Dear Minister: Why is water baptism a big deal for Christians?
Answer: Water baptism is a significant practice in Christianity for several reasons, each rooted in biblical teachings and traditions:
1. Public Declaration of Faith
- Baptism is a public declaration of an individual’s faith in Jesus Christ. It is a way of outwardly expressing the inward change that occurs when someone becomes a Christian. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His disciples to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
2. Identification with Christ’s Death, Burial, and Resurrection
- Baptism symbolizes a believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When a person is submerged in water, it represents dying to their old sinful life and being buried with Christ. Coming up out of the water symbolizes being raised to a new life in Christ. Romans 6:3-4 explains this connection: “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 so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too may live a new life.”
3. Obedience to Christ’s Command
- For many Christians, baptism is an act of obedience. Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:13-17), setting an example for His followers. He also commanded His disciples to baptize new believers (Matthew 28:19-20). Thus, being baptized is seen as following the directive of Christ and aligning with His teachings.
4. Symbol of Cleansing and New Birth
- Baptism also symbolizes spiritual cleansing and rebirth. The water represents the washing away of sins and the renewal of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2:38, Peter says, “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.”
5. Incorporation into the Christian Community
- Baptism is often viewed as the rite of initiation into the Christian community, marking the beginning of a new life within the body of Christ and symbolizing entry into the fellowship of believers and the universal Church.
6. Commitment to Follow Jesus
- Being baptized is also a personal commitment to live according to Jesus’ teachings and to follow Him throughout one’s life. It says, “I am now a disciple of Christ, and I commit to walking in His ways.”
Water baptism holds deep spiritual and symbolic meaning, encapsulating core Christian beliefs about salvation, new life in Christ, and commitment to following Jesus.
Dr. Joshua Kennedy, Pastor
Praise Tabernacle
Egg Harbor Township
