Baptism is how we show in public that we have given our lives to Jesus. Jesus Himself was baptized in the river Jordan to give us an example (Matthew 3:13-17). Before He went back to heaven, He told His disciples to make disciples of all nations, “baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19).
The Bible word for baptize means to dip or immerse. When the Ethiopian official was baptized, “they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” (Acts 8:38). Going under the water and coming up again is a picture of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. We die to the old life of sin and rise to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).
Baptism follows faith and repentance. On the day of Pentecost Peter said, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). That is why Adventists baptize people who are old enough to understand and believe, after studying the Bible. Through baptism we also join God’s family, the church.
Key Bible verses
- Matthew 3:13-17Jesus was baptized in the Jordan.
- Matthew 28:19-20Make disciples, baptizing them.
- Acts 2:38Repent, and be baptized.
- Romans 6:3-6Buried with Him by baptism, raised to new life.
- Acts 8:35-39Philip and the Ethiopian went down into the water.
- Galatians 3:27Baptized into Christ, ye have put on Christ.
- Mark 16:16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.
Tap a reference to read it in the Bible.
Think about it
- Why do you think Jesus, who had no sin, chose to be baptized?
- What does it mean to you to “walk in newness of life”?
- Have you been baptized? If not, what is holding you back, and who could you talk to about it?
