Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It doesn’t save you, but it’s a public declaration that you’ve decided to follow Jesus. When you go under the water and come back up, you identify with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, and you show that your old life is gone and a new life has begun. Here are five things to know about baptism, and one simple conclusion: you should get baptized!
1. Baptism Doesn’t Save You
Let’s start with the obvious. In Lesson 6, we learned that we start a relationship with God by trusting Jesus, period. Baptism is important, but it isn’t required for salvation.
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
If baptism were required for salvation, our salvation would depend partly on our own work. But Jesus did all the work on the cross. Consider the thief on the cross next to Jesus. He trusted Jesus in his final moments and never had a chance to be baptized, yet Jesus promised, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:39-43).
2. Baptism Is a Step of Obedience
If baptism doesn’t save, why do it? The simplest reason is that Jesus said so.
Matthew 28:19-20 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, 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 told his disciples to make disciples and baptize them, and that’s exactly what they did. Read the book of Acts and watch what happens when someone comes to faith: they get baptized. If you’ve put your faith in Jesus, get baptized because Jesus said so. That should be reason enough.
3. Baptism Is an Early Win
Following Jesus will challenge you to honor God in your relationships, sexuality, money, marriage, and parenting. Some of those steps won’t come naturally. But baptism is one of the easiest steps you’ll ever take, and God front-loaded it to give you an early win. It’s like paying off your smallest debt first: the early win motivates you to tackle the next one.
The Ethiopian official understood this. Right after Philip shared the gospel with him, he was ready to obey.
Acts 8:36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?”
If you haven’t taken this simple step, why not? Check it off so you can move on to even bigger steps of faith.
4. Baptism Identifies You with Jesus and His People
Romans 6:3-4 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.
Notice that Paul says “all of us.” Baptism unites you with a movement of believers around the world and throughout history. You’re doing what Paul, Peter, John, and even Jesus did (Matthew 3:13-17). If your grandparents followed Jesus, they did it too, and someday your great-grandkids may follow your example.
Baptism also identifies you with Jesus himself. It isn’t an empty ritual. It’s a reminder that Jesus’ death and resurrection are at the center of your life.
5. Baptism Is an Outward Symbol
Baptism is an outward symbol of something that has already happened on the inside. Think of a wedding ring. The ring doesn’t make you married, and taking it off doesn’t cancel your vows. But it’s a powerful symbol of a commitment you’ve made. Why wouldn’t you wear it?
When you go down into the water, you picture Jesus’ death and burial. When you come up, you picture his resurrection and your new life in him.
Romans 6:4 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.
So have you trusted Jesus? Are you ready to honor God with your life? Don’t overthink it. Get baptized. For more, check out our baptism resources.
The Takeaway
Baptism doesn’t save you, but it’s a simple act of obedience that identifies you with Jesus and his people. It’s an outward sign of an inward change, showing the world that your old life is gone and a new life has begun. If you’ve trusted Jesus, take this first step and get baptized.
