Baptism is an important step of obedience for every Christian. Jesus himself was baptized, even though he was without sin (Matthew 3:13-17). When we are baptized, we follow Christ’s example of obedience to God.
Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. It symbolizes the spiritual cleansing through the blood of Christ and the death of the old life without Christ and the beginning of a new life as a Christian (2 Corinthians 5:17). During baptism, a believer is immersed in water to identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:12).
Baptism does not save a person or wash away sin. Only faith in Jesus Christ saves us from sin and spiritual death (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, baptism is an act of obedience to Christ and a step of commitment to follow Him. Jesus commanded His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). So baptism is a step of obedience to the command of Christ.
Here are some key reasons why baptism is important for every believer:
1. To follow the example set by Jesus
As mentioned, Jesus Himself was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan river (Mark 1:9). This set an example for us to follow. Although Jesus was sinless, He insisted that John baptize Him in order “to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). Jesus obeyed God in all things, so we should obey Christ’s command to be baptized.
2. To obey the command of Christ
Christ commanded the apostles: “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” (Matthew 28:19). So baptism is an act of obedience to the command of Christ. Every disciple (or follower) of Jesus should be baptized as part of becoming His disciple.
3. To publicly profess faith in Jesus
Baptism provides an opportunity to publicly identify yourself as a follower of Jesus Christ. It’s a public profession of your new life in Christ. For the early believers, their baptism openly distinguished them from others around them. Likewise, our baptism can serve as a testimony to our faith.
4. To experience God’s grace
Baptism is a means of God’s grace to every believer. Scripture connects baptism with the “washing of regeneration” (Titus 3:5). This demonstrates that God uses baptism sacramentally as a means to actively offer His saving grace to each believer. Through baptism, Christians receive forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), experience spiritual rebirth (John 3:5), and the baptized become part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). God works through baptism.
5. To become a member of the body of Christ
Baptism brings a believer into union with Christ (Romans 6:3-5). The apostle Paul explains that in baptism we have “put on” Christ as we would put on a garment (Galatians 3:27). Through the waters of baptism, we are clothed in Christ and made new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). Baptism also incorporates believers into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). The body of Christ is the church universal, of all true believers. So baptism makes each believer a member of Christ’s church.
6. To be united with Christ in His death and resurrection
Baptism represents our spiritual union with Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12). Going under the waters symbolizes dying and being buried with Christ. Emerging from the waters illustrates being raised to new life with Christ through His resurrection. Baptism portrays our real spiritual connection to the death and resurrection of Jesus.
7. To receive the Holy Spirit
Baptism is tied to the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. Jesus connects being “born of water” with being “born of the Spirit” (John 3:5). The book of Acts also links receiving the Spirit with baptism (Acts 2:38; 19:2-6). Through baptism we become temples of God’s own Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). The indwelling Holy Spirit begins the process of sanctification and renewal in every believer.
8. To be sanctified and cleansed from sin
Baptism is an appeal to God for the cleansing of one’s conscience (1 Peter 3:21). Scripture ties baptism to washing away sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16) and sanctifying believers (1 Corinthians 6:11). Of course, the water itself does not cleanse anyone, but baptism signifies inward spiritual washing and renewal by the blood of Jesus (Revelation 1:5). Baptism is a sign of God’s sanctifying work in every believer’s life.
9. To visibly mark the new covenant
Like circumcision was the identifying mark of the old covenant, baptism serves as the new covenant mark of a Christ follower (Colossians 2:11-12). Baptism visually identifies us with the new covenant in Christ’s blood, which brings salvation to all who believe (Luke 22:20). Because of this, the apostle Peter urged the crowds on the day of Pentecost: “Repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38). Baptism demonstrated their repentance and entry into the new covenant in Christ.
10. To assure believers of their salvation
Baptism can provide every believer assurance of their salvation. It visibly depicts the spiritual realities occurring in a believer’s life: being washed clean of sin, dying to the old life, and being raised with Christ (Romans 6:3-4). After being baptized, believers can look back on their baptism if they ever doubt their salvation. They can remember they obeyed Christ publicly, demonstrating genuine saving faith.
In summary, baptism is an important step of obedience and public profession of faith for every believer in Jesus Christ. While baptism itself does not save anyone, Scripture ties baptism to the blessings of salvation. So every follower of Jesus should seek to be baptized as soon as possible after coming to faith in Christ. Baptism enables a believer to openly testify to their faith, experience God’s grace, identify with Jesus Christ, and publicly join His church on earth. If you are a believer who has not yet been baptized, obey the Lord Jesus today by being baptized and starting your new life in Him.