What Is the Meaning of Baptism?
Baptism is for every person who has personally received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
The word baptism means “to dip” or “to immerse.” The literal meaning of the word is a beautiful picture of what baptism represents spiritually. The very moment we trust Christ as our Savior, we are identified with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection.
Baptism is rich in symbolism, for it depicts the new life that is given through faith in Christ. Though baptism doesn’t bring salvation to a person, it is a beautiful picture of the new life that Christ promises.
When a person is immersed in water, it is symbolic of the death of what Scripture calls the “old nature”. It is a portrayal of leaving behind ungodly habits and practices---in essence, putting those things to death.
When a person is raised up from the water, it is a symbol of the new life that is found in Christ. The old has been washed away, the new has begun---a new life characterized by freedom from sin through the power of the Holy Spirit.
“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 in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:3-4
Why Should I Be Baptized?
1. Christ COMMANDED it.
“Jesus said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 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. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
2. Baptism illustrates Christ's promise to create a new life in me through the DEATH and RESURRECTION of Christ.
“Christ died for our sins ... He was buried ... and He rose again.” 1 Corinthians 15:3,4
“For you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” Colossians 2:12
3. Baptism illustrates my ACCEPTANCE by God into the Christian community.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE READY TO BE BAPTIZED!