Why is Baptism Important

Baptism is an essential step in a believer’s journey with Jesus, as it represents obedience to His commands, a public declaration of faith, and identification with His death, burial, and resurrection. The Bible offers clear teachings on the importance of baptism in the life of a Christian. Here are some key reasons with supporting scriptures from the King James Version (KJV):


1. Baptism Is Commanded by Jesus

Jesus explicitly instructed His disciples to baptize believers as part of their obedience to His Great Commission.

  • Matthew 28:19:
    “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

2. Baptism Symbolizes Death to Sin and New Life in Christ

Baptism represents dying to one’s old sinful nature and being raised to new life in Christ.

  • Romans 6:3-4:
    “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 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.”

3. Baptism Demonstrates Faith and Repentance

Baptism is an outward act of an inward change, showing repentance and belief in the gospel.

  • Mark 16:16:
    “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
  • Acts 2:38:
    “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

4. Baptism Identifies the Believer with Jesus

Baptism signifies unity with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection, declaring allegiance to Him.

  • Galatians 3:27:
    “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

5. Baptism Is a Public Declaration of Faith

By being baptized, a believer publicly declares their commitment to follow Jesus and acknowledges Him before others.

  • Acts 8:36-38:
    “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”

6. Baptism Shows Obedience to God

Baptism is a step of obedience that follows Jesus’ example and fulfills righteousness.

  • Matthew 3:13-15:
    “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.”

Summary

Baptism is a vital act of obedience and faith for every believer. It outwardly symbolizes the inward transformation brought about by salvation, uniting believers with Christ and marking their commitment to follow Him. It serves as a testimony to others of God’s grace and the believer’s new life in Christ.

Back to top