Many opinions have been formed about water baptism.  Most come from our denominational background, church tradition or the way we were raised rather than scriptural truth.  Here are some of the questions I have been asked about water baptism.

"My parents had me baptized/christened as a baby, why should I be baptized again?"

"I was sprinkled not immersed, is that sufficient?"

"Why do I need to be baptized?"

"I haven't been baptized, does that mean I'm not saved?"

First, let's take a look at the root word baptize.  The Greek word for baptize is baptizo meaning to "dunk," "dip," "plunge," "submerge," or "immerse."  Many who advocate another form of baptism admit that the original form of baptism was immersion. The word itself defines the form of baptism.  And there is evidence from scripture as well.  Matthew 3:16 "When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened."  Acts 8:36 "Then both Phillip and the eunuch went down to the water and Phillip baptized him."

"Why should a person be baptized?"  Baptism represents our identification and commitment to Christ. One reason for baptism is that we publicly identify with Jesus' teachings.  The believer is declaring to the world that Christ is the example by which they intend to live their life.  Second, when we are baptized we identify with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.  Baptism unites a believer with Jesus Christ in his or her death to sin and resurrection to a new life in Christ.

Another reason a believer should be baptized is that Jesus commanded us to be baptized.  Baptism is a step in obedience to the Word of God. (Acts 2:38) Jesus instructed the disciples to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19) "Whoever believes and is baptized..."(Mark 16:16) The disciples were instructed to preach the good news and baptize all who believed.

"If I have not been baptized does that mean I'm not saved?"  No, baptism is not a requirement for salvation.  Think about the thief on the cross. He believed in the moments just prior to his death on the cross. There was no time for him to be baptized; yet Jesus assured him that they would meet in paradise that day. It is clear from Jesus' words that the thief was saved the moment he believed.

Baptism is not merely about being immersed, making a commitment, or joining a particular denomination or church. The real meaning of baptism is about publicly identifying with Christ.  Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision to follow Christ. If you were christened as a child, you have not been scripturally baptized.  If you were sprinkled as an adult or child, you have not been scripturally baptized. If you were immersed before you became a Christian, you have not been scripturally baptized.  No matter how long or short of a time you’ve been a believer, it is crucial for you to make a public commitment to Christ through water baptism.  I encourage every believer to obey the command of Christ and be baptized.