What is Baptism, and What Does it Mean For Me?

You may have been around church for all your life, or maybe not at all, or somewhere in between. You may have already decided to believe in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Savior, you may have just believed unto Him today, or maybe you are still seeking and searching. Chances are, whether you’re a Christ follower or not, you may have heard of the word “Baptism”. But what does this word mean actually? 

If you are confused on the ancient practice, why Christians make an important emphasis on it, and whether or not you should be baptized and what it implies moving forward in your journey, don’t worry, others are as well. This is important to understand and acknowledge so let’s see what we can learn from this topic.

What is Baptism?

Baptism is an important practice in Christianity that symbolizes the believer’s faith in Christ, the repentance of their sins from their past life moving on forward, and having a supportive group of believers within a local church celebrating their decision. The roots of this practice come from Jewish purification rituals and from the ministry of John the Baptist. 

What is the Origin of the Word Baptism?

The word Baptism comes from the greek word "baptizo", which means “to immerse or dip”. This reflects the ancient early church tradition of fulling immersing an individual into water.

What is the Historical Background of Baptism?

As mentioned previously, the practice of baptism has it’s roots from Jewish purification laws and rituals for the purpose of purification, both literally and spiritually (see Leviticus 11-15).

John the Baptist's baptism was a call to repentance for the people of Israel, preparing the way for Jesus, the who was coming to save His people with the salvation He offered (Matthew 3:1-12). Jesus Himself was baptized by John, marking the beginning of His public ministry (Matthew 3:13-17).

Quick note: Jesus did not get baptized Himself to repent of sins, since He was the promised Messiah to come and save all of those who place their faith and trust in Him, but to fulfill the law. “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matt. 3:15).

Why Do We Go Through Baptism?

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change in the being of the Christ follower. Here are key reasons why we as believers should be baptized:

Identification with Christ

Romans 6:3-4 states - 'Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.’

Cleansing From Sin

Acts 2:38 states - 'Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’ 

This verse emphasizes repentance, a turning away from sin and your old ways before coming to Christ, followed up with baptism, not as a requirement of salvation, but from the result of salvation that had happened prior to being baptized. 

Another important concept to understand in being cleansed or forgiven in your sins is the ‘Baptism of the Holy Spirit’. This is the immersion of God’s power and presence. 

Incorporation into the Church

1 Corinthians 12:13 states - ‘'For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.’ 

Through baptism, the individual is united into the body of Christ, the Church. 

The individual now strives to live a life aligned to the Church’s mission and purpose. 

What are the symbolic interpretations of Baptism?

Baptism symbolizes several important aspects of the Christian faith:

Death & Resurrection

• Immersion into a full body of water represents an identification of the death & resurrection of Christ Jesus.

Being Born Again

• John 3:5 states - 'Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.’
• Being born again is the fundamental concept of a spiritual rebirth or regenreation of the person’s spirit through having faith in Christ as Lord & Savior. 

Covenant Relationship

• Baptism shows an outward expression of someone who has entered into a relationship in agreement with God. Similar to how a wedding symbolizes a covenant relationship between a bride and a groom. The bride being the church, and the groom being Christ Himself. 
• Colossians 2:12 states - 'having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.’

Why Do We Baptize in Water? 

Now, you may understand what Baptism is, the history & origins, why Christians do it, & the symbolism behind the act of Baptism, but could be wondering as to why the act is done in water, being completely immersed in the process. Here are a few principles as to why we do this:

Water baptism is commanded in Scripture

• After Jesus rose from the dead, and then He ascended into Heaven to be on the right side of the Father, He gave instructions to His followers.
• '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 surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”' - Matthew 28:19-20
• 'Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. ' - Mark 16:16
• In the book of Acts, we see Jesus’ followers follow the example that Jesus had commanded them to do in preaching the gospel and baptizing people in God’s name.
• 'Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. ' - Acts 2:38-41

Water baptism is a public sign of repentance and identification with Christ

• When we get baptized, this ultimately shows a symbolic picture of the death of the old life that the believer once had before they came to know Christ. Our Lord & Savior dies on the cross for our sins ad was raised from the dead by the power of God on the third day for the salvation and forgiveness for our sins. 
• Going under the water, shows symbolically burial with Christ, and then rising out of the water shows a rebirth or new life in Christ when He raised from the dead. 
• 'Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. ' - Romans 6:3-4

Who Should Be Baptized?

You may be wondering at this point whether or not you should decide to be baptized or not. For the believer, it not only is encouraged, it is expected from Jesus Himself that you take a part in this act of obedience to Him. 

The person who has believed in Jesus Christ as their Lord & Savior and has repented from all of their sins should be baptized. 

If you want to get baptized, you must be of an older age to understand the decision you are taking to know that you are a sinner and need the forgiveness of sins through Christ. Of course, the age where you are conscious of these fundamental truths will vary amongst individuals. 

If you have believed in and received Christ through repentance, but have not been baptized in water, you will want to obey this important command of Christ. 

So, what are you waiting for? Christ died for you in public, don’t live for Him in private.

If you want to decide to get baptized today at Encounter Church here is more information on becoming a member of EC & baptism sign ups below.

Baptism Signup Link: Click Here