Acts 2:41 New International Version (NIV)

⁴¹ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Water Baptism is one of the integral parts of being a Christian. It is not just a practice that the church does, but it was a directive from Jesus to His disciples to observe and conduct to those who will believe in Him. Yet many Christians are still confused on how important water baptism is in their life. In this lesson, we will discuss and understand what is water baptism.

Baptism comes from a Greek word baptizó (βαπτίζω) which means to fully dip, submerge or immerse in water. This type of baptism is what the church adheres to and follows since this is how the bible fully describes baptism in water. It signifies the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which we identify ourselves with Him through death from sin as we are immersed in water and a new life as we rise from the water.

Colossians 2:12 New International Version (NIV)

¹² having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead

Romans 6:1-4 New International Version (NIV)

6 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? ² By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? ³ Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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.

Water Baptism is very essential for every person who recognizes Jesus as their Savior and Lord to their life. It is a Direct Response to His gospel that everyone should adhere to and follow unless there are some physical limitations to conduct the said directive. One of the examples of this is of the thief beside Jesus during crucifixion (Luke 23:41-43).

Acts 2:37-38 New International Version (NIV)

³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” ³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Luke 23:41-43 New International Version (NIV)

⁴¹ We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.^[a]”

⁴³ Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Deciding to undergo Water Baptism is a turning point event that shows your faith in Jesus and in the things He has done for us. That you believe He died at the cross for the forgiveness of our sins and rose again from the grave, which fully displays that He is divine, as the scriptures say and Lord over our lives.

Romans 1:4 New Living Translation (NLT)

⁴ and he was shown to be^[a] the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit.^[b] He is Jesus Christ our Lord.

Water Baptism is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus. This shows to others that you are whole-heartedly allowing Christ in your life without any reservation and shame.  That you fully identify yourself as a member of His church. This is reason why water baptism is being done in public so people can see your new found faith in Him. Many so called Christians nowadays are afraid to be identified as believers because either they still have some reservations in some aspect of their life that they cannot fully surrender to God, or they are ashamed about what others will tell or do (condemnation) to them once they have identified him/her to be a follower of Christ.

As Christian believers we should not be ashamed of what we believe or hope for. Jesus reminded us that we are a light to the nation and this light should not be hidden but be for everyone to see.

Matthew 10:32-33 New International Version (NIV)

³² “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. ³³ But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.

Water Baptism is also a good avenue to believers to be brother’s keeper. As you publicly display your faith, witnesses to this event can remind you to the decision you made in case you fall away from it and help you restore your faith in Him.

As you decide to undergo Water Baptism, it is also a sign of your commitment and devotion to Him. As you acknowledge Jesus as your Lord in following Him through Water Baptism, it strengthens your faith and you become more committed to Him.

Acts 2:41 New International Version (NIV)

⁴¹ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day

Christians who normally stay at the local church and become more mature in faith are those who follow Christ’s directive to be water baptize.

Even though commonly Water Baptism is being preceded by church leaders, preceding Water Baptism is for every Christian believer. It is part of Jesus Great Commission to us to be observed.

Matthew 28:19-20 New International Version (NIV)

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.”

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All quotations from scripture in this training material unless otherwise indicated are taken from the

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