What is baptism?

Water baptism is the declaration of one’s faith in Jesus. Jesus said that the first step in following him is baptism (Matthew 28:19). When someone surrendered their life to Jesus in the early church they were instructed to immediately be baptized (Acts 2:38). Additionally, baptism is also a visual way of sharing the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection (Colossians 2:12).

Going into the water: Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross, He died, and He was buried. A follower of Christ considers his old life of sin crucified and dead (Romans 6:11, Galatians 5:24).

Coming out of the water: Jesus Christ did not stay in the grave but rose from the dead. With Christ, Christians are raised from spiritual death to a new life of faith in the son of God (Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:4, Colossians 3:1). Christ has forgiven and washed away their sins (Colossians 2:13).