Hill Country Bible Church

Why You Should Get Dunked!

Posted: Nov 03, 2009 by Denny Henderson

So the question has come up many times with college students: Why Do I need to get baptized?  So I thought I would briefly give you my thoughts on why baptism is important. If you are looking for a deep theological dissertation on the subject, there are plenty of resources that you can read. However, I want to give you a pastoral perspective.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, often referred to as the Prince of Preachers, said that up until the time he was baptized, he was afraid to confess Christ. But once he was baptized he lost all fear of man and never again hesitated to boldly profess his faith. He likened his baptism to “crossing the Rubicon or burning the boats. No retreat was possible after that, nor have I ever wanted to go back to the world from which I then came out.”

Spurgeon’s words underscore the critical importance of baptism. Christians may forever debate whether one should be dunked or dipped. However, one thing is indisputable: baptism symbolizes our belonging to a community of believers who are one in Christ. It is a sign and seal that our old Life has been buried and we have been raised to newness of life through His resurrection power.

I am convinced that there is great power in the life of the Christ-follower when they experience the act of baptism.

1. They Experience the Power of Identity:

Baptism gives identity to a Christ-follower who has given their life to Jesus Christ.  Baptism is an outward sign that you are a child of God through Jesus Christ and His redemptive work.  Baptism is not a necessity to salvation! It is rather an act that gives an outward expression that we have been redeemed.

Acts 2:38 climaxes Peter’s powerful proclamation of the gospel on the day of Pentecost. Those impacted by his message cried out, “What shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

The Book of Acts itself demonstrates that baptism is the sign of conversion, not the means of conversion. Acts 10:47, for example, describes believers who were indwelt by the Holy Spirit (and therefore saved — see Rom. 8:9) prior to being baptized.

Furthermore, the Bible as a whole clearly communicates that we are saved by faith and not by works (Eph. 2:8-9). When the jailer asked the Apostle Paul, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul responded, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” (Acts16:30-31).

Although baptism is not the means by which we are saved, it is the means by which we are set apart from the world. By baptism, we testify that we are no longer our own — we have been bought by Christ’s blood and we are HIS!

How powerful is that?! This is incredible -- That we are HIS!  There is great power in knowing who you belong to and who you are. Baptism gives us the power of identity.

2. They Experience the Power of Community

When one follows in obedience in baptism not only do they receive power in knowing their identity, but they experience the power of community. Baptism signifies that you are not only a child of God through Jesus Christ, but it also proclaims that you are part of God’s family. 

I have done many weddings in my time.  There is something very special when it comes time in the ceremony to exchange the rings… I know everyone likes the “you may kiss the bride” but there is great power in the exchange of rings. The rings represent that you belong to one another.  The ring is an outward symbol to all the world that I belong to someone else – I am taken.  My wife and I took this concept to a whole new level when we decided to get our rings tattooed on our fingers. Now that’s legit!  Our rings never come off – we want all to know that I belong to someone for the rest of my life.

Baptism is like a wedding ring. You are saying that I belong to someone. Not only do you belong to Christ, but you also belong to God’s family, It symbolizes to the world that I have a community, a family of people that love me, embrace me, challenge me and endure with me. You will experience the power of community.

3. They Experience the Power of Witness

So what does this mean??? Witness??? What I mean by this is that when you follow in obedience in baptism you experience power much like Spurgeon noted above.  You are making a bold, decisive action that says, “Christ is my king!”  You are being a witness to the world and there is a great power that comes when we make bold statements.

Some of the most powerful baptisms I have ever been a part of have not been in a church setting. Some were in backyard pools or at an apartment complex. I have even baptized people in the ocean or in lakes.  Now the reason these baptisms were so powerful is because of the context.  These individuals wanted to be baptized in a setting where they could ask their friends who do not know Christ to come and observe.  These individuals wanted to make a statement to friends and family by having a public proclamation of their faith in Christ.  They experienced the power of witness.

It is so freeing to say to friends and family, that I know longer belong to the world, or even myself – I belong to Christ.  Making a public profession of your faith brings a new boldness in your witness of Christ in your everyday life. It may sound strange – but it’s true.  Case in point – CH Spurgeon – look at how the act of baptism gave him power to witness more boldly.

I guess I have never fully understood why people are hesitant to get baptized.  It is not something we should do out of duty, rather we should see it as a delight and privilege.  It is a privilege to stand up before others and proclaim: I belong to Christ, I belong to His people and I am witness that the gospel transforms lives.