Baptism
A PUBLIC DECLARATION OF FAITH
DID YOU KNOW? EVEN JESUS WAS BAPTIZED?
"Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John."
Matthew 3:13
Even Jesus was baptized. Jesus was without sin, so He did not need to repent. His baptism demonstrated obedience to the Father and gives us an important example to follow.
If Jesus was baptized, shouldn't we understand why baptism is important in our own walk with Him?
WHAT DOES BAPTISM MEAN?
The Greek word baptizo, translated "baptize," means to immerse, dip, or submerge. Baptism beautifully represents leaving the old life behind and beginning a new life with Jesus.
"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 6:4
1. REPENT
Before baptism, we repent of our sins and turn toward God.
"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins."
Acts 2:38
Repentance is more than saying we are sorry. It is a change of heart that causes us to turn away from sin and toward God.
2. BELIEVE IN JESUS
We place our faith in Jesus Christ — the Son of God, who died for our sins and rose again.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
Baptism does not replace faith in Jesus. Salvation comes through Christ. Baptism is an act of obedience and a public declaration of the faith we have placed in Him.
3. BE BAPTIZED
Baptism represents being immersed or submerged in water. Going beneath the water pictures the old life being buried. Rising from the water represents beginning a new life with Christ.
It is a public declaration:
4. WALK IN A NEW LIFE
Baptism is not the end of our journey — it represents the beginning of a new walk with Jesus. We continue growing in our faith, reading God's Word, praying, obeying Him, and following Him daily.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."
Galatians 2:20
WHAT ABOUT BEING SPRINKLED AS A CHILD?
Some Christian traditions practice infant baptism or sprinkling, and families may sincerely consider it an important act of faith or dedication.
However, a baby cannot personally understand the Gospel, repent of sin, or make a conscious decision to follow Jesus.
If you were sprinkled or baptized as a baby or young child, you can still choose believer's baptism after personally understanding the Gospel, repenting, and placing your faith in Jesus.
This time, the decision is yours.
"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."
Matthew 28:19
ARE YOU READY FOR A NEW BEGINNING?
REPENT.
BELIEVE IN JESUS.
BE BAPTIZED.
WALK IN NEW LIFE.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
2 Corinthians 5:17
PRAY • GO • GIVE • SERVE • SHARE • MAKE DISCIPLES
JESUS FIRST — ABOVE ALL ELSE
MissionforGod.org