Baptism | Pastor Aaron Graham

Scripture

Acts 8:26-40

Baptism: A Command, Not a Suggestion

Baptism has long been a symbol of faith and obedience for followers of Jesus. At The District Church, we hold the conviction that baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith in Christ. It’s more than a symbolic act; it’s a declaration of repentance, trust, and commitment. As we explore baptism’s importance, we’ll look at why Jesus Himself was baptized, His command for His followers to be baptized, and the significance of this sacrament in our walk with Christ.

The Celebration of Baptism

Baptism is meant to be a time of celebration. The Bible tells us that there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who don’t need repentance (Luke 15:7). When someone decides to follow Jesus and is baptized, it’s a moment that mirrors the joy of heaven.

Baptism isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a public proclamation of faith. When you’re baptized, you declare, “I follow Jesus.” It’s a visible and tangible way of announcing that your life has been changed, that you’re turning away from sin, and that you’re committed to living for Christ. As Scripture says, “Repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38). There’s a powerful spiritual shift that occurs in baptism as it symbolizes dying to our old selves and being raised to new life in Christ.

Immersed in Christ

The word “baptism” literally means to dip or immerse, and that’s what happens during baptism. It’s not a sprinkling or misting of water; it’s a complete immersion, reflecting what Jesus commanded and what John the Baptist practiced in the Gospels. When John baptized people, it was a call to repentance—a way of preparing for the coming Messiah. But John knew his baptism was a precursor to something greater. He declared, “I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me comes one more powerful… He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11).

There’s nothing inherently special about the water itself. The power lies in obedience. When we obey God’s Word and follow His leading to be baptized, we’re aligning ourselves with Jesus, who baptizes us with His forgiveness, love, Holy Spirit, and transformative fire.

Why Baptism? Two Big Reasons

1. Jesus Was Baptized

Even though Jesus had no sin and no need for repentance, He was baptized. Why? To set an example for us. Jesus never asks us to do anything He wasn’t willing to do Himself. In Matthew 3:13-17, we read how Jesus was baptized by John. As He came up from the water, the heavens opened, and the Spirit of God descended upon Him like a dove, with the voice of God affirming, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.”

The baptism of Jesus was a divine affirmation of His mission and identity. Similarly, when we follow Jesus’ example He meets us where we are and loves us as we are, even as we take steps toward spiritual growth.

2. Jesus Commanded It

After His resurrection, Jesus gathered His disciples and gave them a clear command: “Go 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). This Great Commission isn’t optional. Jesus didn’t say, “Recommend them to be baptized” or “you do you.” No, He made it clear: baptism is a command for all believers who have the opportunity. .

Following Jesus means obedience to His commands, even when we don’t fully understand. And often, through obedience, we experience the blessings and revelations that come from aligning our lives with God’s will.

Three Historic Questions for Baptism Candidates

When someone is baptized at The District Church, they are asked three historic questions that have been part of Christian tradition for centuries. These questions reflect the heart of what baptism means.

1. Do You Renounce All Sin That Draws You From the Love of Christ?

This question is about repentance—turning away from sin and toward God. To renounce sin means to reject anything that breaks our fellowship with God. It doesn’t mean we won’t be tempted again, but it does mean we’re no longer living in our sin with complacency. We’re making a conscious decision to turn in a new direction.

2. Have You Received Christ as Savior?

Baptism isn’t just about repentance. It’s about faith in Jesus as the Savior who rescues us from sin. Salvation isn’t something we can earn through good deeds or religious activities. It’s a gift that we receive by believing in Jesus’ death and resurrection for us. Baptism is a picture of this inner transformation, where we are buried with Christ and raised to new life.

3. Do You Commit to Following Him as Lord?

Confessing “Jesus is Lord” means surrendering every area of our lives to Him. It’s a declaration that Jesus and His Word is the highest authority in our lives. Baptism marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship—where we seek to follow Jesus in all that we do.

Is Baptism Required for Salvation?

The short answer is no. Baptism is not required for salvation, but it is an essential step of obedience for those who follow Christ. We see this clearly in the story of the criminal on the cross next to Jesus. He wasn’t baptized, but Jesus assured him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). Baptism is a command for anyone who has the opportunity to follow it, but it is not the ultimate requirement for eternal life.

The Urgency of Baptism

In the New Testament, we see a sense of urgency surrounding baptism. When Peter preached at Pentecost, people were immediately baptized upon confessing their faith. Saul, later known as Paul, was baptized after his conversion, even before having his first meal. In Acts 16, Lydia and her family were baptized after believing in Jesus. The examples are clear: baptism happens soon after coming to faith.

At The District Church, we emphasize the importance of baptism as a step of obedience that should happen as close to your confession of faith as possible. If you haven’t been baptized yet, consider today the opportunity to take that step. It’s a moment of publicly declaring your faith and beginning a lifelong journey with Jesus.

What If I’ve Already Been Baptized? 

We practice what we call Believer’s Baptism. This is where your own faith in Jesus is applied to your decision to be baptized, rather than someone else’s faith, such as your parents. If you were baptized as an infant, believers baptism is often a way to honor your parents decision and prayer that you would embrace faith in Christ. So people at The District Church are often rebaptized if their only other baptism was an infant baptism. 

However if you were baptized once you made a sincere profession of faith, then we will not rebaptize you here at The District Church. We do encourage you to make a recommitment to Christ, and would love to pray with you over that decision, but you do not need to be baptized again. We believe that God’s grace covers you from your first baptism which was a sincere act of obedience. 

Conclusion: Take the Step

Baptism is not just a ritual or tradition; it’s a profound act of obedience that marks the beginning of your life with Christ. Whether you’ve been following Jesus for years or you’re new to the faith, baptism is your opportunity to say, “I am a follower of Jesus.” By renouncing sin, receiving Christ as Savior, and committing to following Him as Lord, you declare to the world that you belong to Him.

If you haven’t been baptized yet, now is the time to take that step. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment if you know God is calling you to take this step. Just as you wouldn’t wait for everything to be perfect before getting married or having children, baptism is a step of faith that God will meet you in. And as you rise from the waters, you will experience the joy of being “raised to life” in Christ.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEXT BAPTISM – www.districtchurch.org/baptism

The above post is a summarized version of the full sermon. Please click the link below to watch the full message:
https://youtu.be/FgTBEzudJTc