What is Baptism?
Baptism is the outward expression of a believer's inner faith. It does not save the person. Only his or her faith in Christ can do that. It is like a wedding ring. The wedding ring is the outward symbol of a person's commitment to the vows he or she has taken. But wearing a wedding ring doesn't make a person married. It is only a visible sign of what has been done. Baptism in water is like that. It is the outward symbol of the commitment a believer has already made to receive Christ as his or her Lord and Savior.
a. Symbol of a believer's identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ
"Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." (Romans 6:3-4)
When a believer is submerged in the water, it symbolizes death and burial of his or her old sinful self. When the believer emerges from the water, he or she no longer serves sin and is freed from sin's power over him or her.
b. Symbol of a believer's new identity and life in Christ
i. The believer's new identity as a child of God
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:16-17)
ii. The believer's new life
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)
c. Expression of a believer's identification with the Body of Christ
To enter into a relationship with Christ involves becoming part of His Body, the Church. Water baptism also symbolizes the believer's identification with a local church.
"For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free – and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." (1 Corinthians 12:13)
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