Baptism

Baptism is a symbol of one’s identification by faith with Christ in death, burial, and resurrection. (Romans 6:3-5) The lowering of an individual into the water symbolizes his, or her, identification with Christ in His death and burial. Similarly, raising that person from the water symbolizes his or her identification with Christ in His resurrection and new life. (Colossians 2:11-14) Baptism shared on a Sunday morning is an outward expression of an inward experience that has already taken place through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

The Bible teaches that every individual who places his, or her, trust in Christ for salvation should be baptized. “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) In the origination of the ordinance of baptism, there is a particular order established. The first act was to make disciples, and then, the disciples were to be baptized. This is the pattern carried out in the New Testament.

As soon as possible! The Bible indicates that baptism is one of the first steps a new follower of Christ takes. It’s not unusual, however, for someone to discover the importance of baptism several years after professing faith in Christ. If this is the case, it would be a good idea to make plans to be baptized at the first available opportunity.

That depends upon the significance of your “first” baptism. If you had actually trusted Christ prior to being baptized, there is no need to ever be re-baptized as a sort of second commitment to Him (i.e. “This time I really mean it!”) But, if your first baptism was as an infant, you were unable to personally declare your trust in Christ at the time. Then you should seriously consider baptism now as a believer.

Reflect on how you came to Christ in faith; the process He led you through, culminating in a personal relationship with Himself. Spend some time thinking about the significance of baptism and what it means for your life. Meditate on the biblical passages concerning baptism. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 8:26-38; 10:48; 16:14-15, 23-24). Ask God to help this be a memorable event in your relationship with Him as you celebrate the fact that Christ is your Lord and Savior (John 5:25; 6:47; I John 5:13).