What is Baptism and Why is it Important?
Hey sis! So you've given your heart to Jesus - that's amazing! Now you might be wondering about this thing called baptism. Maybe you've heard people talking about it, or your pastor mentioned it, and you're thinking, "What exactly is baptism, and do I really need to do it?" Girl, let's dive into God's Word together and get some clarity on this beautiful step of faith.
What Exactly is Baptism?
Sis, baptism is like your public announcement to the world that you belong to Jesus! It's a beautiful picture of what happened spiritually when you got saved. The word "baptize" actually means to immerse or dip completely under water.
Romans 6:3-4 explains it perfectly: "Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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."
Why Did Jesus Get Baptized?
Here's something beautiful, sis - Jesus Himself was baptized! Even though He never sinned, He wanted to show us the way and fulfill all righteousness.
Matthew 3:13-17 tells us the story: "Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?' Jesus replied, 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.' Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'"
If Jesus thought baptism was important enough to do, sis, we should too!
What Does Baptism Represent?
Baptism is like a beautiful drama that tells your story of salvation:
Going Under the Water = Death to Your Old Life
When you go under that water, sis, it represents dying to your old sinful nature and way of living.
Coming Up Out of the Water = New Life in Christ
When you come up, it's like being resurrected to a brand new life with Jesus!
2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
Is Baptism Required for Salvation?
Sis, let me be clear about this - baptism doesn't save you. Jesus saves you! Baptism is an act of obedience that comes after salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9 is crystal clear: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
But here's the thing - if you love Jesus, you'll want to obey Him, right?
Jesus Commands Us to Be Baptized
Matthew 28:19-20 gives us the Great Commission: "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."
Acts 2:38 shows us the early church pattern: "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.'"
When Should You Get Baptized?
Sis, the Bible shows us that people got baptized right after they believed! There's no waiting period required.
Acts 8:36-38 tells us about the Ethiopian eunuch: "As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, 'Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?' And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him."
The answer is simple: if you've accepted Jesus as your Savior, you're ready to be baptized!
Different Views on Baptism
Sis, let me be honest - different churches have different practices, but let's look at what the Bible shows us:
Mode of Baptism
The Greek word "baptizo" means to immerse. Jesus came "up out of the water" (Mark 1:10), suggesting full immersion.
Age for Baptism
The Bible shows believers being baptized, so it's about understanding and accepting Jesus, not a specific age.
What About Infant Baptism?
Some churches practice infant baptism, sis, but in the New Testament, we only see believers being baptized after they understood and accepted the gospel. Babies can't believe or repent yet.
Acts 8:12 shows us: "But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."
Preparing for Your Baptism
Getting ready for baptism, sis? Here are some things to consider:
Make sure you've truly accepted Jesus - Baptism follows salvation
Understand what it represents - Death to old life, new life in Christ
Choose your church family - Where you'll continue growing
Invite loved ones - Let them witness your public declaration
Pray about it - Ask God to prepare your heart
Your Public Declaration
Romans 10:9 says: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Baptism is your public declaration, sis! It's you telling the world, "I belong to Jesus now!"
What Happens After Baptism?
Sis, baptism isn't the end - it's really just the beginning! After baptism:
Keep growing in your relationship with Jesus
Stay connected to your church family
Continue reading God's Word
Keep praying and walking in obedience
1 Peter 3:21 beautifully explains: "And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
Don't Wait, Sis!
If you've been putting off baptism, sis, what are you waiting for? It's not about being perfect or having it all figured out. It's about obedience and publicly declaring your faith in Jesus.
Remember what Jesus said in Luke 9:26: "Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory."
Don't be ashamed, sis - be bold! Take that beautiful step of obedience and get baptized!
