how important is baptism?

 Baptism is very important. A person can be saved without being baptized, and a person baptized is not automatically saved. so how and why can it be important.

First we need to answer the question what is baptism. Baptism with water is symbolic of your Spiritual baptism. It is the death burial and resurrection. symbolizing first the death burial and resurrection of Jesus as our savior. and second the spiritual death burial and resurrection of our new spiritual life. Paul says we put off the old man and put on the new man. it is our repenting from sin and turning to God. the old way of living for the world is dead and the new way of living for God is born. Jesus says that we should be born again (John 3). Spiritually speaking we should be born again into Christ. Baptism is an outward show of the spiritual change.
Now that we have defined baptism, we can understand the importance of baptism. The Bible says that we should not be ashamed of God, we should openly profess our faith, and we are to share the gospel with others. One of the first ways to do that is baptism.

In the Old Testament God made a covenant with Abraham. they were to be circumcised. The circumcision did not make the men Jews but they were to commit to God. The circumcision was a show of their commitment. Baptism is the New Testament covenant. A Christian should desire to be Baptized. Someone that says he or she wants to be a Christian but does not desire Baptism is not truly desiring to be a Christian. How can you say in your heart I want to be a Christian and serve God when you are not willing to do the first thing God asks you to do which is follow through with Baptism.

Jesus was baptized.
29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him John 1:29-32 (KJV)

John was sent to baptize. That was part of his purpose. teaching about Jesus and baptizing those who professed their faith.
33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. John 1:33 (KJV)
Jesus told his disciples to go out and teach the gospel and to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matt 28:18-20 (KJV)

Peter preached it on the day of Pentecost. there were three thousand converts.
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:37-38 (KJV)
As you can see Baptism is very important. If for no other reason God says we should be Baptized. If you have made a public profession of faith in God but you have never followed through with Baptism the I encourage you to seek a pastor and talk with him. I encourage you to make that public profession of faith by being baptized.

 I want to invite you to become a part of our church.  If you would like to contact me you may email me.  preacherman@reedschapel.org  

Rev. Jeff McCartney