Why should I be baptized? 

1. To follow the example set by Christ

“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” Mark 1:9 

2. Because Christ commands it

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you...”  Matthew 28:19-20 

3. It demonstrates that I really am a believer.

“...many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized.”  Acts 18:8

“We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.”  I John 2:3

What is the meaning of baptism? 

1. It illustrates Christ’s buriel and resurrection.

“Christ died for our sins.... He was buried... and He rose again.”  I Corinthians 15:3-4

 ”For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism, you were also raised with Christ.”  Colossians 2:12 

2. It illustrates my new life as a Christian.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.”  II Corinthians 5:17 

“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; That like as Christ was raised up from the dead... so we also should walk in newness of life.”  Romans 6:4

Baptism doesn’t make you a believer – it shows that you already believe.  Baptism doesn’t “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that.  Baptism is like a wedding ring – it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith... it is the gift of God – not of works, so that no one can boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9

Why be baptized by immersion? 

1. Because  Jesus was baptized that way.

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.”  Matthew 3:16 

2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.

 “...then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water...”  Acts 8:38-39 

3. The word “baptize” means “to dip under water.” The Greek word “baptize” means “to immerse or dip under water.”
4. It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection. 
5. The founders of denominations agree:

Martin Luther... “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.”

John Calvin... “The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse.  It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”

John Wesley... “Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”

Who should be baptized?

Every person who has believed in Christ should be baptized.

“Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized...”  Acts 2:41

“Simon himself believed and was baptized...”  Acts 8:13

“But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News... and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”  Acts 8:12

When should I be baptized?

As soon as you have believed!

“Those who believed... were baptized... that day!”  Acts 2:41

“Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.  And as they went unto their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?  And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.  And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God... and then went down both into the water.... and he baptized him.”  Acts 8:35-38

There is no reason to delay.  As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized.  If you wait until you are “perfect,” you’ll never feel “good enough!”