WATER BAPTISM

Baptism is a sign and seal of our grafting into Christ and of our union with Him, of remission of sins, regeneration, adoption, and life eternal. The waters of baptism represents and signifies both the blood of Christ, which takes away all our sins, and also the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit against the dominion of sin and the corruption of our human nature.

Believers in Jesus Christ.

”Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.” (Col. 2:12-13).

The word baptism comes from the Greek word baptizo which means “to dip, to submerge, to immerse.” Although the act of baptism by sprinkling or pouring has been practiced since the early church, in the New Testament, baptism is always performed by immersion in water (Mt. 3:16; Mk. 1:5, 10; Jn. 3:23; Acts 8:39).

Jesus was baptized.

“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” (Mt. 3:16-17).

Jesus commands us to be baptized.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Mt. 28:19-20).

No. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus alone. The act of baptism does not save us from our sins but it is a command we obey after we are saved. It is a part of our growth process and discipleship as a Christian.