WHAT IS IT?
Jesus stressed the vital importance of water baptism when He commissioned His followers to baptize all those who became Christians. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
‍(Matthew 28:19)
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‍Water baptism is far more than a ritual or religious exercise.  It is intended to be an essential part of the spiritual foundation of all new Christians.  At the time of a believer’s baptism in water he outwardly affirms the inward commitment he has made to Jesus Christ as the Lord of his life.In order to understand the reason for being water baptized we must carefully consider what the Bible says about it.

WHO IS IT FOR?
‍All Christians are admonished to be water baptized. Jesus stressed its importance when He said:
"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.”
‍(Mark 16:16)
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‍Peter fulfilling Christ’s command preached:  Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.”
‍(Acts 2:38)
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‍And Peter commanded it: “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord...”
‍(Acts 10:48)

IS IT REQUIRED?
‍While the Bible doesn't require water baptism for salvation, Jesus does encourage it.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God – not because of works, lest man should boast.”
‍(Ephesians 2:8-9)
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‍But though you are not saved by water baptism, you are still commanded by scripture to partake of this holy act. God promised to do a great work in your life if you are obedient to His commands. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.”
‍(Isaiah 1:19)

“We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands.”
‍(1 John 2:3)

‍When a person accepts s Christ, he is saved; when the believer is baptized, he is identified with the resurrected Christ, who has delivered him.  “And this water symbolized baptism that now saves you also – not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God.  It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,  who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand – with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.”
‍(1 Peter 3:21-22)

‍WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
After you:
1. Repent – turn away from sin to follow Jesus.
The apostle Peter said “Repent, and be baptized...”
‍(Acts 2:38)

2. Believe – completely trust in Christ’s death and resurrection for your salvation.
Jesus said: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.”
‍(Mark 16:16)
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‍“But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.”
(Acts 8:12)

‍HOW SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
‍Jesus told His disciples to baptize in water “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
‍(Matthew 28:19)
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‍Being baptized in the name of our Lord is essential part of our baptism in water."As in an earthly marriage, when a bride takes the name of the groom, so also Christians are baptized in the name of their heavenly bridegroom in water baptism."
‍(2 Corinthians 11:2)
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