David McAtee (left, standing) celebrates the transformative power of Jesus with other believers at Northplace Church in April. Baptism is a public display of faith that unifies the body of Christ, according to Galatians 3:27-28. Photo courtesy of Northplace Creative Team for Northplace Church
Since the days of Jesus and John the Baptist, believers and nonbelievers alike have recognized water baptism as a symbol of Christianity. Biblical accounts of water baptism, such as Romans 6:4, describe individuals being baptized as being buried with Christ and raised to a new life.
The excitement and emotions of water baptism leave many confused about its meaning and what they should do next. In an age where convenience is king, why should Christians continue to care about baptism and what comes after?
Jesus’ Command and Example
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus says, “Therefore 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 does not suggest water baptism; He commands it.
“Baptizō,” the original Greek word in Matthew 28:19, means “to immerse” or “submerge,” according to the Blue Letter Bible.
Baptism does not equal salvation, but it is an important act of obedience for every believer, according to BibleResources.org.
Looking at the verse’s context also gives Christians an idea of how important water baptism is to being a follower of Christ. Matthew 28:16-20 is one of a few accounts of Jesus’ last words on earth before ascending to heaven, adding weight to His commands.
Jesus does not only command water baptism but also sets an example by being baptized Himself by His cousin, John the Baptist, in Matthew 3. When John becomes hesitant to baptize Jesus, Jesus responds with the fulfillment that baptism would bring in Matthew 3:15: “Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’” After the baptism, God opened heaven and said that He was pleased with Jesus.
A young adult pastor at Northplace Church in Wylie, Texas, baptizes a young woman during a service in April. Water baptism is an act of obedience, according to Matthew 28:19. Photo courtesy of Northplace Creative Team for Northplace Church
A Public Declaration
Soon after His baptism, Jesus is tempted in the wilderness and performs His first miracle at the wedding in Cana; His baptism is the starting point of his public ministry, according to the 2011 edition of Zondervan’s NIV Study Bible.
Similarly, when a born-again Christian chooses to be baptized, it is a public declaration of their faith in Christ.
“Salvation is personal, but it’s not private,” David McAtee, young adults and youth pastor at the Texas campuses of Northplace Church, said in an interview. McAtee values baptism and continual discipleship and tells others about their significance through his ministry at Northplace.
A public declaration of faith has the ability to encourage the body of Christ to continue doing what God has called them to do, namely, sharing the Gospel, according to Romans 1:12. The event of an individual’s water baptism also serves as an opportunity to show unsaved family members and friends the transformative power of a relationship with Jesus.
Going Deeper
Baptism is a significant moment that powerfully promotes the Gospel, but Christ’s redemptive work in someone’s life should not stop there. After commanding His disciples to baptize others, Jesus instructs believers to teach the baptized to “obey everything I have commanded you,” in Matthew 28:20.
“I think, just as a human, if we're not doing something to grow and become better, then I don't think we're living how God intended us to,” McAtee said. “And, specifically as a Christian, if we're not growing and moving closer to God, then I don't think we're living as God intended.”
Northplace Church’s goal is to make more and deeper disciples, McAtee said. One way Northplace advances this mission is through its Foundations small group.
Photo courtesy of Northplace Creative Team for Northplace Church
Foundations occurs quarterly and often coincides with baptism services. The four steps of Foundations are: “What is the Gospel?”, “Legalism vs. License,” “Prayer & Scripture” and “Christian Traditions,” according to McAtee.
The detailed teaching of these principles turns disciples into disciple-makers, McAtee said.
Fay Harness, member of Northplace’s Dream Team, completed Foundations and was baptized in November. The program helped her begin growing a relationship with Jesus, she wrote in an email. Since then, she has served in the church and built relationships with others, including three young women who were recently baptized.
The most gratifying part of applying knowledge gained in Foundations is helping curious people answer the questions she used to ask, Harness wrote.
Whether a believer was baptized yesterday or fifty years ago, discipleship is for them. If current members of the Church are not being discipled, then how will new disciples be made?
Allison LaBrot is passionate about seeking out and sharing untold stories. She strives to make media an effective ministry tool through the skills she gained while earning her Multimedia Journalism degree. She enjoys music, L.M. Montgomery novels and getting second place in family “Jeopardy!” games.
