While baptism is a public demonstration of one’s conversion to Christ through burying his or her old sinful ways in faith, the act of baptism itself does not save anyone. Some may twist the scripture to try to argue their point. 2 Peter 3:20-22 says, “20Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.” What Peter was saying was that the Noah’s ark and flood painted a picture of a baptism spiritually. Noah was a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5). He ministered repentance to the giants of the land, and his message was declared boldly by building the ark. These people had never seen rain, and they mocked his actions and words. However, when it came time for the flood, God preserved all of Noah’s family and certain of the animals. It seems like animals are more apt to obey God rather than man! While the ungodly were suffering the judgment of God, Noah and his family were kept safe in the midst of the tribulation because of their faithfulness to God in His righteousness. We can make it through things that others cannot because of repentance and resting in the arms of God. Peter says that they were saved by water, but he is speaking figuratively. The fact of the matter is that the ark is why they were kept safe. If they were outside in the water, they would have drowned! In the same sense, our ark of safety is Jesus Christ, and His blood is the only the access to eternal life in heaven. He is the only way to be kept safe from the judgment of God! Being baptized spiritually by the resurrection of Jesus Christ is how we are saved. A baptismal session in the creek, pond, pool, river, lake, sea, or ocean does not save anyone. It reflects our willingness to put on the mind of Christ and submit to His authority over our lives! If a sinner gets baptized in water, he or she will only come up a wet sinner. In that case, it is no different than taking a bath or wading a creek! The only way for someone to be saved is by “confessing with their mouth the Lord Jesus, and believing their heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead” (Romans 10:9, KJV). Salvation is not obtained by completing a bunch of good deeds or works, but by faith through repentance so that we can answer of a good conscience toward God! Acts 19:4 (KJV) says, “Then said Paul, ‘John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.'” It is the baptism of repentance, which is a complete turnaround from the old life one use to live, that allows someone to truly be saved!

Baptism is also part of the Great Commission for believers. Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19, KJV). Disciples of Christ should baptize newly born again Christians in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. It indicates faith in the Trinity as the Godhead and one’s next step to spiritual maturity.

Another meaning behind baptism is that of immersion, meaning that we are completely soaked and drenched with the presence of God. So many are settling with a “sprinkle of God’s glory” from Sunday to Sunday. They are hoping for a little dab to do them. However, our greatest desire should be fully immersed to where the Spirit of the LORD rests within this bodily temple and we walk with God daily. Also, spiritually speaking, it seems as though more people long to get baptized in a pool rather than a river. In other words, they are limited the flow of God in their lives, but it is God’s will for us to be under such a baptism of His presence that out of our bellies will flow rivers of living water (John 7:38). In other words, we must become the source of living to those who are around us that they may drink of the message we declare through our words and actions so that they too could choose to believe and have the joy, peace, and love of God! It is more than just saying the sinner’s prayer at an altar one time. It is about living out salvation every single day. So, do not settle with a sprinkle or drizzle here and there. Let the power and glory of God flood your soul like never before!