Baptism is significant in that it represents the forgiveness and cleansing from sin that comes through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. In John 3:5, Jesus answered Nicodemus saying, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Hence it is necessary for every believer to be baptized in order to enter the Kingdom of God.
The Purpose of Baptism:
Water Baptism identifies the believer with the Godhead – Father, Son & Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 says
“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”
* Water Baptism identifies the believer with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. Colossians 2:11-12says,”
For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”
“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
* Water Baptism is an act of obedience for the believer. It should be preceded by repentance, which simply means “change.” It is turning from our sin and selfishness to serve the Lord. It means placing our pride, our past and all of our possessions before the Lord. It is giving the control of our lives over to Him.
In Acts 2:38, 41,"Peter replied, “Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.' Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church--about three thousand in all.”
* Water Baptism is a public testimony - the outward confession of an inward experience. In baptism, we stand before witnesses confessing our identification with the Lord.
Water Baptism is a picture representing profound spiritual truth:
* Death - Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Resurrection – In Romans 6:4-5, the Apostle Paul says, “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. If we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.”
* Cleansing – The Apostle Peter whom Christ described as the ‘rock’ upon which the church would be built, says in His first epistle (I Peter 3:21) “And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also – not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
