What the Bible says about the Purpose of Baptism

From the earliest days of Christianity, baptism has been a rite of initiation (Acts 2:41). By this watery sign, made in the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, people are openly admitted into the life and community of the church. Here are some important words on the purposes of baptism.

Identification:

Water Baptism identifies the believer with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. “When you came to Christ, you were ‘circumcised,’ but not by a physical procedure. It was a spiritual procedure - the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptised. And with Him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead” (Colossians 2:11-12).

Jesus Modelled Baptism:

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John” (Matthew 3:13). “When all the people were being baptised, Jesus was baptised too” (Luke 3:21).

Act of Obedience:

Water Baptism is an act of obedience for the believer. That act is the turning from our sin and selfishness to serve the Lord. It means placing our pride, our past, and all of our possessions before the Lord.

It means giving the control of our lives over to Him. “Peter replied, ‘Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’ Those who believed what Peter said were baptised and added to the church - about three thousand in all” (Acts 2:38, 41).

Jesus Commanded Baptism:

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Public Testimony:

Water Baptism is a public testimony or the outward confession of the experience that has occurred inwardly in a believer’s life. In baptism, we stand before witnesses, confessing our identification with the Lord Jesus Christ.