What Is Baptism?

Baptism is about placing your identity in Jesus!

Baptism is a recognition that our right IDENTITY is not self-determined but a response to SOMETHING (someONE) external.

This frees us from the impossible, overwhelming task of crafting meaning and identity for ourselves.

Baptism is about being IDENTIFIED by a new name.

On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 19:5)

And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:26)

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Gal 3:27)

Baptism is about identifying with what Jesus did for us.

You who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death. You 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. (Rom 6:3-4)

Identify with His DEATH

We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin." (Romans 6:6)

It's about knowing we're free from sin.

Identify with His RESURRECTION

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. (Romans 6:5)

It's about knowing eternal life.

What else does baptism signify?

Baptism is a symbol of repentance & cleansing

And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins..."

(Acts 2:38)

This water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but by the pledge of a clear conscience toward God...

(1 Pet 3:21)

Baptism is a proclamation

But whoever denies me before men, I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven.

(Matt 10:33)

It's about going public with your faith.

Baptism is about belonging in a new community

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into ONE body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of ONE Spirit. (1 Cor 12:13)

Baptism is about obedience

Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.

(Matt 3:15)

If we love Him, we follow and obey Him. (Imitation is the sincerest form of love.)

"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.
(Matt 28:19)

It's something you are commanded to invite others into.

It's something commanded in the authority of the whole Godhead.