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Why Should I Get Baptized?
1. DECISION—I’m going public with my faith
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. Mark 1:9 (CSB)
As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there’s water. What would keep me from being baptized?” 38 So he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.
Acts 8:37-38 (CSB)
2. ASSOCIATION—I’m identifying with Jesus
He proclaimed, “One who is more powerful than I am is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Mark 1:7-8 (CSB)
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too.
Luke 3:21 (NIV)
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to stop him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?”15 Jesus answered him, “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John allowed him to be baptized.
Matthew 3:13-15 (CSB)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15 (CSB)
Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?4 Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness[ of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection.
Romans 6:3-5 (CSB)
3. AUTHORIZATION—I’m ready for God to send me
As soon as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.” 12 Immediately the Spirit drove him into the wilderness.
Mark 1:10-12 (CSB)
If only you would tear the heavens open and come down, so that mountains would quake at you presence.
Isaiah 64:1 (CSB)
I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Mark 1:8 (CSB)
For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ.
Galatians 3:27 (CSB)