Baptism is an outward sign of an inward transformation. It’s a public declaration of how Jesus has changed your life. When you get baptized, you show others that you’ve chosen to follow Jesus, inviting them to celebrate this decision with you (Acts 16:31-34). It's important to note that baptism itself doesn’t save you; it’s a symbol and celebration of the salvation you’ve received (1 Peter 3:21). The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in our lives, transforming us—and that’s something to be truly excited about!

Jesus commands us to be baptized and sets the example by being baptized Himself (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 1:9). When we obey Jesus, we demonstrate that we believe in and follow Him (1 John 2:3). Since Jesus publicly expressed His love for us, we too can openly share our love for Him. Baptism symbolizes our commitment to turn away from a life of sin and turn toward Jesus, the only one who can truly transform us (Acts 2:38-41).

For everyone who chooses to follow Jesus, baptism is the next important step. Anyone who has committed their life to Jesus is ready to be baptized (Acts 8:12).

As parents, we can guide our children toward Jesus, but ultimately, it’s their choice to commit their lives to Him (Romans 10:9). Baptism comes after a person decides to trust Jesus for their salvation and commit to following Him (Acts 10:47-48). At Vision Church, we wait until children are old enough to express their own decision to follow Jesus and understand what baptism signifies. If your child has invited Jesus into their life, take the time to explain what baptism is and its significance. Encourage the conversation, but allow them to lead it.

Baptism in the Bible was performed by immersion. The original term for baptism often meant to be fully submerged in water. Jesus Himself was baptized by being immersed and then rising out of the water (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10). This act of submersion symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Going underwater represents our death to sin and our old way of life, while emerging from the water illustrates how Jesus raises us to new life, giving us a fresh start (Romans 6:3-5).

If you haven’t been baptized by immersion since you decided to follow Jesus, we want to help you take your next step of being baptized. Once you’ve taken that step, there’s no need to be baptized again. God never asks us to take a next step that isn’t good for us. He always gives us more than we deserve or can imagine, including the joy we receive from listening to Him and doing what He says.