Baptism - Part 2 (Proclamation)

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 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, (Matt. 28:19, NASB) 
   
   There are three baptisms mentioned in the New Testament writings. Each is unique, and each has it's own meaning and significance. This post is number two of four that will look at what Scripture says about each, although they will be covered in a different order than they chronologically appear in the NT.

   The second baptism mentioned in the New Testament is water baptism. Water baptism is simply a public proclamation of what has happened in your life. It is symbolic of dying to sin and self, and of the "new birth" that comes as a result of faith in Jesus. Water baptism does not save a person, nor does the water cleanse a person. Jesus is the one who does both the saving and the cleansing as a result of His blood that He shed on the cross. (Heb. 9:13-14)  Paul tells us that salvation comes by believing in your heart concerning Jesus, and confessing Him as LORD with your mouth. (Rom. 10:9-10) Be careful concerning anyone who attempts to add something else to salvation, for they are distorting the Word of God.  However, as a new believer, water baptism should take place as soon as possible.
   Water baptism tells the world that you belong to Jesus, and that He belongs to you. Jesus was baptized in water at the beginning of His earthly ministry as our example. Then commanded that His followers do the same. If our LORD places such importance on water baptism, should His followers expect any less?

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