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Beliefs

Baptism

The Meaning and the Importance of Baptism

Getting baptized marks the beginning of our life of faith and a commitment to follow God’s will. Some might think they need a deep understanding of God’s teachings before taking this step, but Jesus himself emphasized the importance of baptism before diving into in-depth learning (Mt 28:18–20).

Through several examples in the Bible, we can see that its God’s will for us to be baptized as soon as we realize the truth of God.

“The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.’ Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.”

This is an example of Apostle Paul and Silas. They were put in jail because they were caught preaching about Jesus Christ. Around midnight, there was a large earthquake that shook all the jail doors open (Acts 16:25–28). The jailer, the one in charge of taking care of all the prisoners, saw his life flash before his eyes. So, he asked Paul and Silas, “What must I do to be saved?” They didn’t tell him he needed to study more, or pay a certain fee for baptism. Instead, they guided him to be baptized immediately.

The jailer immediately realized the value of salvation and asked Paul and Silas how he could be saved. Even though it was past midnight, he and his whole family were baptized at that moment. This shows how urgent and important baptism is.

The apostles baptized people regardless of the situation because they dedicated themselves to following Christ’s example. God’s will is for His people to be saved right away. Once we’ve realized and understand the truth of the Bible from the heart, baptism is the next step we should take.

Learn more about the importance of baptism.