Water Baptism

The Bible says water baptism is the sign of new life in a new kingdom

Or didn't you realize we packed up and left there for good? That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace - a new life in a new land! That's what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Romans 6:3-4 (MSG)

Water baptism is an act of obedience

Water baptism was not just a New Testament ritual, nor was it only connected with the ministry of John the Baptist. Water baptism, or the cleansing by water, is something God required even of the Old Testament believers. Jesus then came as our example. Jesus Himself was baptized in water.

Then Jesus appeared. He came from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to stop him and said, "I need to be baptized by you. Why are you coming to me?" Jesus answered him, "This is the way it has to be now. This is the proper way to do everything that God requires of us." Then John gave in to him. After Jesus was baptized, he immediately came up from the water. Suddenly, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down as a dove to him. Then a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love-my Son with whom I am pleased." Matthew 3:13-17 GW

At the time when Jesus was leaving this earth, He told the disciples:
So wherever you go, make disciples of all nations: Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (20) Teach them to do everything I have commanded you. "And remember that I am always with you until the end of time." Matthew 28:19-20 (GW)

On the day of Pentecost Peter preached:
Peter answered them, "All of you must turn to God and change the way you think and act, and each of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will receive the Holy Spirit as a gift. Acts 2:38 (GW)

So, water baptism was in existence before Jesus' life on earth, during His earthly walk; and now it's a commandment for all believers. So water baptism is an ordinance of God not to be treated lightly. Not only was it practiced before and during Jesus' time; it is a commandment for believers today also.

The meaning of water baptism

According to Ephesians 2:5, man, because of his sinful nature, is "dead" in sin. If he repents of his sin and accepts Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, he is then given a new life just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father. In order to live that new, abundant life, one must first bury that old "fleshly self" in the waters of baptism.

When we were baptized into his death, we were placed into the tomb with him. As Christ was brought back from death to life by the glorious power of the Father, so we, too, should live a new kind of life. Romans 6:4 (GW)

This happened when you were placed in the tomb with Christ through baptism. In baptism you were also brought back to life with Christ through faith in the power of God, who brought him back to life. Colossians 2:12 (GW)

The purpose of water baptism

In Romans 6:1-14 it becomes clear that God does not intend for His children to continue in sin. Water baptism enables the believer to separate himself from sin. There are three steps mentioned in this passage of Scripture involved in the transformation from a life dominated by sin to a life of righteousness: KNOW, RECKON, YIELD.

KNOW that your old man has been crucified with Christ and buried in baptism.

We know that the person we used to be was crucified with him to put an end to sin in our bodies. Because of this we are no longer slaves to sin. Romans 6:6 (GW)

RECKON or count on the fact that because it has been buried, your flesh will never rule you again. You do not have to sin.

So consider yourselves dead to sin's power but living for God in the power Christ Jesus gives you. Romans 6:11 (GW)

YIELD yourself to God (body, mind, and spirit) not to sin and unrighteousness.

Never offer any part of your body to sin's power. No part of your body should ever be used to do any ungodly thing. Instead, offer yourselves to God as people who have come back from death and are now alive. Offer all the parts of your body to God. Use them to do everything that God approves of. Romans 6:13 (GW)