To return to God
When sinners asked how they could return to God, Peter gave a three-point prescription; the second point was to get baptized.
"Peter said to them, 'Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" (Acts 2:38)
To publicly confess your faith in Jesus
After you have made the decision to dedicate your life to Jesus, baptism is a public confession of your faith in Jesus.
"He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned." (Mark 16:16)
Jesus said to do it
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)
Jesus did it
Even Jesus, though sinless and perfect, was not too good to be baptized. In fact, he said it was fitting to fulfill all righteousness.
"But John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?" But Jesus answering said to him, "Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he permitted Him." (Matthew 3:14-15)
It symbolizes the death and resurrection of Jesus
Baptism represents the burial of the old, sinful nature and resurrection of our new man in Christ!
"Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4)
It symbolizes the washing away of your sins
Water baptism also represents the fact that our sins have been washed away.
"Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 3:21)
Early followers of Jesus got baptized as soon as possible
Followers of Jesus in the early church were baptized at their earliest possible convenience.
"But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike." (Acts 8:12)
"As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, 'Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?'" (Acts 8:36)
"And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household." (Acts 16:33)
Made a decision to get baptized?
Congratulations! You have made the decision to make a public declaration that you are a follower of Jesus. We'd love for you to be a part of of our next baptism service! Simply use the contact us button below to get in touch with a person on our leadership team and we'll help you take the next step.
