Why Get Baptised? The Meaning of Baptism

Baptism is one of the first steps a new believer is called to take, yet many aren't sure what it means or why it matters. Here's a look at the meaning of baptism and why Christians are baptised.

Commanded by Jesus

Baptism isn't optional or invented by the church; Jesus himself commanded it. In the Great Commission he said to go and make disciples, 'baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.' Baptism is part of how we follow and obey Jesus.

A public declaration

Baptism is an outward, public declaration of an inward reality — that we've turned to Christ and belong to him. Going under the water and rising up pictures dying to our old life and rising to new life in Jesus. It's a way of publicly identifying with him before others.

A step of obedience

In the early church, baptism followed naturally when people believed: 'Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ.' It's a step of obedience and faith — not what saves us (we're saved by grace through faith), but an important response to being saved.

Baptism matters because Jesus commanded it, and it's a public declaration of our new life in him and a step of obedient faith. It doesn't earn our salvation, but it beautifully expresses it — picturing death to the old life and resurrection to the new. If you've put your faith in Jesus, baptism is a meaningful and important way to follow him publicly and mark your new beginning.