Do I need to be baptized?

Baptism is having someone immersed in water or having someone sprinkled with water. Baptism is the next step after you have chosen to be saved from your old, sinful life. If you have decided to live the way God wants you to live, you may express that by being baptized. With baptism, you show in public that just like Jesus you have died and are risen. You show that your sins have been washed away and that you have started a new life.

What is baptizing?

In the event of baptism, you are immersed in water. This can be done in a river, in the sea, in a swimming pool, or in a special basin in a church. In some churches, this is also done by sprinkling someone with water. By being baptized you publicly show that you belong to Jesus Christ to everyone. It is a symbol of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also a symbol of being washed clean of your old sinful life. It is the start of a new life.

A new life

The immersion is your (spiritual) burial. But you also rise again from the water. That represents your resurrection into a (spiritual) new life.

When you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and you were raised up with him because of your faith in God’s power. God’s power was shown when he raised Christ from death. Colossians 2:12

Did you forget that all of us became part of Christ Jesus when we were baptized? In our baptism we shared in his death. So when we were baptized, we were buried with Christ and took part in his death. And just as Christ was raised from death by the wonderful power of the Father, so we can now live a new life. Romans 6:3-4

Spiritually, your old life ends and you may start a new one. Baptism is also a symbol of your future. After your body dies, you will receive a new life with God in heaven.

Your sins are washed away

Baptism also symbolizes the washing away of your sins. It shows that you cleansed of your sins through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God will no longer judge you for your sins.

Peter, a follower of Jesus, says about this:

Peter said to them, “Change your hearts and lives and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ. Then God will forgive your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

Repentance and baptism belong together

Repentance is about changing your way of life. When you accept Jesus’ offer, you can start living a different life. It is the beginning of an eternal (spiritual) life. God will have the most important position of all in your life. You decide not to control everything yourself anymore, but to be led by God. You will start a life with a great future.

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved. But those who do not believe will be judged guilty. Mark 16:16

Jesus Christ was baptized as well

Jesus Christ also had Himself baptized before He started His mission here on earth. He was baptized by John. Jesus did not need to have His sins washed away or start a new life. His baptism was an example for us to show that we must be obedient to God.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River. He came to John, wanting John to baptize him. But John tried to stop him. John said, “Why do you come to me to be baptized? I should be baptized by you!” Jesus answered, “Let it be this way for now. We should do whatever God says is right.” Then John agreed. So Jesus was baptized. As soon as he came up out of the water, the sky opened, and he saw God’s Spirit coming down on him like a dove. A voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the one I love. I am very pleased with him.” Matthew 3:13-17

After His baptism, Jesus Christ received the Holy Spirit. Jesus obeyed His Heavenly Father and in doing so set an example for us.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit

In baptism, it is pronounced that you are baptized in the name of the Father (God), the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. You will belong to God’s family. Jesus gave His disciples this instruction when He went to Heaven:

So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19

If you want to learn more about God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, read the article about this topic.

What is holding you back?

You may be baptized when you do believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins and you wish to start living the way God desires. It is not required to know the Bible thoroughly at first. The most important is that you trust in God.

By being baptized you show this to God and to the people who are close to you. In some countries, it can be very challenging to be baptized. After all, you are showing publicly that you belong to Jesus Christ. It can even be dangerous when you show to family and friends that you have made this decision.

In that situation, it can be a very hard decision to be baptized. God knows that as well. If you are in such a situation, then ask God for wisdom and strength.

If you do not know any other followers of Jesus Christ in your area, then contact our team. Please visit the contact page or use the CHAT (when available in your country). Our team members live in different countries around the world. So we can try to connect you with other followers of Jesus Christ in your neighborhood.

I wish you much blessings and wisdom!

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