of those things.
 

I am baptized by immersion because it pictures Christ’s death and resurrection (Colossians 2:12, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:1-4).

The way I get baptized, by immersion, pictures Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. In addition to sharing my story verbally, I share my story visually – the physical act of immersion is a picture that I was once dead in sin, but I have been raised to newness of life and am now alive to Christ. Baptism shows people out- wardly what I have embraced in my life personally.
 

Baptism does NOT...
 

• Guarantee my salvation. Salvation comes through personal faith in what Jesus Christ has already done for me. Baptism is the expression of what has already happened. Baptism does not save me. I’m baptized because I already am saved.
 

• Give me extra favor with God. God already loves you. Baptism is one step of obedience. And I desire to live in obedience in all areas of my life.
 

Baptism is an outward expression of my inward decision to:
 

• Accept the fact that I’m a sinner (Romans 3:23, 6:23)
 

• Believe that Jesus died to pay the penalty I owed for my sins (Romans 5:8)

 

• Confess Jesus as my Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10, 13)