Baptism by immersion is an outward display of an inner transformation. Baptism doesn’t make you a member of God’s family, it shows you are part of God’s family.  It’s about going public with your faith.  Christ called it our first step of obedience– an outward expression of your inner commitment to God. Here’s an overview of what you should know before getting water baptized.

1. Decision with your mind. The most famous Scripture in the Bible is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.”  When you believe, that is a decision that is made in your mind.

2. Repentance in your heart. Repentance happens in your heart when you are remorseful and turn from your sins to God.

3. Baptized with your body. Being baptized is something we do with our bodies.  When we get baptized, we are making a public declaration with our bodies what God has done in our minds and in our hearts.

The biblical pattern was to first make a decision to follow Jesus and get water baptized right away or shortly afterward. (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16, Acts 10:47-48, Romans 6:4)  Most followers of Jesus in the New Testament were baptized immediately. The only requirement that we have for baptism is that you have made the decision to follow Jesus.

The practice of baptism by immersion is taught in the Bible.  All who followed Christ were baptized. They declared to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in the newness of life.

Water Baptism is an outward act that symbolizes an inner work of salvation.  It symbolizes that our old life is buried with Christ and we rise up as new creations in Christ.