Why Should I be Baptized?

I should be baptized because Jesus said so. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). If Jesus tells us to do something then we ought to do it.

I should be baptized because it is commanded. “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days” (Acts 10:48). Can one please God if he is not obedient to His commands?

I should be baptized because I want to be saved. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…” (Mark 16:16). Belief needs to be stressed but faith alone will not save. Baptism is seen in every conversion in the book of Acts.

I should be baptized in order to have my sins remitted. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). In order to be forgiven of sins you need to be baptized.

I should be baptized to “wash away” my sins. “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Paul could not have been saved on the road to Damascus and still be in his sins. Not until he was baptized were they washed away.

I should be baptized for conscience’s sake. “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). One cannot have a good conscience until baptism.

I should be baptized into Christ. “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27). If you haven’t been baptized you are not in Jesus (2 Tim. 2:10).

Terry Claunch