why is baptism done ?

Answer 1

Baptism is done in symbol of one's repentance of their sins and a formal dedicating of their lives to the doing of God's will. It is done after a person has come to an accurate knowledge of God, His ways, and his requirements. As such, one who would qualify for baptism would have to be of a certain maturity and intelligence level in order to understand and appreciate basic bible teachings such as the difference between God and Jesus Christ, what God's Kingdom is, the resurrection, and the difference between faithful ones with an earthly hope and the heavenly hope. In this regard, baptism of an infant is utterly meaningless, as a child of such young years cannot make the choice on their own to dedicate themselves to God, nor are they able to have the knowledge necessary to base such a choice on.

Answer 2

I believe baptism is important, and I have been baptized. But I think we violate the Scriptures when we make baptism the prime requirement for salvation ... Paul's central theme was Christ and His saving power. Although he spoke of baptism, he said: 'I thank God that I baptized none of you ... lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name' (1 Corinthians 1:14-15)."
"Baptism is a conclusive act of obedience and witness to the world that we are Christ's. Jesus commanded that His followers be baptized. It is an outward expression of what has happened in your heart when you trusted the Lord Jesus as your personal Savior. When you get saved, your old self, with all of its sins, is dead; and you are a new person in Christ Jesus. Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior? If not, do so today. He loves you. You will never regret giving your life to Him. Once you have found the church the Lord wants you to join, prayerfully consider getting baptized soon after. Talk with your pastor about baptism. Baptism is a public sign that you have now put your faith in Christ and are taking an open stand for Him.
You can be cleansed of every sin you've ever committed, because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross for you! You aren't saved because of anything you have done (icluding baptism); you are saved only because you put your faith and trust in Christ and what He has already done for you. The Bible says Christ "saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5). This experience can yours today; and then water baptism can be a joyous occasion for you as you witness to the world that now you belong to Christ. God bless you.

Answer 3

This sacrament is the door of the Church of Christ and the entrance into a new life. We are reborn from the state of slaves of sin into the freedom of the Sons of God. Baptism incorporates us with Christ's mystical body and makes us partakers of all the privileges flowing from the redemptive act of the Church's Divine Founder.

The principal effects of baptism:

(1) The Remission of All Sin, Original and Actual
(2) Remission of Temporal Punishment
(3) Infusion of Supernatural Grace, Gifts, and Virtues
(4) Conferral of the Right to Special Graces
(5) Impression of a Character on the Soul

Answer 4

It is an ancient rite done by many religions (in Paganism for instance it is called "initiation" and involves consecrated oil as opposed to salt water). It symbolizes a death to the old way of thinking and a re-birth into the church/religion/coven or whatever, and usually requires that a new name be given. Christian baptism was initially done shortly after a child's birth whereupon the naming of the child would take place.

It was never intially intended by the Christian church to "remove one's sins", and I guess the only way it could be a "public acknowledgement of Christ" was in the fact that you were "reborn" into the church.

Answer 5

It is a ritual.
It is to show externally what has happened to you internally.
You have opportunity to show witnesses that you are a Christian.
It is a water baptism.
There is another baptism that is done by God.
It is the baptism of the Holy Spirit, God Himself.
It is the second one that counts. Without it you shall not go to heaven.

Answer 6

Christian water baptism is an outward symbol that the one getting baptized has made a complete unreserved and unconditional dedication through Jesus Christ to do the will of Almighty God our Creator.

Answer 7

Baptism is an act of obedience. This is something which Jesus Himself did because it was the right thing to do in the eyes of God
(Matthew 3:15)

There is much symbolism attached to being baptized. It symbolizes Jesus' death, as we enter the water it is symbolic of Christ entering the grave. When we emerge from the water, it is symbolic of the Resurrection of Jesus.

The water is symbolic of a spiritual cleansing. Baptism is not an act which gives forgiveness of sins, however.

The entire idea is one of renewal, starting over, becoming a new person. We do it because it is right, it is an act of obedience.

Answer 8

Baptism is a MUST TO DO in a christian doctrine, even EVEN JESUS HIMSELF INSIST TO JOHN the baptist that He should be baptised (even Jesus didnt commit any sin) Jesus told John...

"Matthew 3:15 (New International Version)

15Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; IT IS PROPER FOR US TO DO THIS to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented."


.. and why is it proper for us to do this?..
because its a symbol of GOD'S FORGIVENESS AND WASHING AWAY OF OUR SINS"..


"1 Peter 3:21 (New International Version)

21and THIS WATER SYMBOLIZES BAPTISM that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge[a] of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,"

peace my brother

Answer 9

Well, Baptists do it because it's a symbol of death (going into the water) and resurrection (coming back up) for people who are saved, and it's commanded in the Bible. Other denominations also do it because of the biblical command, but there are different spins on it, such as infants being baptized into the church body, etc. Some denominations believe that it is required for salvation, others believe that you don't do it unless you're already saved. All depends on your perspective.

Answer 10

Catholic - removes original sin.
Protestant (infants) - points to cleansing and mortification of the flesh (replacement for circumcision). Calvin mentions that it is "the initiatory sign by which we are admitted to the fellowship of the Church, that being ingrafted into Christ we may be accounted children of God." (Institutes of the Christian religion, chapters 15 & 16).
Protestant (adult, or believer's baptism) - also an initiation into the church as a believing member (must accept Christ as personal Lord and Savior first).