Baptism is an external, public declaration of an internal, personal decision to believe in and follow Jesus. Baptism symbolizes the changes that have taken place in someone when they decide to become a follower of Jesus Christ: (1) they are dead to sin and made alive in Christ, (2) they are a dearly loved son or daughter of God, (3) they are increasingly submitting their lives to Jesus, and (4) they are commissioned to live on mission for Jesus.
- Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:3-4)
- How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1)
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) - Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21)
Baptism does not make you a Christ-follower; it simply declares to those around you that you already are one and are orienting your life around Him.