As followers of Jesus Christ, we are commanded to be baptized in water. It is an act of obedience that identifies us in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. The Great Commission is "to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I (Jesus) have commanded you." (Matt.28:19-20)
Peter made his appeal on the Day of Pentecost: "Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins." (Acts 2:38) Water is symbolic of cleansing. Baptism means death to the old sinful way of living. It means that we identify with the new resurrection life of Jesus. It means identification with His church, the body of Christ. It means that the embrace of God empowers us to love and serve others. It means that a new covenant (agreement) with God has been established. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:1)
Have you invited Jesus to be your Lord and Savior? Have you followed him in water baptism?
