What is the significance of baptism?

Have you ever thought about getting baptized but have too many questions still unanswered?

In this article we would love to help you understand a little bit more about this significant next step in your journey of following Jesus.

Why should I consider getting baptized?

Following Christ:
In order to understand the reason for being water baptized, it is important to carefully consider what the Bible says about it: Jesus himself was baptized. He was not a sinner, yet he humbled himself in obedience to identify with us and give us an example to follow.

An act of obedience:
Water baptism is an act of faith and obedience to the commands of Christ.

“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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

A public declaration:
Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus Christ. It is a public confession of your faith in, and commitment to, Jesus Christ. It is the next step after salvation through repentance and faith and is an important foundation for Christian life.

How are we to be baptized?

As per the example of Jesus – by being immersed in water. The word “baptize” comes from the Greek word “baptize” which means “to immerse or dip under water”.

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.” Matthew 3:16

Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water. The book of Acts shows us that this was the norm for every believer.

“Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” Acts 8:38,39

Who should be baptized?

Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ. When Paul writes to the believers in Rome, he assumes that all of them have been baptized (Romans 6). The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ!

“Those who accepted his message were baptized.” Acts 2:41

“But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12

We believe in baptizing children when they are old enough to understand what it means and make a personal declaration of belief.

When are we to be baptized?

Believers in the New Testament were baptized the same day. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, he can be, and is encouraged to be baptized.

“Those who accepted his message were baptized.” Acts 2:41

“Then Philip began with that very passage of scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they travelled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:35-39

Please email us with any questions about baptism or if you would like to be baptized: clovisfirst@clovisfirst.org Thank you!

Then he said, “Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the message of God’s good news to one and all. Whoever believes and is baptized is saved; whoever refuses to believe is damned.” Mark 16:16 MSG