Now that you are a believer and follower of Jesus, it's time for you to make that ultimate declaration of faith and get Baptized! As with many sacraments in the Christian faith, this one is marred with controversy and differing opinions. Let me make it as easy for you as possible. In a very simple statement: You should get Baptized. Now let's explore that a little further.

First and foremost, there are two schools of thought when it comes to baptism and salvation. One camp says that the act of baptism is what saves, and others say that it is just an outward expression of the change you experience as a new believer. Both sides agree that baptism is essential!

I am from the camp that believes that baptism is not "salvific", because I believe that this is considered "works based" salvation. There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. Our salvation is by Grace alone, through faith alone in Jesus alone. As Paul said in Ephesians 2:8-9 "For Grace you have been saved through Faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast". With that being said, I am baptized because Jesus commanded us to be baptized and it was a pleasure to take part in this sacred tradition. If you believe that it is necessary for salvation, that's fine too, because ultimately we can meet in the water!

The next debate is on adult baptism vs infant baptism. I am on the side that believes you should only get baptized once you are old enough to make a declaration of faith (babies cannot do this). If you were baptized as a baby, there is no harm whatsoever to get baptized again. I was baptized as an infant then I was baptized again as a teenager after I came to Christ.

"To sprinkle or to dunk? That is the question!" Let's talk about what baptism means. Baptism comes from the Greek word "Baptizo", some places use the word "Baptismos" and others. All of these words carry the same greek origin or root of the word "Bapto" which literally means to submerge or immerse. In fact it'a quite odd that the word Baptize has been transliterated vs translated. Transliterations often carry the contextual meanings of words, whereas translation will usually carry over context because it takes an unfamiliar foreign word or phrase and translates to the reader's native language. We have a common understanding of what baptism is as a Christian Sacrament or Ordinance because of the church. But someone who grew up in a culture not affected by the Christian church would have no idea what the word baptism meant unless it was translated as "submerge in water" in their native tongues in their Bibles.

That is a lot of words to simply say, get dunked!

But what is the significance of baptism? Baptism is all throughout the New Testament (See Mark 16:16, Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 2:38, 41, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:34, etc.)

According to Colossians 2:12, when we are baptized we are buried with Him and raised to new life. It is an outward expression of an inward change. From my perspective, baptism is one of the most significant actions you can take as a new believer and if I am honest, I get a little choked up thinking about it. Romans 1:16 Paul reminds us not to be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. This is another reason why public baptism is such a meaningful event.

Speak with your pastor and find a time that you can get baptized. It is an amazing and significant event, that will bless your soul.