Baptism, is a crucial step in the Christian walk, not just an "add-on" and according to the bible, it needs to be done in a particular way, time and with a specific focus or attitude.

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The importance of baptism was stated plainly by Peter in the book of Acts. After preaching to a whole multitude of people in Jerusalem, they asked what they needed to do to respond to the message of the gospel they had just heard. Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)

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Later in the book of Acts, the apostle Phillip was sent to speak to the official treasurer of the queen of Ethiopia, who was reading the book of Isaiah is his coach on his way home after worshipping in Jerusalem. Phillip rode with him for a while and explained the prophecies about Jesus. The official responded by accepting Jesus as his savior. He immediately knew (either from the Spirit of God or was told by Phillip) that baptism was the necessary next step so he asked Phillip, "See here is water. (near the road) What hinders me from being baptized?" Phillip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may."

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It is clear then that baptism follows true conversion (If you believe with all your heart) and is necessary in order to receive the Holy Spirit, but what is it's purpose exactly?

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A Covenant Between You and God

Baptism is the symbol of the believer's association with Christ's death on the cross and His resurrection. Colossians 2:12 says it clearly, "Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead." For a wider description, consider Romans 6:1-11;

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What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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Baptism says to the world, "I am dead to my old life. My sins have been nailed to the cross and now I arise to a new life with Jesus as my master, teacher, example and friend." Water baptism itself does not bring forgiveness of sins but is a sign of the New Covenant. As 1 Peter 3:21 states, baptism does not remove the filth of the flesh, but is the answer of a good conscience toward God.

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If it is just a symbol... does it really matter how it is done?

It does not matter whether we get baptized in a river, baptismal, swimming pool, or really big bird bath, as long as we truly believe in the saving power of Jesus, have made a decision to turn from our sin and to start a new life with Jesus at the helm. Baptism should done publicly (in view of a group of believers) to announce that we have accepted Christ and are committed to the new life He offers. There is every indication that baptism should be full-immersion baptism, meaning not just a sparkling of water on one's head but to have one's whole body immersed in water. John did it this way, Jesus' disciples did it this way... we should do it this way.

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What about christening babies?

The word "baptism" comes from the Greek word, "baptizo" which means to immerse. John the baptizer, the forerunner of Jesus Christ baptized by full immersion as did Jesus and His disciples. As we saw from the verses quoted at the outset of this article, the apostles continued to teach and practise full immersion baptism. There are also no biblical examples of very young children being baptized. We've already learned that baptism is a public confession of salvation through Jesus Christ. Only when a person becomes old enough to understand the full meaning of accepting Jesus, can he/she make this public confession (not to mention that most infants can't form sentences). Also, baby christening involves daubing or sprinkling the child with water. This goes against the instruction of the bible, and let's face it... it's a little tough to symbolize a burial and resurrection by just getting your forehead moist.

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The bottom line

There are several key reasons to be baptized if you have already made Jesus your Lord. It is necessary in order to receive the Holy Spirit, which empowers us to live the life God wants us to live. It also creates the public accountability that we need to stay the course. We are going to be able to resist temptation and the pull of our old life much better if we are surrounded by a body of other Christians that have witnessed our covenant with the Lord.

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If you have made Jesus the Lord of your life but have not been baptized by full immersion, in the name of Jesus, then find a bible believing church and start that process. If you cannot be sure that you have been granted eternal life, then please see our "Salvation" page to learn how you can become a Christian.