Why Christians Should Get Baptized

Water baptism is more than a religious tradition. It is a public declaration of faith and a celebration of the new life we have received through Jesus Christ.

In his message, “Why Christians Should Get Baptized,” Pastor Donnie Immel explained the biblical meaning of water baptism, why Jesus commands believers to be baptized, and what baptism represents in the life of a Christian.

While baptism does not save us, it is an important step of obedience that publicly demonstrates what Jesus has already done in our hearts.

What Does Water Baptism Really Mean?

Water baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It is a way for believers to publicly declare their faith in Jesus Christ and identify themselves as His followers.

Pastor Donnie explained that baptism is an ordinance given to the Church by Jesus. It is not simply a religious ceremony or tradition, but a meaningful act that points to what Christ has accomplished through His death and resurrection.

When someone is baptized, they are publicly celebrating the new life they have received through faith in Jesus.

Water baptism is a symbol of salvation, not the source of salvation.

Does Water Baptism Save Us?

One of the most important truths Pastor Donnie emphasized is that water baptism does not save us. Salvation comes through God’s grace and is received through faith in Jesus Christ.

In Ephesians 2:8–9, Paul explains that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our own works.

This means baptism cannot earn our salvation or make us right with God. Only Jesus can save us through what He accomplished on the cross.

Instead, baptism is a response to the salvation we have already received. It is an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the work God has done in our lives.

We are not baptized to become saved. We are baptized because we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ.

Buried With Christ, Raised to New Life

One of the clearest explanations of water baptism is found in Romans 6:3–4.

Paul describes how believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. Baptism provides a visible picture of this spiritual reality.

Going beneath the water symbolizes the burial of our old sinful lives. Coming out of the water represents being raised to walk in the new life we have received through Jesus Christ.

Through salvation, our relationship with sin has changed. We are no longer called to live according to our old ways, but to follow Jesus and walk in the life He has given us.

Baptism is a powerful reminder that our old lives have been buried with Christ and that we have been raised to new life in Him.

Why Jesus Commands Us to Be Baptized

Water baptism is not simply something the Church encourages. It is something Jesus commanded His followers to do.

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus instructed His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Donnie explained that baptism is an important step of obedience in the Christian life. When we follow Jesus, we are called to respond to His Word and take the steps He has instructed us to take.

Our obedience does not earn God’s love or salvation. Rather, it demonstrates our desire to follow the One who has already saved us.

Choosing to be baptized is a way of saying yes to Jesus and publicly identifying ourselves as His followers.

Biblical Examples of Water Baptism

Throughout the New Testament, we see people responding to the message of Jesus through baptism.

Those Who Received the Message Were Baptized

In Acts 2:41, those who accepted Peter’s message were baptized.

Their response demonstrated a willingness to follow Jesus and publicly identify with Him. Baptism was an important part of their response to the gospel.

The Philippian Jailer and His Household

Another example is found in Acts 16:33, where the Philippian jailer and his household were baptized that same night.

They did not treat baptism as something to put off indefinitely. Their response showed the importance of acting on their newfound faith.

These examples remind us that when we place our faith in Jesus, baptism is a natural next step in following Him.

Obedience to Jesus should not be something we continually postpone.

A Public Declaration of Faith

Water baptism is both personal and public. While salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ, baptism provides an opportunity to share that faith with others.

It is a declaration that we belong to Jesus and that He has changed our lives. It also gives the Church an opportunity to celebrate God’s work in the lives of fellow believers.

Baptism does not mean someone has reached spiritual perfection. Every believer is still growing in their relationship with Christ.

Instead, baptism points to the grace of God and the new life that is available through Jesus.

Water baptism celebrates what Christ has already done for us and publicly declares our commitment to follow Him.

Final Thoughts

Understanding why Christians should get baptized begins with understanding the significance of what Jesus has done for us.

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has made salvation and new life available to everyone who places their faith in Him. Baptism is a visible expression of that inward transformation.

Pastor Donnie reminded the church that baptism does not save us, but it is an important step of obedience that Jesus has commanded His followers to take.

As we consider the meaning of water baptism, we are reminded that following Jesus involves more than simply knowing His Word. It also means responding to Him in faith and obedience.

May we continue to follow Jesus with willing hearts, celebrate the new life He has given us, and boldly declare our faith through obedience to His Word.