Baptism is a symbol of a covenant and submission, much like a wedding ring. When a man and woman marry, they give each other a wedding ring. This ring does not make them married; the promise and covenant they made to each other make them married. The ring is a symbol to others of that promise and covenant they made in their hearts to each other. Like the wedding ring, baptism is a symbol, which testifies before God and man of the promise and covenant a person has made in his or her heart with Jesus. (Colossians 2:11-12).
According to these verses, God cuts away our old nature from our hearts.
Through water baptism, we identify with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. It's like saying to the Lord Jesus, "Your death is my death. Your life is my life - I now have Your eternal life" (Romans 3:23, 6:23). As you are immersed under water, it represents that you bury your old nature. When you come up out of the water, it represents the new life and resurrection that belong to you through Jesus.
Who Should Be Water Baptized?
All who have submitted themselves to Jesus Christ as their Lord. For this reason, we do not baptize babies or children who are too young to make a conscientious decision to follow Christ. While babies may be dedicated to the Lord from birth
(1 Samuel 1:21-24), baptism is reserved for believers. Once you have submitted yourself to Jesus Christ and acknowledge Him as Lord, you are ready for water baptism.
Why Should I Be Water Baptized?
Jesus the Creator of the Universe was water baptized (Mark 1:9-11), and He invites us to follow His example. (Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Peter 2:21), Baptism is an act of confession and identification with Christ. It is a demonstration of your covenant with God and your submission to Christ. A covenant and submission, much like a wedding ring. When a man and woman marry, they give each other a wedding ring. This ring does not make them married; the promise and covenant they made to each other make them married. The ring is a symbol to others of that promise and covenant they made in their hearts to each other. Like the wedding ring, baptism is a symbol, which testifies before God and man of the promise and covenant a person has made in his or her heart with Jesus. (Colossians 2:11-12). According to these verses, God cuts away our old nature from our hearts.
