We continue our series on the commands of Jesus Christ. This week, we come to a command that is often misunderstood, neglected, or treated as optional: the command to be baptized.
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus said, “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.”
Baptism is not a suggestion. It is a command of Christ. It is not something we do to earn salvation. It is something we do because we have received salvation.
It is the outward sign of an inward reality. It is the public declaration of a personal faith. When we are baptized, we are saying to the world, “I belong to Jesus Christ.”
First, baptism is an act of obedience, not an optional extra.
Many Christians treat baptism as something to do later, when they are older, when they are ready, when they have more time. But Jesus commanded it.
It is not something to delay. On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached the gospel, and the people asked, “What shall we do?” 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).
Three thousand people were baptized that same day. They did not wait. They obeyed immediately.
Baptism is not what saves us. Faith in Christ saves us. But baptism is the first step of obedience after faith.
It is the way we publicly identify with Jesus. It is the way we declare that we have died with Him and risen with Him to a new life.
Second, baptism is a testimony to the world.
Romans 6:4 says, “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.”
Baptism is a visual picture of the Gospel. Going under the water represents death and burial with Christ. Coming up from the water represents resurrection and new life.
When you are baptized, you are not just following a ritual. You are telling a story. You are saying, “I was dead in sin, but now I am alive in Christ. I was lost, but now I am found. I was a slave, but now I am free.” This testimony is powerful.
It is a declaration to your family, your friends, and your community that you belong to Jesus. It is a line in the sand. It is a new beginning.
Have you been baptized? If you have believed in Jesus, the command is clear. Do not delay. Do not wait for a more convenient time.
Obey. Take that step of faith. Let the waters of baptism be your public declaration that you belong to Christ. And if you have already been baptized, remember what its meaning is. | NWI
