Understanding Baptism
Mar. 20, 2024
If you're on a spiritual journey exploring Christianity, you've likely come across the practice of baptism. But what exactly is it? And why is it so significant? The idea of being dunked underwater in a public setting may seem strange at first. However, baptism holds deep meaning for followers of Jesus Christ. Let's dive into what it represents.
At its core, baptism symbolically expresses the transformation that takes place when someone decides to put their faith in Jesus. It's an outward, public declaration that you have chosen to follow Christ, dying to your old way of life and being raised up to new life in Him.
The Example of Jesus
Baptism finds its roots in the life and teachings of Jesus himself. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus instructs his disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." Baptism is something Jesus clearly expects of those who choose to follow him.
Importantly, Jesus didn't just tell his followers to be baptized - he modeled it himself when he was baptized by John the Baptist (Luke 3:21). Even though he was sinless, Jesus went through the act of baptism as "an act of obedience" that God required (Matthew 3:15). As Christians, we follow Jesus' example through baptism.
The Visual Gospel
More than just an act of obedience, baptism symbolically depicts the core message of Christianity - the gospel. This can be seen in Romans 6:3-4:
"Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives."
As a person goes underwater, it represents dying to their old sinful self and being buried with Christ. When they come up out of the water, it represents being raised to new life in Christ, just as he conquered death through his resurrection. Baptism is a powerful visual portrayal of leaving the old behind and embracing the transformation Jesus offers.
In fact, the original Greek word "baptizo" literally means "to immerse or submerge under water." Full immersion baptism allows the symbolic imagery of death, burial, and resurrection to be vividly expressed, which is why many churches practice baptism this way today.
Baptism and Salvation
Some wonder - does being baptized itself provide salvation and forgiveness? Or does salvation come through faith in Jesus alone? According to the Bible's teachings, it is by grace through faith that we are saved, not by works or actions like baptism itself (Ephesians 2:8-9).
So while baptism doesn't provide salvation, it's meant to be an outward sign to the world of the internal change that's happened through Jesus' grace in someone's life. The book of Acts connects being baptized to repentance and faith in Christ (Acts 2:38). Baptism flows out of someone's decision to trust Jesus, demonstrating their commitment through this act of obedience, just as Jesus exemplified.
Should You Be Baptized?
If you have personally decided to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, being baptized is a biblical next step to declare that commitment publicly. It's a profound way to go "all in" and tells the world you have decided to fully follow Jesus.
Even if you went through a baptism as an infant, many Christians view believer's baptism as a meaningful personal decision to claim your faith for yourself. Just as Jesus waited until he was an adult to be baptized, so you can choose to be baptized again once you've matured in your faith.
Perhaps you're feeling drawn to take this symbolic step in your spiritual journey but still have reservations or questions. That's okay - don't feel rushed. Discuss it further with Christians you trust. Allow God to prepare your heart for this milestone when the time is right.
The waters of baptism await all who are ready to publicly identify as disciples of Jesus Christ. It depicts the powerful transformation available through the gospel. Just as Jesus entered the waters before his ministry began, so you can follow in his footsteps through this meaningful act of obedience and new life.