Jesus, the creator of the Universe, was water baptized (Mark 1:9-11), and He commands all believers to follow His example (Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Peter 2:21). Baptism is an act of confession and identification with Christ.

You should get water baptized at your first opportunity after you have received Christ as your Lord and Savior (Acts 8:35-39; 16:30-34; 18:8).

Baptism is a symbol of a covenant and commitment, much like a wedding ring. This ring does not make a couple married; the ring is a symbol to others of the promise and covenant they made in their hearts to each other. Baptism is a demonstration, testifying before God and mankind of the promise and covenant a person has made in their heart with Jesus.

Because the Greek word for “baptized” literally means to immerse or dunk, baptism is to be done by immersion in water. Jesus was immersed (Matthew 3:13-17), the early Church was immersed (Acts 2:41) and the New Testament teaches only baptism by immersion.

Through water baptism, we identify with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. It’s like saying to the Lord Jesus, “Your death is my death — I no longer have to die for my sins. Your life is my life — I now have your eternal life, and I will not die for my sins” (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 10:13). As you are immersed under water, you bury your old, sinful nature. When you come up out of the water, you experience the new life and resurrection that belongs to you through Jesus.

All those who have committed themselves to Jesus Christ as their Lord, by turning away from sin and trusting in Him, should be baptized. While babies may be dedicated to the Lord from birth (1 Samuel 1:21-24), baptism is reserved for believers. Once you have committed yourself to Jesus Christ and acknowledge Him as Lord, you are ready for water baptism.