Why must I be baptized?
Baptism is the first ordinance of the Lord Jesus Christ for all those who believe in Him. It is the first step of obedience and a public declaration of renouncing to sin and live for righteousness (Rm.6:3-4).
The Lord Himself was baptized by John in order to live a life of full righteousness, which He lived for us (Mt.3:15).
Water baptism is never a means of divine grace, but symbolizes the previous work of the Holy Spirit in conversion and regeneration of the sinner (1 Pe.3:21-22).
When should I be baptized?
Since baptism should be the first step of following the Lord, it should be done as soon as a person chooses to repent of sins and believe in Christ. The Elders of the local church must make sure of the person’s understanding of the Gospel (Mt.16:24), the cost of being a disciple of Jesus (Mt.16:24), and the fruit of God’s Spirit within that person (Ac.2:37-38, 10:47).
Obeying Jesus’ command in being baptized should neither be rushed nor delayed but diligently and carefully performed (Ac.8:36-38).
How should I be baptized?
Baptism should take place within the context of the local church who bears witness of the conversion and dedication of the new brother or sister.
The candidate must be fully immersed into water (as the greek term for baptism literally means) thus fully carrying the symbol of dying to self and living for Christ just as He died for our sins and was raised for our justification (Rm.4:25).
