“And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
WHAT IS WATER BAPTISM?
Water baptism is the immersion of a believer in water into the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It is a visual and symbolic demonstration of a person’s union with Christ in the likeness of His death and resurrection. It signifies death to an old way of life and the start of a brand new one.
BAPTISM DOES NOT SAVE
Though grace is mysteriously mediated through the ordinance, it is not saving grace but rather sanctifying grace. We are more conformed to the image of Christ as we obey Him in the call to be baptized.
WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
Matthew 28:12-20 / Galatians 3:27 / Matthew 3:13-17
To obey the commands of Christ.
To evidence that a person is a disciple of Christ.
To follow the example of Christ
WHY IS BAPTISM IMPORTANT?
Baptism is not merely a responsibility and demonstration but also a privilege. We have the opportunity to evidence our trust in and love for our King through baptism. It is our joy to be baptized, and we should eagerly participate in the ordinance. The desire to be baptized should be motivated for our hope to glorify God in faithful obedience. Any other motivation (to join a particular church, to please a friend or family member, etc) should not be the ultimate reason for seeking to be baptized.