I grew up going to a Baptist Church which placed me under the illusion that I understood the ancient sacrament of baptism. The truth is, that this Christian ritual has been modified, diluted, and misconstrued throughout history across many denominations. Some would say that baptism is required for salvation, others would push for infant baptisms, and what about confirmation? More often than not with the concept of baptism comes a cluster of confusion. Therefore, it is important that as Christians we know what the Bible says regarding Baptism and the significance of its practice.
Baptism was an ancient practice within the Jewish community to “cleanse” gentiles that were converting to Judaism. Then John the Baptist soon continued this tradition with his baptism for repentance in preparation for the coming Messiah. Jesus commissioned His followers to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He promised the disciples that He would baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire. After that those same disciples would go on to preach, baptize and disciple new believers. Baptism is a common theme in the New Testament, and the theme is simple yet significant.
Baptism is a powerful moment in a Christian’s journey following Jesus. There is actually more than one baptism, but we will focus on water baptism. As Christians, we believe that Water Baptism is an outward declaration of an inward belief. The act of being baptized is going public with your faith in Christ. Water baptism is symbolizing the death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The submerging under the water symbolizes the death of Jesus on the cross and the raising out of the water symbolizes the resurrection of Christ. In the act, the believer is declaring publicly that they are “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.”
Baptism is a tradition of celebration, joy, and honor. In it, we welcome others into the family of God as well as remember the glory of Jesus in His death and resurrection. In Romans 1:16, the apostle Paul says, “I am unashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Christians embody this sentiment through the act of baptism.