WHY WATER BAPTISM?

What is water baptism? What is it’s purpose? Who can participate? The word baptism comes from the Greek word baptisma which means to submerge or immerse. This also is in reference to John’s baptism and Christian baptism.

There’s no mention of baptism in the Old Testament. The first time we encounter baptism is in the gospel of Matthew where we find John the Baptist baptizing in the Jordan River. The purpose for this was for repentance of sins, and to prepare the participant for the Messiah (Matthew 3:5-6). John’s baptism was incomplete and was never meant to save or take away sins. In short, water baptism can not save anyone (emphasis added)! For if it could, Jesus dying on the cross and shedding his blood would have been in vain.  

John declared to the religious leaders that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11).

In fact, when Jesus approached John to be baptized, John tried to prevent him and replied, “I need be baptized by you, and you’re coming to me? John recognized that Jesus’ baptism is what he needed also, for he himself knew that he was a sinner and needed salvation. ” But Jesus said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he (John the Baptist), allowed him (Matthew 3:13-15. Italics added). Jesus being water baptized was identifying with sinners and those he knew he would save. This simple act was an expression of love for the lost. Jesus met us at our point of need.

Water baptism is an outward sign of what has already taken place in the heart of a believer. Water baptism signifies publicly that one is identifying with the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Water baptism only has validity if one has already been baptized spiritually – i.e. born again (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:1-4; Acts 19:2:Romans 6:3-6; Romans 10:9-10; I Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27). 

Water baptism is most significant because of what is symbolizes, and who it identifies you with, the Lord Jesus Christ. Every believer needs to be water baptized so that we fulfill all righteousness. Jesus substituted his sinless life and represented us in his humiliating death on the cross – paying the price for our sins. A debt that he alone was qualified to pay. The  least we can do is represent him publicly in symbolically showing solidarity in his death, burial and resurrection for it's a loving act of obedience to our Savior.