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Baptism is a vivid reminder that you have departed from an old. life and begun a new life in Christ. It is a tangible reminder of a point in time when a commitment to follow Christ happened and
a transition from old to new took place.
“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 have new life.” Romans 6:4
Baptism is not just a physical act. It is not just something we do. It is an act filled with deep spiritual meaning and reality. Consider these spiritual realities that baptism so vividly pictures: It is a picture of Christ’s burial and resurrection.
“Christ died for our sins. . .He was buried. . .and He rose again.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
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Baptism is a picture of the cleansing of sin:
In Acts 2:38, when Peter was asked by the people what they should do to be saved, he 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.”
In Acts 22:16, Ananias instructed Saul to “Get up, be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
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Baptism a picture of my new life as a Christian.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
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Why should I be baptized?
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Because Christ commands it.
“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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
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Because obeying Christ shows you know Him.
“We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:3-4, 6
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Because it is the appeal we make to God for a clean start.
“Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 3:21-22 (NASB)
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Because it unites you with Christ in a special way.
It has been said that in baptism we put on Christ. In a sense, our baptism is a full embrace of Christ and His forgiveness and leadership over our lives.
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Galatians 3:26-27
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Because you desire to be forgiven.
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Mark 16:16