Saturday, March 29, 2025
Perhaps you have seen people get baptized. But what exactly is it, and why do Christians do this?
Baptism is the public expression of faith in Jesus as our Savior. It is signified by an immersion in—and immersion from—water, symbolizing our sins dying and us rising from the grave, just as Jesus died for our sins and rose to conquer them. Mark 16:16 says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
So what does it mean to be baptized? Pastor and author John Piper says it this way, “[Baptism] expresses union with Christ in His death and resurrection.” This belief is based on Romans 6:3-9.
Romans 6:3-4
3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
Baptism represents our sin no longer having any power over us. In the simple act of going under the water, we proclaim that because of the death of Jesus Christ, we are able to put to death our sin. Then we are given new life through his resurrection represented by our rising out of the water.
It’s important to note that baptism actually has no saving power in and of itself; being baptized does not save anyone from their sin. Instead, it is symbolic of the saving work that has already taken place when we put our faith in Christ.
You may be wondering why someone should get baptized if it's not necessary for salvation. Many theologians, past and present, have discussed this issue. The overwhelming consensus is that all believers should be baptized for three reasons. First Jesus commanded it in Matthew 28:18-20. With all authority on heaven and earth, Jesus commands us to be baptized and to baptize others. Second, Jesus did it (Matthew 3:13-15). We not only get baptized because Jesus commanded it, but also because in our baptism, we identify with Jesus. Finally, it represents a commitment to Jesus. Just as a man and woman exchange rings at their wedding to represent commitment to each other, so baptism represents our public commitment to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Next Steps:
If you have put your faith in Christ and not yet been baptized, stop by guest services to sign up here.
If you want to learn more about baptism, stop by Guest Services for our Baptism Bible study that will dive deeper into the information above.