Baptism is a significant step in the Christian life. It is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ and your commitment to follow Him. But why should you get baptized? What are the benefits and blessings of this act of obedience?
Reasons to Get Baptized
Here are 10 reasons to get baptized in 2023:
- Baptism is a command of Jesus. Jesus Himself was baptized by John the Baptist ( Mark 1:9 ) and He instructed His disciples to baptize new believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit ( Matthew 28:19-20 ). If you love Jesus, you will want to obey His commands ( John 14:15 ).
- Baptism is a symbol of your identification with Christ. Baptism illustrates your union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. As you go under the water, you picture your old self dying with Christ and being buried with Him. As you come up from the water, you picture your new self rising with Christ and being alive to God ( Romans 6:3-4 ). Baptism shows that you belong to Christ and that you have a new identity in Him.
- Baptism is a sign of your cleansing from sin. Water is often used in the Bible as a symbol of purification and washing away of impurities. Baptism signifies that through faith in Christ, you have been forgiven of your sins and cleansed by His blood ( Acts 22:16 ). Baptism also reminds you that you have been given the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies you and helps you to overcome sin in your daily life ( 1 Corinthians 6:11 ).
- Baptism is a testimony of your faith to others. Baptism is a public profession of your faith in Christ and your allegiance to His kingdom. By being baptized, you are telling the world that you are not ashamed of the gospel and that you are ready to follow Jesus no matter what ( Romans 1:16 ). Baptism is also a way of sharing the good news of salvation with others and inviting them to join you in the journey of faith ( Acts 8:35-38 ).
- Baptism is a celebration of your salvation. Baptism is a joyful occasion that marks your entrance into the family of God. It is a time to rejoice in God’s grace and mercy that saved you from sin and death. It is also a time to thank God for His love and faithfulness that will keep you until the end. Baptism is a way of expressing your gratitude and praise to God for His wonderful gift of eternal life ( Psalm 103:1-5 ).
- Baptism is a commitment to your spiritual growth. Baptism is not the end of your Christian journey, but the beginning. It is a step of obedience that leads to more steps of obedience. By being baptized, you are declaring your intention to grow in your relationship with God and to become more like Christ. You are also committing yourself to the means of grace that God has provided for your growth, such as prayer, Bible study, worship, fellowship, and service ( 2 Peter 3:18 ).
- Baptism is a connection to your church community. Baptism is not only a personal act, but a corporate one. By being baptized, you are joining the universal church of all believers, as well as the local church where you worship and serve. You are becoming a part of the body of Christ, where each member has a role and a responsibility. You are also becoming a part of the family of God, where you can experience love, support, accountability, and encouragement ( 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 ).
- Baptism is a preparation for your future ministry. Baptism is not only a past event, but a present and future one. By being baptized, you are affirming your calling and purpose as a disciple of Christ. You are also acknowledging your gifts and talents that God has given you for His glory. You are also anticipating your future opportunities and challenges that God has prepared for you to serve Him and His kingdom. Baptism is a way of saying, “Here I am, Lord, send me” ( Isaiah 6:8 ).
- Baptism is a reminder of your future hope. Baptism is not only a present reality, but a future promise. By being baptized, you are looking forward to the day when Christ will return and make all things new. You are also looking forward to the day when you will see Him face to face and be like Him. You are also looking forward to the day when you will inherit the fullness of God’s kingdom and enjoy His presence forever. Baptism is a way of saying, “Come, Lord Jesus” ( Revelation 22:20 ).
- Baptism is a response to God’s grace. Baptism is not a work that earns you God’s favor, but a gift that expresses your gratitude. Baptism is not a requirement that makes you God’s child, but a privilege that celebrates your adoption. Baptism is not a merit that secures you God’s salvation, but a sign that receives His grace. Baptism is a way of saying, “Thank you, Lord, for saving me” ( Ephesians 2:8-9 ).
Conclusion
Baptism is a beautiful and meaningful act of faith that every believer should experience. It is a way of honoring God, following Christ, and living by the Spirit. It is a way of showing your love for God, your trust in His promises, and your obedience to His commands. It is a way of growing in your faith, serving in your church, and reaching out to your world. It is a way of enjoying God’s grace, sharing His gospel, and anticipating His glory.
If you have not been baptized yet, we encourage you to take this step of faith in 2023. If you have been baptized, we encourage you to remember your baptism and live out its implications in your daily life. And if you have any questions about baptism, we invite you to contact us or visit our website for more information.
FAQs
10 Most Asked Questions and Answers about Baptism
What is the difference between infant baptism and believer’s baptism?
Infant baptism is the practice of baptizing infants or young children based on the faith of their parents or the church. Believer’s baptism is the practice of baptizing only those who have personally professed faith in Christ. We believe that the Bible teaches believer’s baptism as the normative pattern for the New Testament church ( Acts 2:41; 8:12; 10:47-48; 16:14-15, 30-34 ).
What is the difference between baptism by immersion and by sprinkling?
Baptism by immersion is the practice of submerging the person being baptized completely in water. Baptism by sprinkling is the practice of sprinkling or pouring water on the head of the person being baptized. We believe that the Bible teaches baptism by immersion as the most faithful representation of the meaning of baptism as identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection ( Romans 6:3-4 ). Baptism by immersion also seems to have been the practice of the early church, as the word “baptism” means to dip or submerge.
Do I need to be baptized again if I was baptized as an infant or in a different church or denomination?
We do not consider infant baptism or baptism by sprinkling to be valid forms of baptism, as they do not reflect the biblical teaching and practice of baptism. Therefore, we encourage those who have been baptized in these ways to be baptized again by immersion as believers. We also encourage those who have been baptized by immersion in a different church or denomination to be baptized again in our church, as a way of affirming their commitment to our church’s doctrine, mission, and vision.
How do I prepare for baptism?
The first and most important step to prepare for baptism is to make sure that you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you have not done so, we invite you to repent of your sins and trust in Christ for your salvation. The second step is to attend a baptism class, where you will learn more about the meaning and significance of baptism, and where you will have an opportunity to share your testimony of faith. The third step is to fill out a baptism application form, where you will provide some basic information about yourself and your faith journey. The fourth step is to schedule your baptism date and time with our baptism coordinator.
What should I wear and bring for baptism?
We recommend that you wear dark-colored clothing that is modest and comfortable for baptism. You should also bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes. You may also want to bring a Bible, a pen, and a notebook to write down any thoughts or impressions that you have during or after your baptism. You may also want to invite your family and friends to witness and celebrate your baptism with you.
What will happen during the baptism service?
The baptism service will usually take place before, during, or after the regular worship service, depending on the availability of the baptismal pool and the number of candidates. You will be asked to arrive at least 15 minutes before the baptism service to check in and receive further instructions. You will then be led to the baptismal pool, where you will meet the pastor or elder who will baptize you. You will be asked to share a brief testimony of your faith in Christ, and then you will be immersed in the water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. You will then be congratulated and prayed for by the pastor or elder, and then you will exit the pool and change into your dry clothes. You will then receive a baptism certificate and a gift from the church.