Importance of Baptism

by Ptr. Rogelio Agbuya, Feb 08 2023

Jesus' faith is not to be concealed like a candle placed under a basket (Matthew 5:14-16). Instead, show your love via words and deeds. Declaring Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in front of other people is one of the reasons people become baptized. This is a component of His Great Commission to us (Matthew 28:19–20) and should be taken seriously.

¹³Then Jesus came from Galilee to John to be baptized by him in the Jordan River. ¹⁴But John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?” ¹⁵So Jesus replied to him, “Let it happen now, for it is right for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John yielded to him. ¹⁶After Jesus was baptized, just as he was coming up out of the water, the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him. ¹⁷And a voice from heaven said, “This is my one dear Son; in him I take great delight.”Matther 3:13-17

Through baptism, we can share the light of Jesus' salvation with the world. Believers are to follow Christ’s example in all things, including baptism. Just before beginning His public ministry, Jesus came to John the Baptist, who was calling the Jewish people to confess their sins and demonstrate repentance through immersion in the Jordan River. Though Jesus was sinless, He chose to identify with sinful mankind by means of baptism. When we enter the waters of baptism, we’re making a public confession of our faith in Jesus—and of our union with Him. At the same time, we’re also declaring unity with our brothers and sisters in the Lord, since all believers are members of Christ’s body and under His authority. However, it’s important to remember that baptism is not required for salvation.

We’re saved by God’s grace through faith in His Son (Ephesians 2:8). For Christians, baptism follows redemption. Belief in Jesus is not to be hidden away like a light placed under a basket (Matthew 5:14-16). Instead, it should be expressed in words and actions. Baptism is one way we publicly declare that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Lord. It’s part of His Great Commission to us (Matthew 28:19-20) and should be taken seriously. Have you followed your confession of faith with the act of baptism?