Water baptism is a demonstration of obedience, and us being identified with Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, once a person believed in Jesus for salvation, they were then baptized in water. Baptism is a sign of cleansing and forgiveness of sin. It is an act of faith and obedience. Christian baptism is an outward act of obedience by which the believer fulfills the inward righteousness they have already received through faith in Christ’s death and resurrection.
Mark 16:16: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” Baptism is also an illustration of the Gospel of Christ. Romans 6:1-4. Into the water equals identification with His death. When we come out of the water, we signify that we participate in His resurrection in our own lives. Again, it is an illustration of the gospel. When you see someone baptized you see a representation of what Christ has done in their lives. Baptism is also a demonstration of obedience, and us being identified with Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, once a person believed in Jesus for salvation, they were then baptized in water. Baptism is also a sign of cleaning and forgiveness of sin. It is an act of faith and obedience. Baptism is also proclamation of the glory of Christ: 1 Peter 3:18-22. We proclaim His glory. In the church we unite with the family of God. When someone is baptized, they are saying, “I am with you. I am identifying with Christ and with His church.” It is such an encouragement to see others baptized. You are part of the family of God, the Unity of the Community of God, the unity of a new humanity.
Why do we do it?
To follow the example of Jesus: Matthew 3:16-17 “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 resting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”To obey the command of Jesus: Matthew 28:19 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”To unite with the family of God: Ephesians 4:1-6 “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”