Water Baptism: A Step of Faith and Obedience

1. What is water baptism?

Water baptism is an ordinance given by Jesus to all who believe in Him. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation—it publicly shows that we have died to sin and been raised to a new life in Christ.

Matthew 28:19 NIV
19 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,

2. What is required to be baptized?

Many people ask if they’re “ready” to be baptized, but the Bible is clear:
The only requirement is genuine faith in Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:38 NIV
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Biblical requirements:

Genuine repentance
Faith in Jesus as the Son of God, Savior, and Lord

You don’t need to have a perfect life. Baptism is not a reward for being holy—it’s the public beginning of a life transformed by Jesus.

Acts 8:36-37 NIV
36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” 37 Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The eunuch answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

3. What does baptism represent?

a) Death to sin
We go into the water symbolizing that our old life is buried.

b) Resurrection to a new life
Coming out of the water represents our new life in Christ.

Romans 6:3-4 NIV
3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 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.

4. Why shouldn’t we be afraid or doubt?

Many feel nervous: “What if I’m not ready?”, “What if I fail afterward?”
The answer is: Trust in Christ’s finished work and His grace.

Mark 16:16 NIV
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Baptism is not the end—it’s the beginning of a life of discipleship. Jesus knows your struggles and your journey. He does not demand perfection, only obedient faith.

5. What happens when I get baptized?

You obey Jesus
You publicly declare your faith
You identify with the body of Christ
You proclaim that your life now belongs to Him

Galatians 3:27 NIV
“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

The Next Step

If you have repented and believe that Jesus is your Savior, you are ready to be baptized!
Don’t let fear or doubt stop you. This is a step of obedience, not perfection.

Matthew 3:15 NIV
15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”

Just like the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” —nothing is. Take the step. Heaven is ready to rejoice with you!