Baptism
What is Baptism?
Baptism is a public celebration declaring the inward changes that have come through your faith in Christ.
What Baptism is NOT?
Baptism does not save you, purchase your way to heaven, or wash away your sins. Only faith in the person and work of Christ can do these things.
Why do it?
Because Jesus did it. (Matthew 3:13-17)
Because Jesus commands us as His followers to do it. (Matthew 28: 18-20)
How to do it?
Jesus and His followers were submerged in water. (Acts 8:35-38)
The Greek word used for baptism in the Bible is "baptizo", which means to immerse in a body of water.
The symbolism of being submerged:
It is symbolic of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.
It is symbolic of your death to sin and your new life in Jesus. (Romans 6:3-4)
When to do it?
In the Bible, followers of Jesus were baptized right after making a decision to put their faith in and follow Jesus. (Acts 16:29-33)