Why is baptism important?

What is baptism?

Baptism comes from the Greek term baptizo, which means “submerge, to immerse, or make fully wet.”

The external manifestation of a Christian’s faith is baptism. Jesus’ example of baptism revealed his devotion to His Heavenly Father. Christians demonstrate their dedication to God through the biblical rite of baptism.

By being baptized, we proclaim our belief in Jesus’ death and resurrection and our intention to walk in the newness of life. Thus, we confess Christ as Lord and Savior, become His people, and are accepted into His church as members. Baptism represents our relationship with Christ, remission of sins, and reception of the Holy Spirit.

Is baptism in the Bible?

Yes, baptism is mentioned more than 20 times in the bible.

Baptism represents Christ’s death and resurrection.

Baptism is a vital part of the Christian’s life and faith, as it demonstrates one’s commitment to follow Jesus. This action of sinking and then reemerging from the sea represents the death and burial of Jesus Christ. When baptized, people are metaphorically raised to a new life in Christ. It is a thrilling and vital element of the life of a new Christian (Romans 6:3-4).

How many baptisms are in the Bible?

Holy Spirit – This is receiving of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5).

Fire – This happened on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).

Water Baptism – A baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4).

Why is baptism important in Christianity?

Jesus instructed us to get baptized (Mark 16:16).

Jesus said that everyone who calls Him Lord, but does not do what He says is foolish, and those who do what He says is wise (Luke 6:46-49).

Jesus got baptized, and the bible says those who abide in Him should walk the way He walked (1 John 2:6). To walk the way He walked means to do what He did.

Jesus’ disciples got baptized, including the apostle Paul (Acts 9:18, Acts 8:36-38).

You cannot enter God’s kingdom without water baptism and the Holy Spirit (John 3:5, Acts 10:47).

You need to get baptized to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).

Baptism by water

Water baptism is a symbolic ritual.

It symbolizes that your sins have been washed away (Acts 22:16).

It symbolizes that you are saved (1 Peter 3:21, Mark 16:16).

It symbolizes that you are dead from your sins and are born again (Romans 6:3-4).

It signifies that you have put on Christ (Galatians 3:27).

It symbolizes that you have repented of your sins (Matthew 3:11).

How do you get baptized by water?

Some churches use sprinkling, or “aspersion,” which is the act of sprinkling a person with water rather than fully immersing them for baptism.

The Bible does not mention sprinkling, but rather the total submersion of a person in the water. A person is baptized by completely submerging them in water.

Baptism of the Holy Spirit

How do you receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

When a Christian who already has the Holy Spirit prays and lays their hand on you.

By hearing the gospel preached by a Holy Spirit filled preacher and believing it.

What is the purpose of the Holy Spirit?

To guide Christians to all truth and help us to understand the bible (John 14:17).

To empower us for the gospel ministry (1 Corinthians 12:11).

To obtain wisdom, revelation, and power (1 Corinthians 2:10-11).

To enable Christians to have eternal life (Romans 8:10-11).

What to do before getting baptized?

You believe the gospel(Acts 2:41).

You decided to get baptized after repenting from your sins (Matthew 3:11, Acts 2:38).

You have confessed your sins (Mark 1:5).

Was there baptism in the Old Testament?

Yes, the bible says that the Israelites were baptized in the sea (1 Corinthians 10:1-2).

Is baptizing babies or infant baptism valid?

When you read the entire New Testament, you will notice that only adults get baptized, and no babies are baptized.

For a person to be baptized, they need to hear about the gospel, repent and confess their sins. A baby cannot do all of these.

What happens if a baby dies without being baptized?

Before a person gets baptized, they need to hear the gospel and repent of their sins and confess them.

A baby has not committed any sin, and therefore they have nothing to repent of. A baby has not reached the age of accountability, and God will not expect him/her to be baptized. Therefore they will not go to hell if they die without being baptized.

Is baptism necessary for salvation?

Yes, baptism is necessary for salvation, according to the following verses.

Conclusion

Why is Baptism important? – Based on the above, it is necessary for salvation and a sign that Christians have dedicated themselves to God. 

The Bible tells us how to get baptized, and it is clear that water baptism is through full immersion only and only adults get baptized, not babies.

Churches that perform water baptism through sprinkling and infant baptism are not obeying the bible, and you should not go to these churches, since if they disobey a plain commandment, they cannot be trusted to preach other doctrines in the bible correctly.