Why is baptism important? For thousands of years, the ceremony of baptism has been, and continues to be, an emotionally powerful depiction of positive change in a person’s life. While it extends beyond Christianity, for the Christian there are at least 7 reasons why baptism is important: Jesus modeled it, Jesus commanded it, it’s a public confession, it signifies a new name, it represents a new life, it establishes a new identity and it unifies the faith.
In the book Understanding Four Views on Baptism (Zondervan, 2007), editor John H. Armstrong says, “From the earliest days of Christianity baptism has been a rite of initiation. By this watery sign, made in the triune name of God, people are openly admitted into the life and community of the church. All agree that baptism is the symbolic door into the church.”
What Is Baptism?
The English word “baptism” derives from the Greek word baptisma and denotes the action of washing or plunging in water. Ancient pagans…
