Baptism: A Public Declaration of Faith | Take the Next Step in Your Journey
Have you ever found yourself wondering about baptism? Maybe you’ve attended a baptism service at church or seen others publicly declare their faith in Jesus. You might even have felt something stir inside you, a nudge or a call to take that step yourself. If that resonates with you, keep reading. Baptism isn’t just a religious ritual. It’s an outward sign of an inward change, and it might be the next step in your spiritual journey. Click the link above for more resources on what Baptism is and how you can sign up to be baptized.
What Baptism Represents
Baptism symbolizes a believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When you choose to follow Jesus and take the step of baptism, you are publicly declaring that your old life is gone, and you are living a new life in Christ.
Romans 6:4 (NIV) tells us, “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.” This passage paints a vivid picture: as we are submerged in water, it’s like being buried with Jesus. When we rise from the water, it symbolizes our resurrection into new life.
For me, understanding this was a game changer. Baptism wasn’t about having everything figured out or being perfect. It was about stepping into the freedom and grace that Jesus offers.
Why Baptism Matters
So, why should we get baptized? The simple answer: because Jesus did, and He asks us to follow His example. In Matthew 3:13-17 (NIV), Jesus was baptized by John, not because He needed to, but to fulfill all righteousness and set an example for us.
For Christians, baptism is also an act of obedience. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Baptism is our response to that command. It’s a public proclamation of our decision to follow Jesus, and it’s a way to share the joy of our salvation with others.
But it goes even deeper than that. Baptism is a powerful testimony. When we choose to be baptized, we’re saying, “I’ve experienced the transformative power of Jesus, and I want the world to know.” Our act of obedience can inspire others to take that same step, and it’s a reminder that our faith isn’t just private—it’s meant to be lived out loud, in community.
What Does Baptism Feel Like?
I’ll be honest with you: baptism isn’t always what people expect. Some imagine a magical experience, where the heavens open up and everything changes in an instant. For others, it might feel a bit awkward—getting dunked in water, fully clothed, in front of a group of people can seem strange.
But the real “magic” happens in the heart. For many people, myself included, baptism marks a turning point—a moment when we choose to surrender everything to God. I had been fighting with God for a long time about getting baptized. I told myself I didn’t need to—I had already been sprinkled as a baby, so wasn’t that enough?
Yet every time I watched someone get baptized, I couldn’t shake the feeling that God was calling me to take this step. It wasn’t about the water or the act itself; it was about surrender. I had been holding onto control, and God was asking me to let go. It was a turning point that I’ll never forget.
Taking the Next Step: How Baptism Works
So, how does baptism work? At its core, it’s simple. Baptism is performed by immersing someone fully in water. It symbolizes the burial of our old life and the washing away of our sins. Rising up from the water represents our new life in Christ.
But the simplicity of the act doesn’t diminish its significance. In Acts 22:16 (NIV), Paul recounts the words spoken to him: “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” Baptism is a way to publicly declare that we are no longer slaves to sin—we are new creations in Jesus.
If you’ve made the decision to follow Jesus, baptism is your next step. It’s an act of obedience and a public testimony to your faith. And guess what? You don’t have to have all the answers or be a perfect Christian to take that step. Baptism is about surrendering to Jesus and trusting Him with your life.
FAQs About Baptism
If you’re still unsure, let’s address some of the most common questions about baptism:
What is the meaning of water baptism?
Water baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, representing the believer’s new life in Him (Romans 6:4).
Does baptism save you?
Baptism itself doesn’t save you—it’s an outward sign of an inward faith. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone. However, baptism is a step of obedience that follows belief in Christ (Mark 16:16).
When should I get baptized?
Baptism should occur after a personal decision to follow Jesus. It’s an act of obedience and a public testimony to your faith (Acts 2:38).
Can I be baptized more than once?
Baptism is typically a one-time act, but some people choose to be baptized again as a reaffirmation of faith or renewal of their relationship with God (Ephesians 4:5).
My Personal Story of Baptism
I’ll never forget the day I finally decided to get baptized. I had been resisting it for years. I thought I didn’t need to be baptized again because I had been sprinkled as a baby. I convinced myself that I had already surrendered my life to God, so wasn’t that enough?
But the truth is, I was holding back. Every time I saw someone get baptized, something stirred in my heart. I felt tears well up in my eyes, and I would quickly push them down. It wasn’t about the water or the act of baptism—it was about surrendering the last part of myself that I had been holding onto.
Finally, on a Sunday morning, I couldn’t resist God’s call any longer. I texted my husband, asking if he would baptize me that morning. I felt a rush of panic, relief, and adrenaline all at once. When the moment came, I lined up with others who were getting baptized that day. I was nervous, but also filled with peace.
As my husband lowered me into the water and brought me back up, I felt a sense of release. It wasn’t magic—nothing supernatural happened in that moment. But it was a turning point in my life. I had finally surrendered everything to God, and everyone in that room was a witness to it.
Is Baptism Your Next Step?
Are you feeling the same nudge that I did? Maybe you’ve been wrestling with the idea of baptism, or maybe you’ve been holding back for one reason or another. Let me encourage you—don’t wait any longer. Baptism is a step of obedience and a powerful way to publicly declare your faith.
What are you waiting for? Take that step. Sign up for a baptism class or talk to your pastor about getting baptized. It’s not about having everything figured out or being perfect—it’s about surrendering to Jesus and letting Him lead your life.
Further Reading
• The Meaning of Baptism in the Bible – The Bible Project
• What is Baptism? – Life.Church
Other Links
• Want to hear more? Check out Daybreak Church’s YouTube page for past messages on similar topics.
• Interested in learning more? Attend a Belong Brunch and get connected!
