Why Water Baptism Matters for New Believers in Christ

Congratulations on making the decision to be born again. All of heaven rejoices with you (Luke 15:7)

Now that you have made the decision to follow Jesus. I want you to know that choosing to follow Jesus is more than a personal milestone—it’s a spiritual rebirth. It’s stepping out of the old life and into the grace, mercy, and purpose that only God can give. It’s not just turning a new page; it’s starting a whole new book, authored by the One who knows you best: God.

So, “What’s next?” for you in your Christian journey. The Scriptural answer is: water baptism.

Water baptism, and why is it so important for new converts?

Jesus Commanded It

Let’s start with the most straightforward reason why Christians are baptised is Jesus. Jesus commanded us to go into the world and make disciples and baptise them.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
(Matthew 28:19)

Did you know that Jesus was baptised by John, even though he was sinless and had no need for personal repentance?

“I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” (Matthew 3:14). Jesus replied that it should be done because “it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15).

One of the reasons why Jesus was baptised, was to publicly show to the world that He identified with sinners. Jesus’s baptism was symbolic of the sinners’ baptism into the righteousness of Christ. The sinner will die with Him and raise up from the water with him, free from sin, walking with him in the newness of life.

Water baptism is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus, it is symbolic of your incorporation into the Christian community and your spiritual transformation in Christ.

It is your bold step of obedience, saying, “I’m all in. I have decided to follow Jesus.”

It’s a Public Declaration of Faith

Salvation is a deeply personal decision, but baptism is its public expression. To help you understand this statement, I want you to think of a wedding. I will compare the wedding to salvation and the ring to baptism. It I common knowledge that a wedding ceremony represents the lifelong commitment between married partners and the wedding ring is the piece of jewellery worn to show the world that you are married. Salvation is our life commitment to God as we place our faith in the life and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. In water baptism, new believers make a public declaration of faith. They declare:

• Their belief in Jesus
• That they have turned their back on their old life.
• That they are starting a new life in Him.

Water baptism is a joyful moment of complete surrender, where your faith goes public.

3. A Symbol of a New Life

Baptism tells a story—your story. This does not mean that every detail of your childhood is relayed to the public. What this means is, that when you go under the water, it represents you dying to your old life of sin. When you rise up, it symbolizes resurrection—your brand-new life in Christ.

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death... that we too may live a new life.”
(Romans 6:4)

Baptism is your personal story that paints a beautiful picture of what God has done in your heart.

4. It Unites You with the Church

Becoming a Christian is more than just having a personal relationship with God—being a Christian brings you into a family. Baptism is a public way of saying, “I’m part of the body of Christ now.” It connects you with the global Church and the local community of believers.

In the early church, baptism happened right after conversion. In Acts 2:41, it says:

“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”

It was immediate, joyful, and meaningful—just as it still is today.

Stepping into Growth and Transformation

Baptism itself doesn’t save us (faith in Christ does that), but the experience will bring spiritual growth and transformation.

There have been many baptism testimonials of believers describing feeling a new sense of purpose, freedom, and closeness to God after being baptized. Their baptism signified a spiritual milestone - a defining moment of surrender and commitment.

In Conclusion: It is time to take that next step of faith

If you’re a new believer in Jesus and you haven’t been baptized yet, then what are you waiting for? If you are considering taking the next step of faith, I want you to put aside all your fears and worries, and remember that you do not have to have everything figured out before you take your next step of faith. Baptism is faith in motion. It is a visible, obedient act that tells the world of your faith in Jesus. As you keep your eyes on Jesus and begin to walk with Christ in faith, I assure you that your life will never be the same again.

Declare this with me:
“I belong to Jesus. I’m not turning back.”

If you believe that you are ready to be baptised, then reach out to us using the ‘Contact Us’ section on this website. God has amazing things in store for your journey—and baptism is a powerful part of that story.

Reflection Time: "If baptism is a beautiful step of obedience and a public declaration of our new life in Christ, what might be holding you back from taking that step today?"