7 Day Plan for New Believers
Day 4: Should I Get Baptized?
Get Baptized Like Jesus
After you have made the decision to commit your life to Jesus, baptism is your next step! Baptism is an outward display of your inward decision to trust Christ with your life. When you step into the water, you are letting the world know of your new commitment of faith in Jesus.
“You will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on His name.” Acts 22:15-16
What is Believer’s Baptism?
Every baptism in the Bible was done by immersion. “Baptism” comes from the Greek word baptizo, which means “to immerse.” That means going under the water briefly, and then coming out. It’s that simple!
When we go under the water, it symbolizes Christ’s death and the surrender of our old sinful ways. When we come back out of the water, it symbolized Christ’s resurrection and our new life in Him! Baptism itself does not wash away sin; it’s only Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and our surrendering to Him that saves us.
“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
1. God speaks to your heart, not your ears.
Baptism is commanded in Scripture for those who have made a personal decision to receive Christ. Going public with your faith through baptism is the first step of obedience after committing your life to Jesus. It identifies you as a Christ-follower.
“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” Acts 2:41
Was Jesus Baptized?
Yes! Jesus is our guide in every area of life, including baptism! He was immersed in the Jordan River in obedience to God as an example to us.
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John…’Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented.” Matthew 3:13-15
What if I was Baptized as an Infant?
In Scripture, a believer’s baptism is reserved for those who are old enough to make their own faith decision to become a Christ-follower. Every baptism in the Bible came after a person’s decision to follow Jesus.
Pray. LORD, I will follow your example and be baptized so that I can publicly declare my faith in Jesus.