Baptism is a picture of spiritual regeneration and union with Christ.
Baptism is first and foremost an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual reality of union and friendship with Christ. It is a sign and symbol of spiritual regeneration and reconciliation with Christ and incorporation into Christ, His body, and His cause. Going under the water pictures Christ’s life, death, burial, and resurrection. Your future is sealed with Christ and His kingdom.
Baptism is a picture of repentance and cleansing given through Christ.
The water is also a symbolic sign and seal of the washing away of your sin by the regenerating, cleansing power of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a profound spiritual picture of passing through the waters of judgement safely, of dying and rising with Christ, and having your sins totally washed away, showing that you are now a friend of God. God calls us to repent and empowers us to change from the inside out by His grace.
Baptism is a sign of membership in Christ’s body, the worldwide Church.
It reflects our voluntary response to God’s sovereign redemptive work and demonstrates that God has given us the grace to believe. When a person makes a credible profession of faith, baptism serves to illustrate their entrance into the instrument of God’s kingdom on earth.
Baptism is a spiritual blessing that empowers us for service.
Through baptism, the Holy Spirit desires to fill and empower us afresh, manifesting the presence of the Kingdom. Those who truly belong to Christ are indwelled by the Spirit. And the Father is eager to reveal truth, give spiritual gifts and grace to His children through the Holy Spirit.