“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'” — Acts 2:38 (NLT)
Introduction
Water baptism is one of the foundational ordinances of the Christian faith. It is more than a ritual or outward demonstration; it is a divine institution commanded by Christ Himself, symbolizing spiritual realities that are central to salvation and the believer’s life. While some misunderstand baptism as optional or purely symbolic, Scripture reveals it as an essential step in obedience, identification with Christ, and public testimony of faith.
A Command of Christ
Jesus explicitly commanded His followers to baptize:
“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 (NLT)
Baptism is not optional for the believer; it is an act of obedience. It publicly demonstrates submission to Christ and acknowledgment of His lordship. Refusal to obey this command neglects a vital step in the believer’s spiritual journey.
Symbol of Repentance and Forgiveness
Water baptism serves as a visible expression of an inward reality: repentance and the washing away of sin. Peter declared:
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” — Acts 2:38 (NLT)
Through baptism, the believer identifies with the cleansing power of Christ’s blood. It symbolizes the washing away of past sins and the beginning of a new life in Christ. This outward act testifies to the inward transformation that has already begun through faith.
Identification with Christ
Baptism is a spiritual union with Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Paul explains:
“For we were buried with him in baptism, and in baptism, we were also raised with him through our faith in the power of God who raised him from the dead.” — Colossians 2:12 (NLT)
The immersion in water represents dying to the old self, and emerging from the water represents resurrection into a new life. Baptism is therefore both a declaration of faith and a sacred participation in the redemptive work of Christ.
Public Testimony of Faith
Baptism serves as a public declaration of the believer’s faith and commitment to Christ. It is a testimony to the church and the world that a life has been surrendered to God. By being baptized, believers witness to others that they have repented, received forgiveness, and are walking in newness of life. This testimony strengthens the faith of the community and encourages others toward repentance and salvation.
Not a Means of Salvation, But an Act of Obedience
It is crucial to understand that baptism itself does not save. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9). Baptism is the obedient response to that faith, a tangible expression of spiritual realities already accomplished in the heart of the believer. It is both a command to obey and a visible mark of the covenant relationship with God.
Conclusion
Water baptism is a divine ordinance instituted by Christ to teach, declare, and demonstrate the believer’s identification with Him. It is an act of obedience that publicly testifies to repentance, forgiveness, and new life in Christ. While it does not save by itself, it is a vital step for every believer seeking to honor God and live in accordance with His Word. Through baptism, Christians symbolically die to the old life, are cleansed from sin, and rise into a new life of fellowship with Christ—a testimony to the world and a foundation for spiritual growth.