Susan Bottger Ministries

Salvation

WATER BAPTISM

Many opinions have been formed about water baptism. Most come from our denominational background, church traditions or the way we were raised rather than scriptural truth. In the denomination I was raised in, you were baptized as an infant. However, once I became a Christian and studied the scriptures on the subject of baptism, I realized I was not scripturally baptized. It was then that I followed the command and example of Jesus and was water baptized by immersion. Have you been scripturally baptized?

First, let's take a look at the root word baptize. The Greek word for baptize is baptizo meaning to "dunk," "dip," "plunge," "submerge," or "immerse." To baptize, then means to completely submerse under water. Many who advocate another form of baptism admit that the original form of baptism was immersion. The word itself defines the form of baptism. And there is evidence from scripture as well. "When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened." (Matthew 3:16) "Then both Phillip and the eunuch went down to the water and Phillip baptized him." (Acts 8:36)

Why should a believer be baptized? Baptism represents our identification and commitment to Christ. One reason for baptism is that we publicly identify with Jesus' teachings. The believer is declaring to the world that Christ is the example by which they intend to live their life. Second, when we are baptized we identify with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. (Romans 6:3-5) Immersion into the water symbolizes the death and burial of the old life, its behaviors, and sins; the coming out of the water represents resurrection to new life now lived by the power of Christ and the guidance of the HS. Water baptism symbolically identifies us as new creations in Christ. Finally, Jesus commanded us to be baptized. Baptism is a step in obedience to the Word of God. Jesus instructed the disciples, "go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19) Peter said to them, “repent and be baptized.” “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” (Acts 2:38, 41)

Is baptism necessary for salvation? No, baptism is not a requirement for salvation. Think about the thief on the cross. He believed in the moments just prior to his death on the cross. There was no time for him to be baptized; yet Jesus assured him that they would meet in paradise that day. It is clear from Jesus' words that the thief was saved the moment he believed.

Baptism is not merely about being immersed, making a commitment, or joining a particular denomination or church. The real meaning of baptism is about publicly identifying with Christ. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision to follow Christ. No matter how long or short of a time you’ve been a believer, it is crucial for you to make a public commitment to Christ through water baptism by immersion. I encourage every believer to obey the command of Christ and be baptized.

"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4)

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