Why water baptism matters

Kingdom Community: Understanding Water Baptism

Have you ever questioned the true significance of baptism? Whether you’re beginning your spiritual journey or seeking to understand your next step in faith, today we explore what water baptism means and why it holds personal and spiritual significance.

Water baptism is far more than a simple ritual—it symbolises a transformative faith journey and represents fresh beginnings in Christ. The New Testament clearly shows that biblical baptism required full immersion in water, not merely a symbolic sprinkling. The first explicit mention directly and clearly about Infant Baptism is by Tertullian, who tells people not to do so (De Baptismo – around 198 – 202 AD)

Even scholars who theologically affirm paedo-baptism (of infants) affirm that credo-baptism (upon confession) is the only explicit expression and experience of Baptism in the earliest Church writings

Biblical Examples of Full Immersion

Consider these key examples from Scripture:

• Acts 8:38  

In this passage, both Philip and the eunuch entered the water before the baptism was performed.

• Matthew 3:16  
  

The account of Jesus’ baptism shows that He fully immersed Himself in the water before coming up out of it.

• Mark 1:10  
  

The Jordan River was deep enough to allow complete immersion during baptism. The Greek term “baptizo,” originally used in the context of dyeing cloth (and sinking ships) required complete immersion to fully absorb colour. This offers us a beautiful illustration of baptism: as you are enveloped by God’s love, you are transformed entirely.

Following Jesus’ Example

Baptism isn’t just about a ritual—it’s about following Jesus. Despite having no need for repentance from sin, Jesus was baptized to set an example for us all. By choosing baptism, you are declaring, “I’m following Jesus—publicly and wholeheartedly.” This act demonstrates a commitment to emulate His life and teachings.

Steps to Take Before Baptism

Baptism is an individual decision reflecting God’s transformative work in your life, not a social expectation. The Bible teaches that two essential steps should come before baptism:

• Believe in Jesus: Place your faith in Jesus Christ. Believe that He is your Saviour, and salvation will extend to you and your household.
  

• Repent: Peter instructed that we must turn from our old ways. Repentance means adjusting your life to align with God’s truth.
  

Baptism is a public declaration of your new life in Christ—an act that requires a conscious, personal decision rather than following infant baptism practices seen in some traditions.

The Roots of Baptism

The origin of Christian baptism can be traced back to the Jewish mikveh practice which involved ritual immersion in clean running, living water, for spiritual cleansing and worship preparation as described in Leviticus 11:36 and Numbers 19:17. Jews would immerse themselves fully in a mikveh before Temple entry or following particular life events to achieve purification from ritual impurity according to Neusner's interpretation of The Mishnah.

John the Baptist performed baptisms at the Jordan River which were based on ritual immersion yet emphasized repentance and readying believers for Jesus who was about to come (Mark 1:4; Matthew 3:6). Christian baptism served as a permanent act of faith and repentance as well as an identification with Jesus' death and resurrection while mikveh immersions required repeated observance throughout life.

Timing Your Baptism

The Bible records that people were baptized shortly after their conversion. For instance:

• The Jailer in Philippi: After receiving his wounds, he and his entire household were baptised that very night.
  

• The Apostle Paul: He was instructed to rise from his bed and be baptised to cleanse his sins in Jesus’ name.
  

• The Crowd in Jerusalem: Approximately three thousand new converts were baptised on the same day as they responded to the message.
  

These examples emphasise acting on your newfound faith with promptness.

Why Water Baptism Matters Today

While Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross brings salvation, baptism serves as a visible symbol of an internal spiritual transformation. Think of it like wearing a wedding ring—it doesn’t create the marriage, but it publicly represents your commitment. Your baptism declares to family and friends that you have turned away from your old life to embrace a new one in Christ. It is also an act of obedience to Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19–20 (NIV): "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you believe in Jesus and have experienced transformation, baptism is a thrilling step forward in your faith journey. Remember, it’s not about perfection, but about saying yes to the new life that Jesus offers. We at Kingdom Community are excited to celebrate with you and support you as you embark on this spiritual adventure. If you have any questions or need further guidance, please reach out to one of our leaders at Divergent Church. Ready to dive in? The water’s waiting!