The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
Water Baptism: Why It’s A Good Idea
By Joel B.
Friends, let’s take a minute to talk about the important matter of water baptism. I’m not here to argue with anyone about whether or not you have to be baptized to be saved or if babies should be sprinkled with water. I’m here to tell you that as followers of Christ, water baptism is a choice we should want to make. I will explain why.
First and foremost, Jesus did it. Not only did He do it for Himself and unto the Father in Heaven, but He did it as an example to us. In Matthew 3:13-17, we know that once Christ was baptized by John the Baptist, the heavens opened up and the Father spoke saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Wow, what a powerful statement. God the Father was giving Jesus a, “Good job Son” moment. If God the Father expected this of Christ and it pleased Him, then surely us doing this would please Him as well.
Next, let look at a very profound scripture on baptism. In Acts 8:27-39 we read about Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Philip preached the gospel to the eunuch and he is immediately responsive. Not only does he accept Philip’s word, but when he sees a body of water, the chariot they were riding on was commanded to stand still. The eunuch had such enthusiasm and asked to be baptized immediately. Philip confirmed the eunuch’s acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and immediately baptized him in the water.
There is an important lesson to be learned from the Ethiopian eunuch. Baptism isn’t something to argue about. We should do it with the same enthusiasm the eunuch had when he approached a body of water. He was determined he was going to be baptized. We should have that same determination.
Some people are shy and struggle with the idea of being baptized before a large church congregation. However, I would assert that it is not necessary for these individuals to be baptized before a large congregation if it is too much for them. They can simply have someone that is a disciple of Christ baptize them in water. It doesn’t have to be specific body of water. People were being baptized in dirty rivers. The point is the act before God and what is in your heart. So if you are shy about it; just do it among family or friends, but please do it. It is an important step for a believer.
In closing, I just want to say if you’ve been baptized then great. There is so much more to do in the Christian walk. However, if you have not been baptized or maybe you are struggling with the idea, please consider it. Please find a way to make it happen. You won’t regret it and the Father in Heaven will be pleased with your actions. Thank you for reading and God bless.
I will make a comment about baptism in reference to salvation. First of all, baptism is symbolic of one’s new nature in Christ. Jesus set the example, as Joel stated, and He desires that Christians do it as a public expression of their faith. It does not, however, save anyone. There are people who say it does but they base it on one or two verses in the entire Bible, whereas, if you take ALL of the passages that deal with this subject you will find, in general, the teaching that salvation precedes baptism. Romans 10:9-10 says, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” This and dozens of other verses like it mention nothing about baptism. In addition, if one has to be baptized to be saved it is a work, and no longer grace.