Three Reasons Why Baptism Is Important

This practice has held powerful significance in the Christian faith for thousands of years. Find out three reasons why baptism is important.

There are three reasons why baptism is important in the Christian faith:

1. As an expression of faith and obedience.

Jesus was baptised by His cousin, John, in the river Jordan. And, when Jesus came up out of the water, eyewitnesses saw something like a dove—representing the Holy Spirit—resting on Him. In fact, scripture teaches that onlookers heard a voice, attributed to what God the Father said. "This is my son, in whom I am well pleased." This public and visible expression of the Holy Trinity at the Jesus baptism event is highly significant. All three persons were present and active, commissioning Jesus to begin His earthly ministry on earth. The act of baptism remains a powerful expression of faith and obedience for Christians today. Matthew Chapter 28 contains Jesus final words of instruction to his followers. We see the significance of baptism in this chapter too: 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus instruction to His disciples upholds the value of baptism as an act of obedience by those who choose it. And new believers are walking into a life laid down in obedience to Jesus and His mission.

2. Receiving forgiveness for sins and a new life in Christ

Jesus followers are choosing to receive the forgiveness of sins that Jesus offers all of us when they are baptised. The Genesis account describes the "fall of man" or the fracturing of the relationship between God and humanity. The first humans, Adam and Eve, caused this by disobeying God's instruction to not eat from the tree of good and evil. In fact, Jesus came to repair this break by taking on Himself the sins of humanity and dying a sinless death so that everyone who believes in Him will live forever.

Baptism remains important in the Christian Faith

Baptism is a sacred demonstration of choosing to leave behind the former life of sin and separation from God. Believers choose to accept their new life and identity in Christ through the act of baptism In fact, being baptised is a significant step in a life of faith. Jesus was baptised. And Jesus commanded Christians to baptise others. Consequently, the early church leaders also taught the importance of baptism. So, while you don't have to be baptised to believe in Jesus, it remains a significant milestone in a Christian's life and an important part of Church history.

3. A commitment to the church

Romans 6:3-4 (NIV) "Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Consequently, in choosing to follow Christ, new believers also now belong to His family, the Global Church. This isn't the same as historically belonging to a denomination or just visiting a church occasionally, however. The act of baptism signifies the intention of the individual to be an active and engaged member of His church in a consistent and committed way.

How does baptism serve as a symbol of faith and commitment to God?

Baptism is more than a symbol of faith. In fact, its more than a gesture or a symbolic act of remembrance. Baptism is a public declaration, a demonstration of the person's commitment to leave their former life and follow Jesus.