What Scripture Says
"Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).
"And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16).
"Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through the faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead" (Colossians 2:12).
"The is also an antitype which now saves us, namely baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:21).What Is Water Baptism?
Water baptism is for a person who has been born again. The New Testament words "baptisma" and "baptizo" were not interpreted from the Greek text, but transliterated into English forms: "baptism" and "baptize." To "baptize" means to completely immerse.Those baptized by John the Baptist were completely immersed, as were those who believed in Jesus. Scripture tells us that there was always a body of water available, such as Jesus' own baptism (in the Jordan River) and the baptism of the Ethiopian (Acts 8:33). Those being baptized went into the water and were completely immersed.
Water baptism symbolizes Christ's death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:14) and is a testimony of your commitment to the Lord. It takes place after you have believed, as with the believers at Pentecost (Acts 2:41) and Samaria (Acts 8:12); and with the Ethiopian (Acts 8:38), Paul (Acts 9:18), Lydia of Thyatira (Acts 16:15), the Phillippian jailer (Acts 16:33), and the believers in Corinth (Acts 18:8) and Ephesus (Acts 19:5).
Water baptism portrays your sins as being forgiven and cleansed. Your sins are forgiven when you confess them (1 John 1:9) and are cleansed by Jesus' shed blood (1 John 1:7). You are baptized to testify of that cleansing and forgiveness.
Jesus had no sin. He was baptized to "fulfill righteousness." He identified Himself with John the Baptist's message to the people of their need for repentance. Although Jesus was free of sin, His baptism pleased the Father (Matthew 3:17). This act of obedience set an example to all believers of their need for water baptism.
New believers are to be baptized by those who have been baptized themselves. Therefore, if you haven't been baptized and desire to be, speak to your pastor. When you meet with him/her, share your testimony and ask to be baptized according to Scripture.
If you are seeking guidance for a good church (important for Christian fellowship and spiritual growth), please contact the Crossroads Ministry Centre nearest you. One of our representatives will be able to recommend some possibilities in your area.
As You Pray
Offer thanksgiving and praise for what God is doing in your life. Rejoice for His great love toward you. Also pray and thank Him for revealing other ways you can become more identified with Him.Suggested Reading
Study Scriptures cited above and other references on baptism which you can find in a Bible concordance (eg. Colossians 2:11,12 and Ephesians 2:11-13). Crossroads is happy to help. In fact, that's the whole reason we exist as a ministry. The daily 100 Huntley Street telecast and the 24-hour-a-day Telephone Ministry line are here for the same reason. You may want to call us as you are reading this: 1-866-273-4444God loves you and we love you! Please give us the privilege of doing our best to help more. For further ministry, you may contact the Crossroads Ministry Centre by writing to:
Crossroads Christian Communications Inc.
Attn: National Ministry Centre
PO Box 5100
Burlington, Ontario L7R 4M2
