Why should we get baptized after we become Christians?
Baptism is a visible sign that shows you have made an inward decision to change your life, giving up a sinful and selfish way of living and turning to God.
Baptism is a symbol of the transformation that happens in the hearts of those who believe in Jesus.
Baptism is a public way for you to repent of your sins (no specifics, just claim that you are sorry!).
Baptism symbolizes your rebirth with Christ by having your old self dying and being buried (under water) and your new (clean and forgiven) self rising out of the water. Remembering that your old sinful life is dead and buried with Christ will help give you want to resist sin.
Baptism symbolizes your oneness with Christ because you are buried (under water) like Christ was buried (in a tomb) and you rise out of the water like Christ rose again.
Baptism is something that God wants us to do to publicly proclaim that we are His followers.
Baptism is important enough that even Jesus was baptized before He started His ministry.
Baptism symbolizes submission to Christ, a willingness to live God’s way, and identification with God’s chosen people.
Baptism is NOT an act that is needed to be saved or can help you go to Heaven. It is something that you do as an act of obedience and to you’re your love for God.
Scripture
Mark 1:4 “And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”
Luke 3:16 “John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”
Luke 3:21-22 “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Romans 6:3-4 “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.”
Colossians 2:12 “having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.”
1 Peter 3:21 “and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
