The Importance of Being Baptized

      As you have probably read in one of my previous posts, I am a baptized believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. Why is it so important to be baptized? Well here's why! Baptism symbolizes the death and burial of the old man and resurrection in newness of life in Jesus. “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” Romans 6:4.
      Who in the Bible got baptized you might wonder? Many people! John the Baptist baptized Jesus and then a dove representing the Holy Spirit came down from heaven and landed on Him (John 1:33). Lydia in the book of Acts was baptized with her whole house once she believed in the Lord (Acts 16:14-15). The Ethiopian Eunich was also baptized by Philip (Acts 8:36-38). There are many more accounts of baptisms in the Bible, these are just a few examples. 

      Some Christians believe that you can only be sprinkled with water and that is baptism, others believe in baptizing infants, and even others believe in baptism by immersion only after someone declares that Jesus is their Savior from their sins. I'm of the persuasion to believe in the final way of baptism – immersion. The reason I believe this is in the Greek, the word “baptism” actually means to be submerged in water according to Strong's Concordance of the Bible. It also paints a picture of having the old man buried and then resurrecting in newness of life with Christ. You may differ in your opinion but you are entitled to that! I don't condemn anyone for believing in a different form of baptism. My main concern is that you believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and that you become a baptized believer because that indicates to other believers, the world, and the hosts of angels that you are a child of the Living God. 

      One testimony I can relate to is that of Charles Spurgeon, a famous preacher. He compared his baptism to “crossing the Rubicon or burning the boats. No retreat was possible after that nor have I ever wanted to go back to the world from which I came out.” -- Spurgeon at his best, comp. Tom Carter (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1988) 20.

      I would encourage you, as a believer in Jesus Christ to be baptized by some elders in the church body which is local to you so that you can declare to the world that you have been saved by Jesus precious blood and now you walk in newness of life!
      “As believers we must never take baptism for granted, it's not only a responsibility, but also an icredible priviledge.” – Hank Hanegraaff

      Please feel free to comment on this post or write to me if you have any questions. Thanks for reading! God bless!