Jesus Café Ministries - Scripture Squad - How important is baptism?

From: Chris
I want to know about baptism. I don't think it is necessary for salvation, but I know some local churches put it right up there with salvation. I see it as symbolic of your salvation. I think baptism is more of an expression of salvation, but I feel I express my salvation every day. I don't know why, but I feel like baptism has become a joke than symbolic of salvation, and that is why I am hesitant to get baptized. Please enlighten me as to what your opinions are. I know it tells in the Bible how we should get baptized, but I look at John the Baptist when he said that we baptize with water, but Jesus baptizes with fire. To me it almost seems that baptism should come from within because Jesus will baptize us with the Holy Spirit. Please help me. Thank you.

Chris,
Denominations have different ideas about baptism, but we will state what our understanding of Scripture is on this subject. We are not questioning the salvation or criticizing those who do not share our views.

We agree with you that baptism is not necessary for salvation; however it is a command from our Lord in Matthew 28: 19 "...go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Jesus Himself, underwent baptism, Matthew 3:13-17.

The verb form of the Greek word used in the Bible to baptize is Baptizo, which means to dip or immerse in water. It is identification of a believer in Christ with His death, burial and resurrection. Baptized in His name signifies being owned by Christ.

Sometimes baptism is treated lightly, but that is not a valid reason for you to be hesitant about getting baptized. We believe that baptism is an outward symbol or indication of the inward change that has taken place in a believer. It serves as a public testimony of one's faith in Jesus Christ, and His finished work at Calvary. It is an initiatory rite; we are baptized into the name of Christ. It is a testimony that we have been regenerated.

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ and are born again we urge you to be baptized. This rite is not only in obedience to Christ but confirms your salvation to yourself and affirms it to others.

- The Scripture Squad :
TCCaleb, WMomTCC, RuthCCC & DawnCCC