Why Baptism is Your Next Essential Step of Faith

You’ve made the greatest decision of your life: you’ve chosen to follow Jesus Christ. You’ve experienced His forgiveness, started reading the Bible, and begun praying consistently.

So, what’s next?

For nearly two thousand years, the answer for every believer has been clear: Baptism.

Baptism isn't just a church tradition; it's a powerful, public declaration of the miracle that has taken place in your heart. If you've given your life to Jesus, here is why getting baptized is your next essential step of faith.

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What Exactly is Baptism?

Simply put, Christian baptism is the act of being immersed in water (and then immediately raised out of it) in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

It is an outward symbol of an inward change. It doesn't save you—Jesus alone does that—but it shows the world that you have been saved.

1. It Follows the Command and Example of Jesus

The first reason to be baptized is the simplest and most profound: Jesus commanded it and He modelled it.

"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…" (Matthew 28:19)

Before He began His public ministry, Jesus Himself was baptized by John the Baptist, setting the standard for every person who would follow Him. When we are baptized, we are simply doing what our Lord did and told us to do.

2. It Pictures Your New Identity

The act of being lowered into the water and raised up again is a vivid, beautiful picture of the Gospel itself. It symbolizes two major events:

• Going Under: This represents your death to your old, sinful life. It symbolizes being buried with Christ.

• Coming Up: This represents your resurrection to a new life in Christ. You are raised to walk in the freedom and power of the Holy Spirit.

"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." (Romans 6:4)

You are telling the world, "The old me is gone. I am a new creation!"

3. It is a Public Declaration of Faith

Salvation is a private choice, but discipleship is a public commitment. Baptism is your first major step in telling everyone—your family, your friends, and your community—that you have chosen to follow Jesus.

It’s an open declaration that you are not ashamed of the Gospel and that you are identifying yourself with the body of Christ (the Church). It moves your faith from something secret to something celebrated.

4. It Is the Doorway to Church Community

In the early church, baptism was the way believers formally joined the local community of followers. When you are baptized, you publicly declare your allegiance and step fully into the fellowship of other believers who are committed to growing in Christ. It's a key sign that you are now part of the spiritual family.

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Ready to Go Public? Your Next Steps

If you have sincerely put your faith in Jesus Christ, you are ready to be baptized! Don't delay this important step.

1. Talk to Your Pastor/Church Leader: The first step is to tell someone at the church you attend that you want to be baptized. They will guide you through the process and answer any questions you have.

2. Understand What You Are Doing: Take a few moments to review the Scriptures above. Make sure you understand that baptism is a symbol of faith, not a way to earn salvation.

3. Invite Friends and Family: Baptism is a celebratory event! Invite the people you love to witness this monumental day. It is a powerful way to share your faith story with them.

Baptism is your moment to formally celebrate your new life. It's time to stop just believing in Jesus and start following Him in this beautiful, foundational act of obedience.

If you’ve been baptized, share your favourite memory from that day in the comments! If you haven't, what question is stopping you?