It seems quite simple in the New Testament when we read about people coming to faith and getting baptized. But baptism today has been over complicated and it’s easy to hear lots of questions surrounding baptism.
Frequently asked is, “What is baptism?” “Do I have to get baptized?” and "Am I ready for baptism?” When baptism is brought up with those not yet baptized, responses are varied like, “I’m not good enough yet,” or “I really don’t like being in front of people.” These may be some of thoughts going through your head right now and that’s OK.
Let's rediscover its simplicity and determine whether you should be baptized.
What is Baptism?
Take some to time to consider what it is we believe the Bible teaches about baptism.
Why do I want to be baptized?
Jesus’ commanded baptism and it is the obedient response of those who repent and believe in Jesus.
Matthew 28:19 - "Make disciples, baptizing them."
Acts 2:38 - "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins."
Have I repented for sin and received Christ?
Baptism is for all and only those who depend on Christ for salvation.
Acts 2:41 - Those who received his word were baptized.
Acts 10:44, 48 - While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 16:14-15 - The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And she was baptized.
What does baptism mean and do?
Water baptism illustrates a cleansing from guilt and sin, your new identity in God having died to sin and raised to new life in Christ, and your identity as part of the Church, His Body.
1 Peter 3:21 - Baptism saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 28:19 - "Make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 6:3-5 - 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 if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
1 Corinthians 12:13 - For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.
Ephesians 4:4-6 - There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
SUMMARY
- Have you repented for your sin and rely solely on Jesus Christ and His death for salvation from its penalty?
- Do you identify with Jesus Christ and intend to live in submission and obedience to Him?
