What is Baptism?

BAPTISM is an act of obedience to God. In the New Testament, water baptism is the complete immersion of the whole body in water as a follow on to the call of Salvation. The word is derived from the Greek word “baptizo”, which means to immerse or overwhelm. Examples in the Bible include John’s baptism of people who were repentant of their sins (Matthew 3: 1- 8). Also, the baptism of Jesus, although He had no sin to be repentant of in Matthew Chapter 3: 13-17.

Water baptism by immersion is one of the basic biblical principles God expects of a Christian. It is not an option. Even Jesus’ last words on earth were, “Whoever believes and is baptised shall be saved...” (Mark Chapter 16:16). The complete immersion in water at baptism simply symbolises the death and burial of Jesus Christ in the believer’s life. It is also an outward representation of what happens spiritually when we accept Jesus as our Lord and repent of our sins, leaving behind our old self-seeking and sinful way of life (Galatians 3:27). In other words, just as Christ died and was buried, so have we died and are no longer alive to the old way of living. This also signifies the fact that God no longer sees any of our past sins. Our old ways have been buried, just as Christ was (Colossians 2:12).

The coming out from the water symbolises the resurrection of Jesus Christ and signifies our resurrection unto a newness of life in Christ (Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17).