1. It Is the “Good News” or Message that Jesus Died for Our Sins.
Baptism is part of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the “good news” or message that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was resurrected from the dead on the third day (1 Cor 15:1-4). Baptism is a public profession of faith in Christ and immersion into death to sin so that we may be raised up with him through resurrection. It is also symbolic of being buried with Christ in his death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5).
You see, before this world existed there was sin. Adam disobeyed God’s command not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This act separated him from God because it showed he didn’t love Him enough to obey Him no matter what happened. Since then all people have inherited this same sinful nature from their parents—they have been born sinners!
But when you accept Jesus as your Savior by repenting (turning away) from your sins and believing in Him alone as your Lord (not yourself), He removes all your guilt because He paid for it Himself by dying on a cross (not just washing off dirt) so that we could be cleansed by His blood shed on our behalf–and then rose again three days later–to conquer death itself!
2. The Act of Baptism Functions Much Like the Act of Opening a Present.
The Bible teaches us that although salvation is a gift freely given to us by God, it must be accepted in order to take effect. The act of baptism functions much like the act of opening a present: you know there’s something inside the package, but you can’t know what it is until you open it. Likewise, when we get baptized we are symbolically entering into a relationship with Jesus Christ, one which will be completed at his return (1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 2:8–9). Baptism does not save us from sin (1 Peter 3:21), but it does signify our faith in Jesus Christ and our willingness to submit ourselves to him as Lord of our lives
3. According to Acts 2:38, We Must Believe in Jesus Christ, Repent from Our Sin, Confess Faith in Him as Lord, and Be Baptized in Order to Receive the Forgiveness He Offers.
Repentance is a change of mind about one’s sinfulness, a turning away from sin and a turning toward God. It’s not an emotion but an act of the will. As such, repentance must be expressed in deeds as well as words.
The Bible says that if we confess our sins (to God or others), He will forgive us (1 John 1:9). Once we truly repent and turn to Him for forgiveness, Jesus promises: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37).
Baptism In Water Is A Sign Of What?
Baptism by immersion into water is symbolic of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—and thus it signifies both His death for our sins and our union with Christ through faith in Him and His work on the cross on our behalf. Baptism also represents cleansing from sin; when we are baptized by full immersion in water—which symbolizes death—we die to ourselves so that we can live for God instead.
4. Jesus Was Baptized as An Example for Us to Follow.
The Bible says that Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:13-17). It also says that Jesus did not need to be saved because he is God himself (John 1:1-4). He was baptized by John the Baptist as an example for us to follow (Matthew 3:13-17). We should be baptized as well because it sets an example of obedience and helps us follow God’s will in our lives.
5. Baptism Does Not Save Us from Our Sins, but It Is Necessary for Salvation (mark 16:16).
Baptism is the means by which we receive forgiveness of sins. It’s symbolic of dying to an old life and rising to a new life (Romans 6:1-11). Jesus was baptized as an example for us to follow (Matthew 3:13-16).
6. It Shows Obedience to God and It Is a Symbolic Opportunity for Our Old Life to “die” with Christ.
Baptism is necessary for salvation because it shows obedience to God and it is a symbolic opportunity for our old life to “die” with Christ so that we can walk out our new life with Him. In the Bible, baptism is associated with salvation. Jesus was baptized, so we are expected to follow His example (Matt. 3:16-17). The apostle Paul taught that faith leads us into a new relationship with God through baptism (Romans 6:3-5). We are buried in water with Christ and are raised up by faith in Him (Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21).
Baptism also shows submission to God’s authority, which is essential before any person can be saved (Acts 10:48; Romans 10:9-10). Those who refuse this submission have not obeyed God’s word regarding forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus Christ, making their refusal sufficient evidence of lacking saving faith (1 John 5:1).
7. Baptism Marks a New Beginning as A Disciple of Christ.
Baptism is an act of obedience to Christ, which shows our love for God. It is a symbol of washing away the old life, so that we can rise again with Christ to a new life in Christ. Baptism should be considered an act of worship as soon as possible!
Baptism is a celebration of life in Christ, not just at birth but also at death. It’s the public declaration that you belong to God and live by faith in Jesus Christ alone.