Here is a straightforward way to explain baptism:
Baptism is a symbol to show the world that you love, trust, and have put your hope in Christ. It’s like a wedding ring.
Let’s say; I’m not married right now, but if I put a wedding ring on my finger, would that make me married? No, of course not.
Similarly, I can be baptized in a church, but that doesn’t make me a true believer in Christ.
Imagine that I was married, though. My husband and I did go through the marriage ceremony, but I didn’t have my ring on my finger. Would that mean I wasn’t married? No way, of course, I would still be married. Similarly, I can be a believer in Christ but not baptized, and my sins are still paid for and forgiven by God.
But imagine that I indeed was married and I truly loved my husband. Would I wear my wedding ring? Of course! I would love my husband and want the whole world to know it!
In the same way, if I have trusted Christ to save me from sin, and He is the lord and joy of my life, I’ll want everyone to know about it. So baptism is a statement to everyone who sees it has trusted Christ for my salvation, and I’m committed to living for Him.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death. Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4
Baptism does not make you a believer; it shows that you already are one! Baptism does not ‘save’ you; only your faith in Christ does that.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8, 9
A Blessed Life:
In baptism, the believer has the triune name of the triune God placed upon them, Father, Son & Holy Spirit. The name of the Lord Jesus Christ is the name of the Godhead (one God in three persons).
The Gospels tell us to baptize believers “… into the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit”, Matthew 28:19.
Baptism confirms our position ‘in Christ’ and affirms the blessings of the Father on us as his children.
