Why Being Baptized?

Rev. Wilson Suwanto

Why do you have to be baptized? Many Christians increasingly view baptism as an unnecessary ritual. Christians are saved by grace through faith in Christ. Baptism does not save. Faith in Christ saves. If that is the case, why is baptism necessary?

On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down and filled the disciples of Jesus with power. By that power, Peter preached to the crowd of thousands in Jerusalem. After hearing his sermon, the crowd asked, “What should we do, then?” Peter answered, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38).

Although baptism does not save, Peter commanded the people to be baptized. Baptism is not necessary for our salvation, but it is a necessary mark of a believer. If you are a true believer, who do you not want to be baptized?

What does baptism stand for?

1. The death of the old self (Romans 6:3-5)

2. The cleansing of our sins (Acts 22:16)

3. Being united to one church (1 Corinthians 12:13)

4. Our union with Christ (Galatians 3:27).

5. The sign of God’s covenant with us (Matthew 28:19)

In the Old Testament, circumcision is the sign that a person belongs to God. In the New Testament, baptism is the sign that a person belongs to Christ. It is something to proclaim. To refuse to be baptized is to be ashamed of wearing the badge as the follower of Christ.

During persecution in the early church, Christians who were baptized were marked for death. Baptism identified them as true Christians. It was not merely a ritual. It was a readiness to die for their testimony about Christ. It is an expression of true faith and faithfulness to Christ.

While we are not being physically persecuted or marked for death if baptized, we should not underestimate the impact that baptism has for us as Christians. It is wrong to view baptism as only a ritual that can be done away with. This attitude stands in opposition to Christ’s mandate.

Before going back to heaven, Jesus gave the great commission before returning to heaven. He said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). He gave this commission as Someone who has all the authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).

To say that baptism is unnecessary or a mere ritual is underestimating the authority of Christ the King. All true believers, with some exceptions, must be baptized. The thief on the cross was saved without baptism. In critical situation where baptism cannot be performed, like when a person is dying, then it is not an act of disobedience.

Baptism is more than a ritual. Jesus told us to make people His disciples before baptizing them. This is the basis for baptism class. Those who want to be baptized, must be willing to be discipled by Christ. He must learn the basics of Christian faith. To intentionally skip baptism class is not being true to the great commission of Christ.

Being a disciple of Christ is the first step before baptism. Being a disciple is more than just saying that you believe in Christ. It is learning the basics about Christ and His work for us. It is learning about the church and one’s duty as a church member. It is learning about God, man, sin, the kingdom of God, etc. Once the foundation is laid, he can proceed with baptism.

Baptism is not the end. In fact, it is the beginning of one’s journey as an official disciple of Christ. That is why, after commanding baptism, Jesus continued by saying, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). The discipleship and learning of the Bible must continue for his whole life. A disciple of Christ is a lifetime learner of Christ. He should never stop learning about God and Christ.