The Narrow Door

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A crucial step in the life of a believer is baptism. Baptism is a powerful symbol of our faith, a public declaration of our love for Jesus Christ, and a step of obedience that demonstrates our commitment to following Him. We'll explore the significance of baptism, its biblical basis, and why it's an essential part of the Christian journey.

 

Baptism is a symbolic act that represents the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we get baptised, we're publicly declaring that we've accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, and that we're willing to follow Him for the rest of our lives. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change – a change of heart, a change of mind, and a change of life.

 

The word “baptism” comes from the Greek word “baptizo,” which means to immerse, to submerge, to dip. So right away, we know baptism isn’t a sprinkling—it's a full immersion. You go under the water completely, just like Jesus did.

 

In Matthew 3:13-17, we read: “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened...”

 

Did you catch that? Jesus himself—the sinless Son of God—was baptised. Not because He had sin to wash away, but to set an example for us. If the King of Kings humbled himself to be baptised, how much more should we?

 

Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change. It shows the world that we have repented of our sins, received Jesus as our Saviour, and are committed to living a new life.

 

Baptism isn’t just getting wet. It’s a symbolic act—something sacred is happening under the surface. In Romans 6:3-4, Paul explains:

“Don’t you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... we too may live a new life.” This verse shows us that baptism is a symbol of our new life in Christ. When we get baptised, we're identifying with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection – and we're declaring that we're starting a new life as followers of Christ. You’re saying: “The old me is dead and gone. My sin, my shame, my past—it’s buried.” And when you come out of that water, you're rising in resurrection power. 

 

Baptism also unites us as believers. In Galatians 3:26-28, Paul writes, “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” God gives you a new identity. Baptism is a reminder that we’re all equal in God’s eyes. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what you’ve done, or what your status is. When you’re baptised, you’re part of God’s family, clothed in Christ’s righteousness. Baptism is public for a reason. It’s your declaration: “I belong to Jesus!”

 

In Matthew 10:32, Jesus said: “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.”

Baptism isn’t something new—it’s been part of God’s plan from the start of the church. In Acts 8:36-38, we read about an Ethiopian man who met Philip and learned about Jesus. As they travelled, they came to some water, and the man said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptised?” Philip baptised him right then and there, and the man went on his way rejoicing. That’s the joy of baptism! The early church didn’t wait for a special occasion or a perfect setting. When someone believed, they were baptised, often immediately.

 

This shows us baptism is urgent and exciting. It’s not something to put off. If you’ve accepted Jesus as your Saviour, why wait? Baptism is your chance to say, “I’m starting this journey with Jesus, and I want the world to know.”

 

Baptism isn’t solitary. Paul says, "by one Spirit we were all baptised into one body" (1 Cor. 12:13)

 

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." This verse shows us that baptism is an essential part of the Great Commission – the command to spread the Gospel to all nations. You might be thinking, “I already believe in Jesus. Why do I need to be baptised?” Jesus didn’t say, “Baptise them if they feel like it.” He made it clear: baptism is part of the journey of becoming His disciple.

 

In Acts 2:38, on Pentecost, Peter didn’t say "pray a prayer." He proclaimed:  "Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." This verse highlights the connection between baptism and forgiveness of sins. When we get baptised, we're not just symbolising our faith – we're also acknowledging that our sins have been forgiven through Jesus Christ. It’s a covenant act: baptism visibly seals your relationship with Christ

It washes sin: "Get up, be baptised and wash your sins away" (Acts 22:16)

 

It saves: Peter calls baptism "an appeal to God for a good conscience" (1 Pet. 3:21)

 

Baptism is faith in motion—where grace meets human response. Now, some of you might be hesitating. You might think, “I’m not ready. I’m not good enough. I still mess up.” Baptism isn’t about being perfect; it’s about trusting a perfect Saviour. Mark 16:16, says, "Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." This verse highlights the connection between faith and baptism – and it shows us that baptism is an essential part of the Christian journey. That’s not a suggestion, church. That’s Jesus saying, “If you believe Me, obey Me.”Notice the order: belief comes first, then baptism. You don’t have to have it all together. Baptism is a step of faith, not a badge of perfection.

 

Baptism isn’t optional—it’s the first act of discipleship Jesus requires.

 

Baptism is a symbol of our salvation – a pledge of our faith, and a declaration of our love for Jesus Christ.

In Colossians 2:12, Paul writes, "Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead." This verse shows us that baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ – our death to sin, and our new life in Him.

 

Baptism happened immediately after someone believed. In Acts 16:30-33, the jailer asks Paul and Silas, “What must I do to be saved?”

They tell him to believe in Jesus. And what happens? “At that hour of the night... he and all his household were baptised.”

No delay. No waiting months. They believed and obeyed right away.

 

If you've been putting it off—maybe you're nervous, or unsure—it’s time to take the step. Delayed obedience is still disobedience.

After baptism, you don’t float on a cloud. Life still has trials. But now you walk with power.

 

In Acts 2:41-42, after 3,000 were baptised, it says: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Baptism is not the end—it’s an early step. 

 

If you were baptised as an infant:

Scripture shows baptism follows personal faith (Acts 8:12; 16:31–33)

Infant baptism, while well-intentioned, cannot fulfil the Bible’s call for conscious repentance and confession.

Embrace the believer’s baptism as your personal surrender.

 

Conclusion

Let's close with a verse from 2 Corinthians 5:17, which says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" Baptism is a symbol of this new creation, our new life in Christ, our union with Him,– a public declaration of our faith, and a step of obedience that demonstrates our commitment to following Jesus Christ. Our pledge to walk in God's ways. Whether you're a new believer or a seasoned Christian, baptism is an essential part of the Christian journey. It's a way of identifying with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection – and it's a declaration of our faith in Him.

 

So, where do you stand today? Have you been baptised? Not as a baby, not as a tradition, but as a believer making a conscious decision to follow Christ? If you've never been baptised before as an adult,  and you feel God tugging at your heart. Maybe you were baptised as a baby but want to make a personal choice to follow Jesus now. I encourage you to take this step of obedience as a powerful symbol of your faith and a declaration of your love for Jesus Christ. Come forward. Speak to a leader. We’ll pray with you, prepare you, and make sure you take this step with joy and boldness. Or maybe you’re here to support someone else considering baptism. Wherever you are, hear this: baptism is a gift from God, a chance to say, “I’m Yours, Jesus.”