What the Bible Says Baptism Is
Baptism, as defined in scripture, is one of the two ordinances (the second being communion) that Christ commanded the New Testament church to follow. They both have to do with identifying with Jesus and identifying with the church.
Here is where religion and tradition can enter and warp God’s design.
Through scripture, we see that only after a person has repented of the sin of unbelief (in Jesus), and chosen to place their faith in Christ and Him alone, may they follow the Lord in “believer’s baptism”. How many times throughout scripture do we read “ if thou believest, thou mayest”?
When we study God’s word, we see that baptism is an outward representation of the inner heart of the believer.
It is only after a person has become a “believer” (in Christ), taking on the title of having been “born again”, that they have the opportunity to be baptized. This is why you cannot find an example of infant baptism in scripture. A person must be old enough to choose Christ. Once this decision has been made, the person has now taken on Christ’s name and become a Christian.
There is no other way given in scripture by which you can become a Christian. Church attendance does not make you a Christian. Tithing, prayer and community service will not make you a Christian. It is just as important to realize that baptism does not make you a Christian. Only through entering into a relationship through belief in Jesus Christ and choosing His name can you become a Christian. At that point, the first step of obedience to your newfound Savior is to be baptized. This is the first thing He wants you to do for Him. He wants you to proclaim to the world that you have chosen to follow Him and you are not ashamed of your choice.
Baptism is a symbol, much like the wedding ring. The wedding ring does not make a person married. A wedding ring symbolizes to the world that a person is married. In much the same way, baptism does not “save” a person. It does not offer a promise of eternal life, nor does it wash away your sins. Baptism says to a lost and dying world that you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ and you are not ashamed of your decision.
Baptism is a picture that represents Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. By being baptized, you identify with Him and affirm your faith in Jesus Christ and commitment to serving Him. Baptism allows you to begin your new life in Christ by being obedient with His first command. By taking this first step of obedience, you set yourself up to follow Him wherever He may lead.
If you would like to learn more about the ordinance of baptism, or if you have questions about how to enter into a relationship with Christ and become a Christian, or maybe you would like to hear more about living an authentic Christian life guided by the Word of God, please come visit our church. Our doors are open to all from Sarasota, Florida, and surrounding areas, and we would love to have you.
At Summit Bible Center, we preach about baptism to visitors from Ellenton, Venice, Sarasota, Palmetto, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Anna Maria Island, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Parrish, and all of Sarasota County and Manatee County, Florida.