Importance of Baptism
Importance of Baptism It has great significance. It is an outward symbol of an inner change and transformation that is supposed to take place beforehand. It is an act of sincerity and purity. So what exactly is this? – Baptism. In Christianity, Baptism is very important and signifies the beginning of a new life. It takes a lot of courage and fortitude to make this decision. Baptism is very important. Jesus said "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23). Baptism goes hand in hand with this scripture from the bible. When one is baptized, he or she is making a decision to stand with God and not conform to traditional values/ways of the society. They’re making a decision to start afresh and be renewed. Also, they are to leave behind their past life as quoted in the scripture. "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." (Colossians 3:5) So why exactly is baptism important? Well, It is very important to understand that baptism guarantees no one an entrance into the gates of heaven. If there isn’t true conversion, being baptized would be meaningless. In the bible, Jesus said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16). It is obvious that baptism is very important to Jesus. It is also an important role to one, as a Christian. Since it was important to him, it should be important to us followers. The best and very significant quote from the bible that explains how important baptism is is in Matthew 28:19-20. This is also very important due to the fact that it was one of Jesus’ closing words here on earth. It says, “"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you