Baptism is an important step in following Jesus. It symbolizes one’s death to sin, burial of the old life, and a resurrection to new life in Christ.
Just as Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose to life again (see Romans 6:3-5). Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples and to baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (see Matthew 28:18-20).
Baptism has no saving virtue in itself. Jesus is our only Savior. However, those who love Him will follow Him in baptism to signify their decision to accept Him as
their Saviour.
ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE, WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES (STEPS) FOR BEING BAPTISED?
1. Confess your sins.
The Bible says of John the Baptist: “Then Jerusalem,
all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan
went out to him and were baptized by him in the
Jordan, confessing their sins (Matthew 3:5, 6, NKJV).
We need to acknowledge that we are sinners and
confess our sins to God. If we do, He will forgive us
(see 1 John 1:9).
2. Repent of your sins.
When Peter preached to the people in Jerusalem on Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus, many of them were convicted by the Holy Spirit and asked Peter what they should do. He replied, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38, NKJV).