What is baptism?
The word for water baptism in the Bible comes from the Greek word "baptizo". This word means "to immerse".
There are a few reasons that Christians are baptized👇
1. IN BAPTISM, YOU SYMBOLICALLY DECLARE THAT YOU TRUST JESUS' WORK ON THE CROSS AS YOUR SOURCE FOR SALVATION
3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
When you are baptized, you are IMMERSED in water - this symbolizes that the "old you" is now dead and buried. Just as Jesus died for our sins and was buried in the ground, you too are symbolizing that you have died to sin and the person you once were has been buried in the waters of baptism.
But Jesus didn't stay in the ground! On the third day he resurrected! When you come up out of the waters of baptism, you are symbolizing that you too have been raised to new life with Christ Jesus!
By faith, we believe our old selves died and Christ now lives in us.
2. IN BAPTISM, YOU MAKE A PUBLIC COMMITMENT TO GOD
Through baptism, you are symbolizing to the world that you are committing your life to following Jesus and submitting to His authority in your life. This is an outward, public demonstration to the world of what has happened on the inside of you. This is a first (and exciting) step for a new believer to take!
It is important to know that we are not saved through baptism. We are saved by God's grace, through faith (Ephesians 2:8). But through baptism, we "put on Christ" - we follow His leading, submit to His will, and live for His glory!
26 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS OF BAPTISM
Many people have many misconceptions about baptism. Here are a few:
🚫 Baptism saves me from hell. (This is not true)
Baptism does not save you from hell. The Bible is explicitly clear that you can only receive salvation by God's grace through your faith in Jesus' death and resurrection (Ephesians 2:8). Baptism is the picture of the salvation work that God has already accomplished in you through your faith in Jesus.
🚫 Baptism forgives my sins. (This is not true)
A lot of people think that every time they sin, they need to be re-baptized to be forgiven. This simply isn't true! The Bible tells us emphatically that the blood of Jesus cleanses us of our sin (1 John 1:7). You will make mistakes after baptism, and you will sin. In those moments, you can be reminded of your water baptism and remember the commitment that you have made to God to live a life submitted to Him. There is no need to be re-baptized. Simply ask God for forgiveness and choose to leave that lifestyle of sin - this is done with the help of, and through the power of, the Holy Spirit!
🚫 I am going to a new church, so I need to be re-baptized. (This is not true)
Baptism is NOT a requirement of church membership. When we are baptized, we are baptized in Jesus' Name (Acts 2:38) - not in the church's name. If you move to a different city and attend a different church, it does not nullify your baptism.
FURTHER STUDY ON BAPTISM
Being baptized is a big deal! Don't go into it haphazardly. Really study it out and know firmly what it means.
(PRO TIP: You truly understand baptism if you are able to clearly explain it to someone else!😎)
Here are some places in Scripture that help us to understand baptism more fully:
