Why should we baptize or be baptized?

         The main reason we should baptize or be baptized is because Jesus commanded us to do so;  

"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, teaching them all things I have commanded you; and lo, I am with  you always, even to the end of the age. Amen". Mat. 28:19-20

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned". Mark 16:16

The scripturally correct point of these verses is to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. The subject of baptism is one of many controversial subjects in the churches and ones beliefs for several reasons. Who should be baptized, when one should be baptized, and is baptism necessary for ones salvation are some of the questions that have created this enormous controversy. I will admit, my own understanding on this subject was very much a 'mixed' bag of what and who to believe for a long time. This page will try and discuss the issues relating to baptism based on much research from several theological sources and most importantly where applicable, scripture itself.

         I believe the best place to start is to define the meaning of baptism and the importance of it. I believe that baptism, being is a sacramental act is an 'outward sign' of God's grace  and it can be compared to the similar sacramental act of circumcision practiced in the Old Testament. This act of circumcision practiced by the early Jews involved the 'cutting' of the foreskin of a newly born child. This cutting signified the cutting away of the Jewish people of Israel from the rest of the world. That they were God's chosen people. It was a covenant that the people had, to signify their faith and belief in God. Their belief was, that if they broke God laws, they would be 'cut off' from His grace.

"And my covenant shall be in your flesh for a perpetual covenant. The male, whose flesh of his foreskin shall not be circumcised, that soul hall be destroyed out of his people: because he hath broken my covenant". Gen. 17: 12-14

 Similarly, Baptism is a New Testament sacramental covenant (an outward sign) to rid one's self of original sin and reaffirm one's faith in God through Jesus Christ. It is this 'washing' away or the cleansing of one's soul that the grace of God through the faith in Jesus can begin. So, yes, I believe being baptized is very important and as stated above, we are commanded to do so.

        For the argument of whether it is ok to baptize an infant, I believe it is. Some believe that an infant can not understand or profess his or her faith and therefore should wait until they are of age. However in the above example of circumcision, this was done to infants also, so the validity of baptizing infants does have scriptural basis. Also, there is no clear scripture in the New Testaments that this is a wrong thing to do.

        Another common question that comes up with baptism is what happens to a child that dies before they are baptized. On this subject the Bible is silent. There does not seem to be any clear direction about this. My personal belief is that this is one of those things that is God's decision to make. We can debate this and it is being done so by many, however taking in the account that it does occur, that a child is born, and something unfortunately happens to them causing their life to end immediately after birth, I believe God takes care of this situation.

        Another common point of contention is baptism necessary for salvation? The actual act of baptism, whether it being sprinkling of water or the immersion of the entire body is a sacramental act.  This act, which like any of the sacraments is a 'sign' of commitment. Spiritual baptism by God's grace imposed by the Holy Spirit, is what's important. As John the Baptist put it;

                                       " I baptize you with water, be he baptizes you in the Holy Spirit" Mk. 1:8

 This baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs when coming to belief in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Accepting Him truly with your heart is when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and within you.

        If you recall the thief on the cross next to Jesus, he asked at the last moment for Jesus to remember him. Jesus responded by telling him he will be with Him in paradise. The thief did not have the time to go through the act of baptism. There are those at the last minute of their lives that come to belief in Jesus that do not have this opportunity. However if you do have the opportunity, I believe you should as Jesus commands us to.

         In the book of John (see John 3:16) it says;

"For  God so loved the earth, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever shall believe in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

The requirement for salvation in this passage is clear. Even in the above scripture of Mark 16:16, places more emphasis on the 'believing'.

           There are many people that go through the act of baptism that never really come to faith in Jesus, accepting Him as their savior. Some continue on living the same sinful life, never reading God's word or telling others about it. Never attempting to receive the gifts of God. As I said, the sacrament of baptism, like any of the sacraments are 'signs' of commitment, and although it would be disobeying God's command to not be baptized, it is the Spiritual baptism  through your submission to Jesus, confession and repentance that is required of all of us.