THE MOTIVE FOR BAPTISM: WHY SHOULD YOU BE BAPTIZED?
Baptism is a vital step of obedience for every follower of Christ. It marks the beginning of a life committed to walking in His ways. Scripture encourages us to obey Christ’s command to be baptized:
- Through Christ’s own example.
- Through the testimony of early believers. (Acts 8:26–38; 10:47–48; 16:25–34)
- Through the clear teaching of God’s Word. (Romans 6:4–5)
THE METHOD OF BAPTISM: HOW SHOULD YOU BE BAPTIZED?
While baptism can sometimes be misunderstood, the Bible provides a clear model. Baptism is a symbolic act that identifies us with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. The very word baptize in the New Testament means “to immerse,” “to submerge,” or “to place under.” When Jesus was baptized, He “came up out of the water,” showing immersion as the biblical method.
THE MEANING OF BAPTISM: WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
- Baptism is a public declaration of personal faith in Jesus Christ.
- It visually represents the gospel—what Jesus accomplished through His death, burial, and resurrection.
- It also expresses our personal identification with Christ and our unity with His Church.
THE MOMENT OF BAPTISM: WHEN SHOULD YOU BE BAPTIZED?
Baptism should take place soon after a person places their faith in Jesus. This follows the New Testament example, as seen in Acts 2:41, where new believers were baptized immediately after their conversion.
