Water baptism is the immersion of a repented person in water as an outward proof of repentance. The process of repentance starts from the mind (soul), to the body (public display) and ends with spiritual transformation.

So, water baptism is the first part of public display by the new person who gives his life to the Lord. Today’s message gives a scriptural description of water baptism, and how important it is to the Christians.

Why Do You Need Water Baptism?

I have seen converts who were shy to tell people around them about their faith in Jesus. And in a short time, they were lured into worldliness again. Water baptism is significant, because it gives boldness to the heart of the new Christian.

If you can boldly come out to take part in public water baptism, then you will find it easy to tell people around you about your new life in Jesus. And It will be difficult for the spirit of shame to depress you.

Is Jesus Interested in Water Baptism?

The first servant of God who practiced water baptism in the New Testament was John the Baptist.

Mark chapter 1 verse 5 says: “Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.”

Jesus was not a sinner, but He decided to be a role model for the continuity of water baptism. So, Jesus insisted that John the Baptist should immerse Him in the Jordan River.

Matthew chapter 3 verses 13 to 15 say: “Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.”

Jesus laid more emphasis on the practice of water baptism when He rose from the dead. Though, some false leaders in the Christendom said that water baptism is not compulsory.

But, that does not change the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ written in the Book of Matthew chapter 28 verse 19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”

When is the Right Time for Water Baptism?

If you standardize your lifestyle with the Word of God, and you realized that the result is counterfeit, then surrender your total heart to Jesus for a new life.

Thus, repentance from your sinful lifestyle precedes water baptism. The book of Matthew chapter 3 verse 6 says: “… and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.”

Water baptism signifies the time for ‘public announcement’ of forsaking worldliness.

Acts chapter 2 verse 38 says: “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Who can be baptized in Water?

All the scriptural references of water baptism shows that the people immersed in water can differentiate right from wrong. So, water baptism is not for infants or children who can’t distinguish righteousness from unrighteousness.

Any church doctrine practicing water baptism for infants is against the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Where to Perform Water Baptism

Civilization and doctrine of men are changing the significant processes of water baptism. I am not comfortable with the in-door style of water baptism practiced in some churches.

In-door baptism does not take away the shame that makes it difficult for Christian babe to proclaim Jesus publicly. There is no part of the scriptures that supports in-door baptism.

Water baptism is best done publicly in a body of water.

Water baptism is pronounced in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). No any other name or ‘incantation’ is acceptable by the Lord.

Since our Lord Jesus Christ allowed Himself to be baptized as an example for His followers. I recommend water baptism for you when your body, soul and spirit are given to the Lord.