The Importance of Water Baptism

Baptism is one of the most powerful and meaningful steps a believer can take after surrendering their life to Christ. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It is a declaration that we have been buried with Christ and raised to new life in Him.

When a person gets married, they wear a wedding ring not because the ring itself makes them married, but because it symbolizes the covenant they have entered into. In the same way, baptism does not save us, but it outwardly expresses the salvation and transformation that has already taken place in our hearts.

Jesus Himself set the ultimate example for us by being baptized.

Matthew 3:13 (NKJV) says, 13 "Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him."

If Jesus, the Son of God who was sinless, saw fit to be baptized, how much more should we, as His followers, take this step? Baptism is not just a tradition or ritual—it is a command from Jesus and a public testimony of our faith in Him.

I want to walk us through five key reasons why baptism is an important and necessary step in our journey with Christ.

I. Baptism is an Act of Obedience

One of the last commands Jesus gave His disciples before ascending into heaven was to baptize new believers.

Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV) says, 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

This was not a mere suggestion; it was a command. Baptism is not an optional step for a believer—it is an act of obedience to Christ’s directive.

Imagine a newlywed couple. If one spouse refused to wear their wedding ring because they were embarrassed or reluctant to publicly declare their commitment, people might question the sincerity of their marriage. Likewise, baptism is our public declaration that we are in a covenant relationship with Jesus. It is our way of saying to the world, “I belong to Christ.”

Jesus said in John 14:15 (NKJV), 15 "If you love Me, keep My commandments."

Baptism is one of those commandments.

II. Baptism is a Symbol of Death, Burial, and Resurrection

Baptism visually represents what happens in the life of a believer at salvation. It is a picture of dying to our old sinful nature and rising to new life in Christ.

Romans 6:3-4 (NKJV) says, 3 "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?  4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."

When a person goes under the water, it symbolizes death and burial—our old life of sin is being laid to rest. When they come up out of the water, it represents resurrection into a new life, just as Christ was raised from the dead.

This is why baptism by full immersion in water is so significant—it fully represents the complete transformation that has taken place in the life of a believer.

III. Baptism Declares Our New Identity in Christ

Before we met Christ, we were lost, broken, and bound by sin. But when we gave our lives to Jesus, we were given a new identity. We were adopted into the family of God. Baptism is a public declaration of this identity.

Galatians 3:27 (NKJV) says, 27 "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

Think of an athlete who joins a new team. The moment they put on the team jersey, they are publicly declaring that they now represent that team. Baptism is the spiritual equivalent—it is us putting on Christ and declaring to the world, “I am His, and He is mine.”

Have you ever had someone recognize you by what you’re wearing? Maybe you've worn a shirt or hat from a sports team, and suddenly a fellow fan strikes up a conversation with you. In the same way, baptism is a visible mark that we belong to Christ, and it can serve as a powerful testimony to those around us.

IV. Baptism is a Step of Faith That Strengthens Us

Something remarkable happens when we step out in faith and obey God's instructions—our relationship with Him becomes stronger. Baptism is not just a symbolic act; it is a spiritual milestone. Many believers experience a deepened sense of God’s presence, joy, and purpose after taking this step.

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) says, 6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

Consider the story of Peter walking on water. The moment he stepped out of the boat, he had to fully trust Jesus to sustain him. Baptism is a similar step of faith. It requires trust in God’s promise, and when we take that step, we grow stronger in our walk with Him.

V. Baptism is a Witness to the World

Baptism is one of the most powerful testimonies a believer can give. It is an outward expression of an inward change, and it invites others to seek Jesus.

In Acts 2:41 (NKJV), we see how baptism had a key role in the growth of the early church:  41 "Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them."

The early church grew rapidly because believers were not afraid to publicly declare their faith through baptism. When you step into the waters of baptism, you are continuing this powerful testimony and proclaiming to others, “Jesus is Lord of my life.”

Take the Step of Baptism

If you have given your life to Jesus but have not yet been baptized, I encourage you—take this step today. It’s not about feeling "ready" or waiting for the perfect moment. It is about obedience to Christ’s command and boldly declaring your faith.

Acts 22:16 (NKJV) says, 16 "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord."

If you have already been baptized, never forget the significance of that moment. Let it be a reminder that you have been made new in Christ.

So today, I ask you: Why wait? If you haven't yet taken this step, I challenge you—make this declaration of faith. Obey Christ's command. Show the world that you are His.

Let’s celebrate this act of obedience and the new life we have in Christ.

-Pastor Roy Edwards