Baptism isn’t required for salvation, but it is the first step of faith for believers. The baptismal waters don’t save anyone. It’s Jesus that does that. Baptism is a picture of the work that Jesus has done in a person’s heart.
Baptism illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. It shows our new life as a follower of Christ; see 2 Corinthians 5:17.
Baptism doesn’t make you a believer, it shows that you already believe.
Baptism doesn’t save you. Jesus does! Baptism is like a wedding ring, signifying a relationship rather than forming that relationship.
We follow Jesus’ example in baptism. He was baptized (Mark 1:9) and commanded us to be baptized (Matthew 28:19-20).
At Harvest, we baptize by immersion. That’s the example we see throughout Scripture, and is the basis for the meaning of the word “baptize,” which means to immerse (or dip under) in water.
