If you are interested in learning more about believer’s baptism, email info@edgedchurchcolorado.com.
1) It Tells the Story of Christ
“Christ died for our sins… He was buried… and He rose again.”
I Corinthians 15:3-4
Baptism symbolizes our spiritual union with Christ in His death to sin and His resurrection to everlasting life. The Bible says that the ritual itself does not save a person, but that baptism spiritually strengthens the one being baptized and the congregation that witnesses the baptism. In other words, baptism is an outward sign that symbolizes what has already taken place inwardly (spiritually). It symbolizes the believer’s union with Christ and thus his/her initiation into the new community known as the church.
2) It Tells What God Has Done in Your Life
“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 is an important commitment because it publicly identifies you as a follower of Jesus Christ and a part of his church. Throughout the book of Acts, as people accepted Christ they immediately were baptized. As a person goes underneath the water they are identifying with the burial of Christ. As a follower is brought up out of the water he signifies the new spiritual life in Christ. Baptism doesn’t make you a believer – it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ can. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it is the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.
3) It is an Act of Obedience
“Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus equated baptism with making disciples and teaching these disciples to obey. Jesus considered baptism as important as discipleship or evangelism. All three of these steps are significant in following Christ.
4) It is an Act of Worship
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
Romans 12:1
God wants us to worship Him in our actions. When a person gets baptized he/she is offering their bodies to the Lord as a spiritual act of worship.
Jesus commanded his followers to worship him by participating in two ceremonies–the Lord’s Supper or communion and baptism. Both are significant acts of worship because they were initiated by Jesus himself.
5) It Follows Christ’s Example
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.”
Mark 1:9
The reason that Jesus was baptized was to set the pace for his followers. As we, too, are baptized, we are acting exactly like Jesus.
6) It is an Encouragement to Others
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” Acts 2:41 (NIV)
Can you imagine what it must have been like to see 3,000 people baptized as the church began? This out of the ordinary experience clearly communicated to the entire city of Jerusalem that a supernatural power was changing the lives of people. Every time a person is baptized they are reminding pre-Christians and Christians that God forgives sin and changes lives.
This is an exciting time for you as you declare publicly your relationship with Christ. Invite as many friends and family as you can to share this special moment with you. As you are baptized you are identifying your self as a follower of Jesus Christ. Afterwards, many will clap and rejoice with you as you take this important step in your relationship with Chirst.
You should wear a dark t-shirt and shorts. You will also want to bring a towel to dry off afterwards.