Baptism is a sacrament in the Christian faith that signifies the believer’s union with Christ in his death and resurrection. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation and a demonstration of one’s faith and commitment to God. Baptism is a vital step for new believers, as it marks their entrance into the Christian community and their new life in Christ.
But why do we need to be baptized? Are we not we not saved if we don’t do it?
Reasons to be Baptized
In the New Testament, baptism is linked to the teachings of Jesus and the practice of his disciples. Jesus himself was baptized by John the Baptist and commanded his disciples to baptize others in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
This act of baptism symbolizes the believer’s identification with Jesus in his death and resurrection, and the washing away of their sins.
One of the main purposes of baptism is to publicly confess one’s faith in Jesus Christ. It is a declaration to the world that a person has turned away from their old way of life and has embraced a new life in Christ. This public declaration is a powerful testimony to others and can serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to others who are considering making a similar commitment.
These reason’s are given from the Bible:
- To Obey the Command of Jesus: Baptism is an act of obedience to Jesus Christ, who commanded His followers to be baptized. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus instructs His disciples, saying, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
- For the Forgiveness of Sins: Acts 2:38 highlights baptism as a step towards the forgiveness of sins. Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
- To Follow Jesus’ Example: Jesus Himself was baptized by John the Baptist. In Matthew 3:13-17, Jesus’ baptism is described, marking the beginning of His public ministry. By being baptized, believers follow the example set by Christ.
- To Be Added to the Church: The act of baptism also signifies a believer’s entry into the Christian community or the body of Christ. Acts 2:41 states, “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”
- A Symbol of Death, Burial, and Resurrection: Baptism symbolizes the believer’s death to sin, burial of the old life, and resurrection to a new life in Christ. Romans 6:3-4 explains, “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
- For Salvation: While there is theological debate about the role of baptism in salvation, Mark 16:16 says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” This suggests that baptism is an integral step in the process of salvation for those who believe.
- To Receive the Holy Spirit: Acts 19:2-6 speaks of receiving the Holy Spirit following baptism. When Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
- A Pledge of a Good Conscience Toward God: 1 Peter 3:21 associates baptism with a “pledge of a good conscience towards God,” signifying the believer’s internal commitment to repent from sin and transformation through faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In addition to its symbolic significance, baptism also has spiritual benefits for the believer and support from the community of believers. But do you have to be baptized to be saved? And does the method of baptism matter?
Lesson 9 Study Guide by Amazing Facts:
Baptism by immersion is a symbol and a choice to live a life with God.
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Our Adventist Life is a dedicated online evangelist and mother of two, deeply rooted in her Seventh-day Adventist faith. With over 15 years of experience in creating and optimizing digital content, she brings a unique blend of professional expertise and spiritual insight to her work. Her passion lies in exploring Biblical truths and their practical applications in daily living, self-care, and family nurturing. Through her writing, she aims to inspire and guide her readers toward a more fulfilling Christian lifestyle, drawing from her own experiences as a parent and a follower of Christ. Her thoughtful and engaging content reflects her commitment to sharing the love and wisdom found in the Scriptures with a modern audience living in the end times.
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