Why should I get baptized?
Water baptism outwardly demonstrates what has happened inwardly. Water baptism helps you to grasp the reality of the spiritual truth that the old “you” has died. Water baptism is only as important as the participant believes it to be. Water baptism is their confession and a public commitment. Unless the person really believes they died, there is no need for a burial. It is not something we must do to impress God, but something to impress on our mind what happened to us inwardly. Water baptism is for our benefit—not God’s.
Clean break with the past
As we are baptized in water, we are in effect saying goodbye to our old life (self), and saying hello to a new creation who is IN Christ Jesus. Because of death you are free from your old master (the devil); now you have a new Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. A major benefit to the believer is the clean break that water baptism makes with their past. When the devil brings temptations and accusations concerning their old life—the believer can reply, “That person is dead and buried. I am a new person in Christ.” Water baptism is a point of separation, dividing the old from the new. It says the past is dead and gone—drawing a clear line between the old life and the new, graphically imprinted on the mind of the believer.
Jesus’ baptism
Why was Jesus baptized in water? He was, and is, our pattern. And, in a sense, He was, at that point, dying to His past life. From that point, His first allegiance would no longer be to earthly relatives. (“Who is My mother, or My brothers?” Mark 3:31–35.) Jesus would no longer be a carpenter. He was beginning His public ministry. Jesus was declaring that He was dead to any selfishness and existed solely to do the will of the Father God.
Baptism in water is not necessary for salvation, but is beneficial for the believer.
The main points to remember about water baptism:
• It does not make you a Christian, or right with God. It is only a symbolic act with no power to save you.
• It is a testimony of what has already happened inwardly in the believer—the death of their old life. Certain formulas of words are not vital.
• It is complete immersion into water.
• It is best done publicly.
• It should be done only by someone old enough to understand what they are doing.
• It should be done only by those who have received the Lord Jesus Christ and are committed to Him.
Should you be baptized in water?
Yes, if you understand clearly what you are doing and sincerely mean what baptism signifies.
Please use the FORM in the next column to register for the next Water Baptism.
