BAPTISM:  A ORDINANCE OF OBEDIENCE

Following Salvation (Conversion)
Baptism is the nest step of a follower of Jesus Christ.

Acts 8:12:  But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of

Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 8:13:  Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.

Acts 18:8:  Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.

Acts 19:4-5:  Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.

So, Why do we get baptized?  Because Jesus was baptized.  

Matthew 3:13-17:  "Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 

Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. 

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

Jesus told us to get baptized

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."

Baptism is a symbol
Baptism is a symbol of the death and resurrection of Jesus

Romans 6:3-5:  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.  If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.

Your baptism is also a symbol of your decision to follow Christ.  Baptism is the outward sign of an inward change.

Why Do We Believe in Baptism by Immersion?

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

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

The word “Baptize” means to DIP UNDER water”.  The Greek word baptizo means, “to immerse or dip under water”.

It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!