Many who visit this page are preparing to be baptized in water, while others have already had the privilege of experiencing this moment. Today, we will address a fundamental question: What is water baptism?
The Lord Jesus Christ Himself was baptized in water, setting an example for all of us who are willing to follow in His footsteps. Baptism is a spiritual milestone, a public commitment, and a transformation of life for the Christian.
The Meaning of Baptism
Baptism is a symbol of conversion for the Christian. By being baptized, an individual publicly declares their new life in Christ Jesus, renouncing old practices and embracing a life aligned with God’s will.
John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. (Mark 1:4)
Baptism represents the remission of sins. When we are immersed in water, we renounce our flesh and begin a new life, guided by the Spirit of God.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
When we accept Jesus Christ as Savior and choose to be baptized, we make a public confession not only of a changed life but also of a transformed attitude. During immersion, the “old self” dies and remains behind, and a new creature emerges, shaped according to God’s will.
The Transformation of Baptism
Baptism marks the birth of a new person, one who bears the fruit of the Spirit. When we rise from the water, our flesh is crucified, and we begin to earnestly practice love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
A Practical Example
Consider the case of Mario. Before baptism, Mario was explosive and intolerant of disrespect. When he goes down into the water, the old Mario is left behind. When he emerges, a new Mario is born—peaceful, gentle, and self-controlled. The old self was crucified, and a new creature has arisen.
A Unique Commitment to Christ
When we raise our hands to Jesus, we confess that He is the only and sufficient Savior of our lives. Our faith must rest solely in Jesus, for He alone intercedes for us.
One Lord, one faith, one baptism. (Ephesians 4:5)
Baptism is a singular act. There is no need to be baptized again, as through this act, we crucify the old self and become a new creature in Christ Jesus. However, the old self may try to resurface. As new creatures, we must diligently seek to produce love, peace, goodness, gentleness, and self-control, daily crucifying our flesh and ego.
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
Baptism also qualifies us to participate in the memorial of Christ’s body and blood, the Lord’s Supper. However, this participation requires awareness and responsibility to avoid partaking unworthily.
Therefore let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. (1 Corinthians 11:28-32)
Partaking of the Lord’s Supper unworthily brings condemnation. Therefore, Christians must carefully examine themselves, living faithfully to the commitment made at baptism.
The Responsibility of Baptism
Choosing baptism means taking on a commitment to God and the church. This commitment must be upheld faithfully until the end of our Christian journey. If we persist in old practices and partake of the Lord’s Supper, we risk eternal condemnation.
Baptism requires the candidate to reflect on themselves and understand the responsibility they are assuming. Like a marriage, the baptized individual must honor this commitment until the end of their life.
The Christian Life: A Journey of Renunciation
The Christian life is marked by renunciation. At every moment, we must renounce our ego and flesh to achieve the ultimate goal: salvation in Christ Jesus. Baptism is the beginning of this journey, a privilege that connects us to God’s eternal purpose.
Congratulations on your decision to be baptized! You are privileged to partake in this spiritual milestone.
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