Why is baptism important?

Question

I went into my church several years ago to talk to the pastor about baptism. To see if I was ready, he asked what evangelism means to me. I was like 8 years old so I didn't even know what that word meant, so he said I wasn't ready. 2 days ago at my church they were doing baptism and my sister told me I should do it because it's important, but I've kind of been scared away. Why is it important? Where in the Bible does it say that being pushed underwater is necessary to go to Heaven? How can I become ready?

Answer 1

Baptism is NOT needed for salvation.The ex-theif on the cross did not get baptised.IF you are bornagain,then you are ready.Baptism is a step of obedience AFTER salvation.It is an outward expression of faith.It symbolizes the life,death,and resurrection of Christ.Have you repented and put your trust in Jesus Christ?
http://www.needGod.com

Answer 2

I've been thinking very hard on how to answer this, because the most common answer you're going to see is, "it's an initiation rite." While this is technically true, it is simplistic and incomplete.

I guess the best way to explain it is to suggest you read about it. I'll give you the links to the catechism and baptismal ceremony of my denomination, but you will still need to understand what it means to yours. If the pastor is asking you about your understanding, that is a good thing. I think it likely, if you ask him, that he will provide "pre-baptismal classes" that you can take so you can learn what it is you're supposed to know. This is, after all, supposed to be an informed decision.

Please keep in mind as you read these that in my denomination, children are often baptised as infants, and later take catechism (or confirmation classes). The knowledge you are expected to have will be very similar, however.

Ok, enough of my chatter. Here are the sites:

The Ministration of Holy Baptism
http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bcp/1928/Baptism.htm

Offices of Instruction
http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bcp/1928/Confirnation.htm

A Catechism (that is to say, an Instruction, to be Learned by Every Person before he be brought to be Confirmed by the Bishop.)
http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bcp/1928/Catechism.htm

(All of these are from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, and, to the best of my knowledge, are in the public domain)

Answer 3

Water baptism is the norm and is also a necessity. It is used for the washing away of Original Sin. It is not just a ceremony it is a sacrament. There is also a baptism of desire and a baptism of blood

Answer 4

Christ Himself decline the water dunking baptism but made mention of the baptism of the Holy Spirit which is more important.As He have said "When you were born you are baptize with water and now should be of the Holy Spirit"
Paul recomends water baptism and not Christ.

Answer 5

I don't think Baptism is important. It is, like you said, just being dunked under some water. You can do the same in any pool. And if there is a God deciding whether or not we are worthy of heaven, I doubt that some superstitious ritual like baptism would factor into his decision.

Answer 6

Baptism is important because jesus was baptizied in the Jordan.It show's a picture of what happen when jesus came in to your life

Answer 7

Friend first a person needs to repent, Then be baptized in water by complete immursion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Baptism is our burial with Christ. It is our type of being spiritually buried, since we have died(Repentent) from our sins, then we are burierd with him in baptism. Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death-----Col. 2:12

Answer 8

First, baptism is not necessary to go to heaven. You go to heaven because of faith in Jesus' death and resurrection alone.
It is, however, a biblical command. Baptism is simply identifying with Christ. You are showing the whole congregation of the church what has happened in your life. It is symbolic of your dying to yourself and being raised with Christ. It is just taking the next step after salvation and being obedient to Christ's example and testifying to everyone that you are walking in new life with Christ.

Answer 9

You need to be baptized to be cleansed of Orignal Sin which occured when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. I can't remember the exact verse but Jesus asked John the Baptist to baptize him and when the Holy Spirit came in the form of a dove God said "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased".

Answer 10

It plays a part in most religions to some extent. An initiation of sorts to the religion. A rebirthing process. And I think that it means more as an adult....depending on your religion of choice.