WHAT IS BAPTISM?

Baptism is an action taken by those who profess a faith in Jesus Christ.

A basic description: Baptism is an outward sign of an inward commitment.

1. It Illustrates Jesus’ Burial and Resurrection.
   Christ died for our sin…He was buried…and He rose again.(1 Corinthians 15:3-4) For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ. (Colossians 2:12)
2. It Illustrates My New Life as a Christian.
   By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead…so also we may live a new life. (Romans 6:4)

Baptism doesn’t make you a believer, it demonstrates that you already believe. It’s important to understand that baptism does not “save” you. You are “saved” only by your faith in Jesus.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Why Should I be Baptized?

1. To Follow the Example Set by Christ.
   At the time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river. (Mark 1:9)
   Jesus said, “Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20)
2. It Demonstrates That I Really Am a Believer.
   …many of the people who heard him believed and were baptized (Acts 18:8)
   We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands. (1 John 2:3)

Why Be Baptized by Immersion?

1. Jesus was Baptized That Way.
   As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. (Matthew 3:16)
2. Every Baptism in the Bible was by Immersion.
   …then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…(Acts 8:38-39)
3. The Word “Baptize” Actually Means “To Dip Under Water.”
4. Immersion Best Symbolizes a Burial and Resurrection!
   When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and the new life has begun. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

When Should I be Baptized?

1. As Soon As You Have Believed!
   Those who believe…were baptized…that day. (Acts 2:41)
   Then Philip began with Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him. (Acts 8:35-38)

There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect” you’ll never be ready!