Water Baptism

“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.’” – Acts 2:38

What Is Baptism?

In Acts 2, Peter preached the message of the cross: that Jesus is both Lord and Savior. The crowd responded, deeply moved, asking, “What shall we do?” His answer was fourfold:

Repent
Be Baptized
Receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit
Be Added to the Church – a community of believers

1. Repentance

"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." – 2 Corinthians 7:10

"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." – Romans 10:9

Repentance means turning away from sin and turning toward God — a change of heart and direction that leads to salvation and a new life in Christ.

2. Be Baptized

"Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." – Acts 2:41
"But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." – Acts 8:12

"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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." – Matthew 28:19–20

When people believed the gospel message, their immediate response was to be baptized. Jesus Himself commanded His followers to baptize new disciples and teach them to walk in His ways.

What Does Water Baptism Represent?

The New Testament gives us four powerful pictures to help us understand the meaning of baptism:

1. Burial and Resurrection

“We were buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... we too may live a new life.” – Romans 6:4–5

Baptism symbolizes dying to your old life and rising again with Christ into a new life of faith and purpose.

2. Crossing the Red Sea

“Our forefathers were all under the cloud and passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.” – 1 Corinthians 10:1–2

Just as the Israelites were delivered from slavery in Egypt, baptism represents being set free from the bondage of sin and stepping into a new life of freedom in Christ.

3. Spiritual Circumcision

“In Him you were also circumcised... with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God.” – Colossians 2:11–12

Paul describes baptism as a spiritual “cutting away” of our sinful nature — a transformation of the heart.

4. The Flood

“In it only a few people... were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also — not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God.” – 1 Peter 3:20–21

Baptism is an outward declaration of an inward commitment — a pledge to follow Christ with a clean heart and clear conscience.

Why Water Baptism?

It’s the first step of obedience after salvation.
Jesus Himself was baptized before beginning His ministry:

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.” – Matthew 3:13

Baptism doesn’t save you — Jesus does. But it is a public, powerful expression of the salvation you've received and a declaration of your new identity in Christ.

What's Your Story?

As you prepare for baptism, take time to write out your testimony. Reflect on these questions:

What has Jesus done in your life?
What led you to repentance?
Why do you want to be baptized?

This story is part of your witness — and it’s worth sharing.

I want to be baptized!