Baptism At Harvest

Baptism is an important step in a believer’s life.

• I am baptized because it is commanded (Acts 2:38; Matthew 28:19-20). Baptism is not an option. Jesus made it very clear that every person who claims to be a follower of Him demonstrates that through being baptized.
• I am baptized because it demonstrates my love for Christ (John 14:21, 1 John 5:2). Jesus said one of the ways I demonstrate my love for Him is by doing the things he commanded. Baptism is one of those things.
• I am baptized by immersion because it gives a picture of  Christ’s death and resurrection (Colossians 2:12, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:1-4). The way I get baptized, by immersion, pictures Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. In addition to sharing my story verbally, I share my story visually – the physical act of immersion is a picture that I was once dead in sin, but I have been raised to newness of life and am now alive to Christ. Baptism shows people outwardly what I have embraced in my life personally.

Baptism does NOT...

• Guarantee my salvation. Salvation comes through personal faith in what Jesus Christ has already done for me. Baptism is the expression of what has already happened. Baptism does not save me. I’m baptized because I already am saved.
• Give me extra favor with God. God already loves me. Baptism is one step of obedience. And I desire to live in obedience in all areas of my life. Baptism is an outward expression of my inward decision to:

• Admit to God that they I am a sinner who deserves God’s judgment. (Ro 3:23, 6:23)
• Believe that Jesus died and rose to pay the penalty for my sins and give me eternal life. (John 3:16, Rom. 5:8)
• Commit to following Jesus as Lord and Savior. (Luke 5.27, Matt 16:24)