Scripture reveals baptism as the physical picture of dying with Christ and rising to new life through His power.
Scripture on Dunking In Water
Matthew 3:13-16
New Testament
"Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. 'I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,' he said, 'so why are you coming to me?' But Jesus said, 'It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.' So John agreed to baptize him. After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him."
Romans 6:3-4
New Testament
"Don't you realize that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
Acts 8:38-39
New Testament
"And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away."
Colossians 2:12
New Testament
"For you were buried with him when you were baptized. And with him you have been raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead."
1 Peter 3:21
New Testament
"And that water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
The Bottom Line
When you go under the water, you're declaring that your old life is dead and you're claiming Christ's resurrection as your own.
Try Today
If you haven't been baptized as a believer, talk to your pastor or a church leader this week about when and how you can take this step of obedience.
Prayer
Jesus invites us to follow Him openly, starting with baptism (Matthew 28:19-20).
Father, baptism wasn't optional for Jesus—He did it to show us obedience matters. I confess I sometimes hide my faith instead of declaring it. Give me courage to follow Christ fully, even in the public ways that cost me something. If I haven't been baptized, help me take that step soon. If I have, remind me daily what it means—that I've died with Him and I'm living His resurrection now. In Jesus' name, Amen.
📚 Read Acts 2:37-41 to see what baptism looked like in the early church, or explore Romans 6 for the deep meaning of being buried and raised with Christ.
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