what does it mean to be baptized?
Baptism is a symbol of the life-change that you have experienced in Christ. A symbol is not the reality, but a picture of the reality. It is a testimony, a witness. There is nothing magical about being baptized. It doesn’t make you more spiritual, although many share that it deepens their commitment to and love for God. When you are baptized, you simply bear witness to your family, friends, and the larger community that you have been made new and are now identifying with Christ and with other Christ-followers.
“go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all that i have commanded you. and behold, i am with you always to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20
OUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST
The language used in Romans 6:1-4 makes it clear that baptism is “into Christ Jesus”. Just as he died, was buried, and resurrected, so too do we experience something similar spiritually when we follow Him.
THE CLEANSING WORK OF SALVATION
While baptism doesn’t make us clean, it does symbolize the salvation that has done exactly that. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our sins makes it possible for them to be washed away – all of them!
THE NEW BIRTH
Though we were “dead in trespasses and sins”, we have been given new life through His Spirit that now dwells within us. As His children, we are given spiritual life and adopted into His family forever!