The Bible teaches that Baptism is a symbol- an outward expression of an inward decision. In the life of every Christian, it is an important first step of obedience to God which I declare, to others, my faith in Christ. The identity is in Christ's death, burial, & resurrection.

Romans 6:3-5 says "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his."

Baptism not only identifies us with Jesus Christ, but it also identifies us with His local Church and its doctrine

the Bible teaches that baptism is for anyone who has personally accepted Christ as Savior. Baptism does not save or wash away sins. It is simply an outward expression of an inward decision to accept Christ. If you have accepted Christ and never been baptizes, you should chose to be baptized!

Acts 2:41 says, "Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."

1. Christ commands it: Matthew 28:19 says, "Go therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

2. Christ was our example. Matthew 3:13 says," Then comes Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him."

3. Believers in the Bible practiced it. Acts 2:41 says, " Then they that gladly received his word were baptized."

The word baptize literally me to "plunge or dunk." The Bible teaches that you should be baptized in water by immersion rather than sprinkling. Because baptism is a picture of Christ's death, burial, and resurrections, only immersion correctly pictures this.

John 1:26 says, "John answered them, saying, I baptize with water."

Mark 1:9-10 says, "And it came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up our of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him."

In the Bible, baptism always took place right after salvation. There is no reason to delay. As soon as a person received Christ as their personal Savior, if able they can and should be baptized.

Acts 16:30-33 says, "Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family."

While baptism is not require for salvation, it is an important step of obedience to Christ. The Christian who refuses to be baptized could be compared to a wife who refuses to accept her wedding ring. How can my relationship with Christ start off right if I refuse to follow Him and if I am ashamed of Him before others? By not being baptized, I am disobeying Christ and actually telling Him that I am ashamed that He is my Savior. I am missing the blessing of committing myself to Christ through obedience and losing the testimony I might have through my public identification with Him.

James 4:17 says. " ... to him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin."

John 8:31 says,"The said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, if you continue in my word, then you are my disciples indeed."

John 15:14 says, " You are my friend, if you do whatever I command you."