WHY BE BAPTIZED?
Salvation is by faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross. His resurrection brings us new life. Death on the cross is now our life as we “die to self” and the ways of the world. Then we are resurrected to “New” life through Christ’s resurrection. So “why by Baptized?”
1. WE FOLLOW IN THE STEPS OF CHRIST
Mark 1:9-11 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
2. JESUS GAVE "US" THE GREAT COMMISSION
Matthew 28:19-20 “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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
3. WHY DO WE BELIEVE IN BAPTISM BY IMMERSION?
Roman 6:4 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.
Colossians 2:11-12 In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
4. PETER COMMANDED IT AND THEN IT WAS A PUBLIC DECLARATION
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
5. WHEN SHOULD YOU BE BAPTIZED? IMMEDIATELY AFTER BELIEVING IN CHRIST
Acts 16:29-34 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be save?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household. Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer, brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God- he and his whole family.