Thanks to Central Christian Church in Las Vegas, Nevada for this text.

Baptism is a necessary step in your spiritual journey of faith in Christ. We hope the information we’ve included here will help clarify any questions you may have as you consider this important decision.

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

An expression of faith: Baptism does not make you a believer. It is simply an obedient response and expression of your faith and commitment to Christ. Every example we see in the Bible demonstrates that first a person comes to believe in Christ then he or she is baptized as an expression of that belief.

An identification: Baptism is the means by which followers of Christ are identified. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands his followers: 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…

A lifelong commitment: The Bible makes it very clear that baptism is a part of our commitment to Christ. Additional commitments when you become a Christian include:

Realizing your need for Christ (Romans 3:23; 6:23)

Putting your faith in Christ (John 3:16)

Turning from your sins (Acts 2:38)

Verbalizing your trust and commitment by confessing Christ

A symbol of your new life as a Christian:When you come to faith in Christ, an inner change takes place. Baptism is the outward symbol of the inward commitment you have made to Jesus Christ. It is the first step of obedience in your journey with Jesus and a public statement of your faith. But the waters of baptism do not save you. The Bible tells us we are saved by the mercy and grace of God.

WHY BE BAPTIZED?

The New Testament offers the following reasons to be baptized:

To follow Christ’s example (Mark 1:9)

To follow Christ’s commandment (Matthew 28:19)

To demonstrate your faith (Acts 18:8)

HOW ARE WE TO BE BAPTIZED?

The New Testament gives us a clear picture of baptism:

Jesus was baptized by being immersed in water (Matthew 3:16)

Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water (Acts 8:38-39)

The word “baptize” literally means “to dip or immerse under water.”

It is the best way to illustrate a burial and resurrection

AM I READY TO BE BAPTIZED?

Baptism is for believers. A believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for salvation. Believers realize that their sin separates them from God and that only Christ’s death on the cross bridges the gap between them and God. If you have come to that point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized. It is your way of demonstrating the internal miracle, in an external way, to the outside world. As soon as you have decided to fully receive Christ into your life and have begun walking in a new direction, you should be baptized (Acts 8:35-38).