Obedience
As an act of obedience — God commands us to be baptized. Acts 2:38 says, “Then Peter said to them, ‘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.’”
Example
Jesus was baptized as our example. He prefigured His death, burial and resurrection for us and became identified with sinners. When we are baptized, we become identified with Him. Matthew 3:13-16 says, “Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?’ But Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.”
Declaration
As an open, public declaration of our faith in Christ and His great work for us. Matthew 10:32 says, “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.” And Romans 10:11 says, “For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’
