Why Should We Be Baptized? Matthew 28:18-19
Stand with me and lift up your Bible and repeat after me.
This is my Bible.
I am what it says I am.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.
Today I will learn more of the word of God.
The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus Name
Amen?
Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.
I have a question for you.
Why Should We Be Baptized?
Turn with me in your Bible to the Book of Matthew chapter 28 and say, "Amen" when you are there.
Let us read this together starting with verse 18
"And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’" – Matthew 28:18-19 (ESV)
Baptism is more than a religious ritual; it is a divine invitation to step into the fullness of what God has for us.
It’s a public declaration, a spiritual milestone, and an act of obedience that identifies us with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Today, we’ll explore four reasons why baptism is essential for every believer.
I’ll also share some testimonies of how this step of faith has transformed lives, and at the end, I’ll invite you to make this life-changing decision if you haven’t already.
1. Baptism is a Command of Jesus
Baptism isn’t optional for those who follow Christ—it’s a command.
Jesus set the example for us by being baptized Himself, even though He was sinless. In Matthew 28:19, He made baptism a cornerstone of discipleship.
Imagine someone joining the military but refusing to swear allegiance or wear the uniform.
Similarly, baptism is our way of saying, “I’m all in for Jesus.”
It’s a moment where we pledge our allegiance to Christ and acknowledge His authority over our lives.
"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." – Mark 16:16 (ESV)
Have you responded to Jesus’ command with obedience, or are you hesitating?
2. Baptism Represents New Life in Christ
Paul explains in Romans 6:4 that baptism is a powerful symbol of our death to sin and resurrection into new life.
It’s a spiritual reset, declaring that we are no longer slaves to sin but alive in Christ.
Picture a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. The old life is gone, and the new life begins. Baptism reflects that transformation in a believer’s life.
Sarah grew up in a home filled with anger and brokenness. She accepted Christ after a friend invited her to church. She shared, “When I was baptized, I felt like all the heaviness of my past was left in that water. I came up feeling light, free, and truly alive for the first time.”
3. Baptism is a Bold Declaration of Faith
In baptism, we publicly declare, "I am not ashamed of the gospel!" (Romans 1:16). It’s a bold step of faith, telling the world that you belong to Jesus.
Think about a wedding ring. It doesn’t create the marriage, but it signifies a covenant relationship.
In the same way, baptism doesn’t save you, but it’s a powerful symbol of the covenant you’ve entered into with Jesus.
John wrestled with the decision to get baptized because he was afraid of what others might think. After taking the step, he said, “When I came out of the water, I felt fearless. I wasn’t hiding my faith anymore—I was standing for Jesus, and I’ve never looked back.”
4. Baptism Unites Us with Christ and His Church
Baptism isn’t just personal—it’s communal.
It unites us with Christ and the global body of believers. Through baptism, we join a spiritual family that spans generations and continents.
"For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." – 1 Corinthians 12:13 (NIV)
Imagine a family reunion where people of all ages and backgrounds come together.
Baptism is like the entry point to God’s eternal family—a shared identity in Christ.
Altar Call:
A Call to Obedience and Faith
As we come to a close, let me ask you:
Have you given your life to Christ and experienced the joy of new life in Him?
Have you taken the step of baptism to declare your faith publicly?
Baptism isn’t about perfection; it’s about obedience. It’s not about being “ready” but about trusting God with your next step.
Today, the water is ready, and so is God’s invitation to you.
Maybe you’ve been following Jesus for years but haven’t yet taken this step.
Or perhaps today is the day you surrender your life to Him for the first time.
Either way, the invitation is the same: Rise, be baptized, and step into the new life God has for you.
Closing Scripture:
"And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name." – Acts 22:16 (ESV)
Come forward. Let us celebrate this step of faith with you. Whether you’re committing your life to Jesus or choosing to follow Him in baptism, don’t let fear or hesitation hold you back.
Lord, thank You for the gift of baptism, a symbol of the new life You offer through Jesus Christ. I pray for those who are ready to take this step today. Give them boldness, faith, and the joy of obedience. May their lives be forever changed as they step into the waters of baptism and into the fullness of Your love. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
