Why Bother Getting Baptized?

With the Plunge fast approaching, we are looking forward to baptizing many individuals who are proclaiming their new life in Christ! But it’s also around this time that we receive lots of questions. “Should I be baptized in general?” “Do I have to do it around of other people?” “What about if I was baptized as a child?”
Here at All Nations Church, we believe in believer’s baptism. This means that we feel that individuals should be baptized once they place their faith in Christ. Baptism is not just a religious ritual; it holds immense spiritual significance. Baptism is like a public proclamation of faith, a symbolic act that represents dying to our old selves and rising to a new life in Christ. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of baptism, drawing insights from the Bible to shed light on its transformative power.
Obedience to Christ’s Command: In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus instructed His disciples, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” By embracing baptism, we demonstrate our commitment to follow Christ’s teachings and honour His command.
Identification with Christ’s Death and Resurrection: Romans 6:3-4 beautifully captures the essence of baptism: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Through baptism, we symbolically identify with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. As we are immersed in the water, our old self dies, and as we rise from the water, we experience a new life in Him.
Forgiveness of Sins and Spiritual Renewal: Acts 2:38 emphasizes the connection between repentance, baptism, and forgiveness: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Baptism serves as a profound moment of surrender and spiritual cleansing. It symbolizes our repentance and signifies the forgiveness of our sins. We are born anew, experiencing a spiritual renewal through God’s grace.
Unity within the Body of Christ: Galatians 3:27 beautifully illustrates the unifying nature of baptism: “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Through baptism, we become part of the body of Christ, the global church. It’s an act that binds us together with fellow believers, providing an opportunity for communal growth, support, and joint participation in God’s mission.
Public Testimony and Witness: Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It is a powerful testimony of our faith in Jesus and His work in our lives. By publicly declaring our commitment through baptism, we invite others to consider the life-changing message of the gospel. It becomes an opportunity to share the love and truth of Jesus with those around us.
Baptism is more than a mere religious ritual; it is a deeply significant step on our spiritual journey. By obeying Christ’s command, we identify with His death and resurrection, experience forgiveness and renewal, find unity within the body of Christ, and bear witness to the transforming power of God. Let us embrace the sacred waters of baptism, recognizing its profound impact on our lives as we embark on a path of faith and discipleship.
As Mark 16:16 reminds us, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” We encourage you to get baptized at this year’s Plunge event occurring on June 23 at 1pm at Moonlight Beach. This event has been going on for over a decade and sees churches from across the city come together to celebrate baptism. If you have questions or would like to be baptized don’t hesitate to reach out to Pastor Brandon at bmartel@allnationschurch.ca