Baptism and being Baptized.

Why Baptism?

The purpose of baptism is to give visual testimony of our commitment to Christ. 

Baptism confirms our position “in Christ” and affirms the blessings of the Father on us as his children. Baptism is a symbol. It’s meant to show the world that that you love, trust and have put your hope in Christ. 

Baptism is a Public Declaration:

Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus Christ. It is a public confession of your faith in, and commitment to, Jesus Christ. It is the next step after salvation through repentance and faith and is an important foundation for Christian life.

We bury the “old life” and we rise to walk in a “new life”. 

Baptism is like the outward symbol of our commitment which we made in our heart, a commitment that has to be followed through and lived out on a daily basis.

Origin of the Word:

The word “baptized” comes from the Greek word “baptizo”. A famous Greek-English dictionary gives its meaning thus: “Dip, immerse...plunge, sink, drench, overwhelm.

John’s baptism signified repentance and the forgiveness of sins, but it did not produce them. 

No water ceremony of any kind or in any place can take away sin or change men’s hearts. Only God can do so. And He does so when men receive His Son by faith.

Meaning of Baptism:

"Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead". Col. 2:12 NKJV

We were therefore buried with Him through this immersion into death”. “Immersion” would thus mean immersion into Christ, not in water. It would indicate union with Christ, entering into a special relationship with Him, being made members of His body by the Holy Spirit.

Going into the water speaks of death and burial with Christ. Coming out of the water speaks of resurrection with Christ. 

Who and When should be baptised?

Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ.

As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, he/she can be, and is encouraged to be baptised.

Does Born Christian have to take Baptism? YES.

"Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit". Acts 2:38 NKJV

Peter’s meaning here seems very clear – “Change your mind about Who Jesus is, turn from your wicked rejection of Him as the Lord from heaven and the Messiah. Being baptized as an open declaration of our faith in Him, and as a sign of the forgiveness of sins which He freely gives to those who believe in Him”.

"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned". Mark 16:16 NKJV

Baptism is not essential for salvation, but those who trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour should be baptized and publicly acknowledge their faith. 

Notice Jesus does not say “whoever is not baptized” will be condemned, but “whoever does not believe”. “Condemned” here must mean condemned to hell.

If a person says he believes Christ, and yet refuses to be baptized we have reason to doubt the genuineness of his faith.