Is Water Baptism Important?
What is the importance of water baptism? Water Baptism is an outward sign of an inward work of grace.
Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:13-17 (KJV)
Jesus was baptized, and we are to follow his example. Water baptism is a total immersion of our bodies in water. Jesus was totally immersed. We are to do the same. The Greek word for baptism means to submerge or immerse. God honors those who honor him.
Jesus commanded us to be baptized, thus fulfilling the great commission. (Matt 28:16-20). Baptism reveals our obedience to Jesus’ teachings. The early church was baptized in water and we are still part of the New Testament church and should do likewise. (Acts 2:38, Acts 8:36-38)
Who should be baptized? People who have repented of sins and are now born again. (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38) and those who have been backslid, now showing their recommitment to Christ. (Ezek 3:20, Ezek 18:24, Ezek 33:13, Rev. 2:4-5)
Baptism helps to reinforce and strengthen our faith and commitment, giving us a memorial to reflect and build upon.
What is the Spiritual Significance of Water Baptism?
It signifies a total commitment to Christ. (Rom. 6:3-4)
It visibly demonstrates your faith before a Christian community and the world. (Matt 28:19, Acts 19:5)
It shows that you belong to Christ; you’re not your own. (Gal. 3:27, Acts 2:38, Matt 28:19)
It signifies that you have a share in Christ’s life, Spirit, and sonship to God. (Rom. 8:14-17, Gal 3:26- 4:7)
Water baptism portrays the union of the believer with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. (Rom. 6:1-11, Col. 2:11-12). As you go under the water, it is a picture of the death of the old man, and as you come out of the water, it speaks of the new man arising.
Water baptism represents a commitment and dedication to the lifelong practice of turning one’s back on the old life, the works of the flesh and all that is evil. It also involves pledging oneself to live the new life in Christ by the Spirit, a life that reflects God’s standards of righteousness. (Rom 6:1-14, Col. 2:1-7).
Baptism itself doesn’t save you, but once you are saved, baptism is an important way to show your decision to follow Jesus. Yes, it is a symbolic act, but one that demonstrates obedience to God and identification with the resurrected Savior.
