I was watching the TV show “Heroes” the other day, and one of the characters at the end of the episode was baptized.          The concept of baptism is found in different culture and/or worldviews.

For us as followers of Jesus, baptism plays a huge role in our life.  We see Peter on the day the church is born in Acts           Two call people to repentance and to be baptized.  As followers of Jesus, who are now sons and daughters of God’s               family, we are to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy         Spirit and teaching them everything Jesus has commanded (Matthew 28:19-20)..  Looking further back in the life of           Jesus, we see one who is perfect and does not need to repent, but who self identifies with us by being baptized.

In the book of Romans, Chapter 6, Paul reminds us of the symbolism behind it. Baptism illustrates the death and resurrection of Jesus in our own life; an illustration of leaving the past and its identity, and embracing a new identity and life in Jesus.

Baptism serves as a marker in our life before other people and the heavenly realms that God is at work in our life and we are surrendering to him.  We have a new identity.

A quick Summary of What is Baptism:

a. God’s idea, not ours.
b. Sign of the cleansing work of Jesus.  The external washing of water over us, denotes inner cleansing that restores us and begins the restoration of our lives.
c. Sign of death to sin.
d. Sign post.  We can look back and remember who we are.
e. Water is a sign of new life.
f. It is a means of grace.  A vehicle through which by faith we receive the blessing from God, and impartation of the Holy Spirit.

Is it time for you to be baptized? What questions do you have about Baptism?

Three passages for you to check out to help understand baptism:

Matthew 28:19-20

Acts 2

Romans 6

Here are some videos of Baptisms