Water Baptism
Water Baptism, being baptized, getting baptized, baptism by water, baptism of Jesus, cleansing of sins, new beginning. These are just a few of the ways to refer to being baptized in water.
Depending on the church or denomination you are most familiar with, being baptized in water can mean different things to different people. In some churches, babies are baptized shortly after they are born. In other churches, people are not baptized until they reach the age when they can make the choice on their own to be baptized.
As is the usual position of this Web site, we are not going to provide a theological analysis or assessment of the topic of baptism. We will simply say that we believe baptism symbolizes becoming one with Jesus in His death on the cross, being cleansed of our sin, and being raised with Him to have new life. (see Romans 6:3-11 NLT) We also believe in baptism by immersion in water because Jesus was baptized this way and He — as with everything else in our lives – is our example. Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 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 lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:13-17 NIV).
In addition to being our example, Jesus also tells us to do so in Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV): Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…. And in Acts 2:38 (NIV), Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins….”
If you have recently accepted Jesus in your heart as your Lord and Savior, and you have not been baptized, please prayerfully consider doing so. If you were baptized as a baby, consider making this choice for yourself to be baptized before the Lord (see Romans 6 NLT). You do not have to be baptized to go to heaven. But just like the other information we’ve provided in this section, getting baptized can certainly help you to grow in your relationship with Jesus.
Find out baptism services by contacting your local church. What are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away… (Acts 22:16 NIV).
