When thousands of repentant Jews asked Peter and the other apostles how to act on their convictions, Peter's response was to the point: "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). The biblical record shows that the ministers baptized converts by immersing them in water (John 3:23). (Baptize is from the Greek word baptizo, which means "to immerse.")

No one has the willpower to be a Christian; we all need the help of God's Holy Spirit. And the way He promised we'd receive it is through baptism. The Scriptures further reveal that God gives the Spirit through the laying on of hands and prayer by His ministry at baptism. The believer then becomes part of the spiritual Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Symbol and Sign: Baptism is a reminder of several deep spiritual truths. It represents death, burial and resurrection—both of Jesus and ourselves. Baptism shows that we accept the shed blood of Christ for our sins and pictures the death of our former life in the baptismal grave.

As Jesus was resurrected a spirit being, our coming out of the grave—rising out of the baptismal water—symbolizes our new Spirit-led life. Understanding the true meaning of repentance and conversion lifts baptism to much more than just a symbol; it becomes a profound, life-changing event. Baptism also reminds us of the promise of the believer's future resurrection into the Kingdom of God.

Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change of heart and mind. Hebrews 9:14 tells us that Jesus' sacrifice, which we formally accept at baptism, "cleanse[s] your conscience from dead works to serve the living God." This means that, through repentance and baptism, we receive forgiveness and no longer need to feel guilty for our past sins.

Jesus' Example and Commission: Jesus Himself was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17), not because He needed to be forgiven, but as an example for His disciples throughout all ages.
Jesus regarded the ceremony of baptism to be so important that He commissioned His Church to go all over the world baptizing disciples who believe the gospel message. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations," He said, "baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you..." (Matthew 28:19-20).

For More Information, read or request our free booklets Fundamental Beliefs (chapter on "Water Baptism") and Transforming Your Life: The Process of Conversion (www.ucg.org/booklets).