Why should I get baptized? I’m really embarrassed to admit this, but when I was in fifth grade and about to get baptized in front of my entire church, I was terrified. I was a pretty weak swimmer, so being dunked underwater by the pastor was not something panicky, 10-year-old me was excited about, to say the least.
Despite my doubts, I knew baptism was important. I just didn’t know exactly why. Can you relate?
Christians get baptized to follow Jesus, publicly share their faith, and symbolize the new life they have through Him. Baptism doesn’t save you. I had already committed my life to Jesus, and I knew I’d spend eternity with Him even if I never got baptized. So if baptism isn’t what saves us, why do people do it? And why should you?
What’s The Point of Baptism?
So why do people get baptized? And why should I get baptized? I learned that baptism is a lot like getting married and putting on a wedding ring. Which I’ve also done recently. If I accidentally lost my ring, I’d still be married. Even though the ring isn’t what makes me married, I still wear it all the time. Why? Because I want the world to know I’ve committed to spend the rest of my life with her.
My wedding ring is a symbol of my commitment to my wife. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul reminds us we’re not saved by any good works—including baptism—but only because Jesus died and was raised from the dead to change our lives.
In the early church, baptism was universally practiced by believers as an essential expression of faith and an important step in the process of becoming a member of the Christian community.
3 Reasons to Get Baptized
1. To Follow Jesus and Obey His Command
Jesus Himself was baptized before He started His ministry on earth (Matthew 3:16). Later, He told His followers to go and make disciples, “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19 NIV).
Getting baptized is one way we follow Jesus’ example and obey what He asked His followers to do. It’s a simple way of saying, “Jesus, I trust You, and I want to follow You.”
Read the full story of Jesus' baptism.
2. To Share Your Faith in Jesus
Making the decision to become a follower of Christ is the best decision you’ll ever make. When you make a life-changing decision like this, you want to tell everyone about the new hope you’ve found in Jesus! You want to let people know you believe God is real. Our faith should be personal, but not private. Baptism is about going public with your faith. It also connects you to a local church community.
3. Because Baptism Is a Symbol of Jesus’ Work and the Holy Spirit
When we’re baptized, we’re reminded of what Jesus did for us. When we go down into the water, we’re reminded of Jesus’ death on the cross and His payment for our sins. But when we come out of the water, we’re reminded that three days later, Jesus rose from the dead! 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that if we’re in Christ, we’re new creations. Baptism reminds us that the old is gone, and the new has come!
Reflect or Discuss:
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How did the illustration of baptism being like a wedding ring impact your understanding of what baptism represents?
- Which of the reasons for baptism shared in the article resonates with you most, and why?
- Who have you invited into your faith journey, and what impact has their presence made in your life?
Next Step:
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If you haven’t been baptized yet, what’s one question or fear you would want to process with someone before taking that step?