The Importance of Baptism
Baptism is such a deep and meaningful act within the Christian faith; it represents one’s identification with Jesus Christ. This is all about a public declaration of faith, cleansing from sins, and commitment to follow Jesus. It is in the spiritual journey that it is significant, bearing on something very important only insofar as it reflects.
Matthew 3:13-17 (NIV):
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to prevent him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.‘”
Jesus Himself was baptized, setting an example of what would follow for every believer. His baptism began His public ministry and truly showed the ultimate act of obedience to God’s will. In being baptized, we walk in those same steps as Jesus to show our own willingness to submit to the will of God in regard to our lives.
Romans 6:3-4 (NIV):
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Baptism is a symbol of identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we get into the water and are covered by it, it points to our old selves being buried with Christ. When we get up, it speaks of our new life in Him. All of this process is illustrative of the transforming power of the sacrifice of Jesus and our commitment to live for Him.
Acts 22:16
“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.”
The act of baptism is so widely associated with the cleansing of sin. Now, it’s not actually the very act that could wash away our sins but symbolic of that internal washing taking place in accepting Jesus as one’s Lord and Savior. Through baptism, we announce that we are forgiven and created afresh in Christ.
Galatians 3:26-27 (NIV):
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
Baptism is the public declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ, showing the world that we belong to Him, and having devoted our life in following His words. Public confession of faith before men is such testimony that can influence others to desire personal fellowship with Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:13
For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body — whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free — and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
In baptism, all believers are united in the body of Christ. Therefore, through baptism, we all become one in Christ despite our different backgrounds, status, and nationality. This, in fact, is so beautiful and depicts God’s kingdom, all-embracing in love.
Think of Emily as a little girl who was brought up in a family without religious inclinations. She got that feeling born in her heart—that which makes one wish to know more of the Christian faith—when attending the church with one of her friends. Having learned Jesus’ love and His sacrifice, she wanted to come to Him as her Savior. The most important step for Emily is baptism.
This is symbolic of the washing away of her previous life and her commitment to following Jesus. Her own family and friends saw her change, and many were motivated to look for a similar experience of faith.
If you are a believer who has not yet been baptized, I encourage you to consider taking this important step. Baptism is no mere ritual; rather, it marks the important symbol of one’s faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. It really is an outward show of an inward change and open testimony that one belongs to Him. For those of us who already have had a chance of baptism, I would want to remind that deep implication in our lives. Remember how powerful was Jesus’ sacrifice and commitment you took in following Him. Share this story of your baptism with others for it may encourage and inspire them in their ways.
Baptism is a beautiful act that shows in itself our identification with Jesus Christ, the purging away of our sins, and our commitment to live for Him. It is the public statement of faith and unification within the body of Christ. Following the example of Jesus through baptism, we show by this that we do God’s will and walk by His way of life. Help us all to hold close the importance of baptism and celebrate new life in Christ. Let us encourage one another on our faith journey and continue to follow the path that Jesus has shown us.
All teachings are prayerfully written by Daniel Glasco, utilizing available resources to faithfully present biblical truth and discipleship encouragement.