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Biblical Passages
Thank you so much for expressing an interest in being water baptized. We are excited for you. Before you are baptized there are some things that you will want to know.
From a spiritual standpoint it is important that you know what water baptism represents. Jesus said in 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."(KJV) As a born again child of God your old spirit that was separated from God by sin has passed away and the regenerated spirit that you are is in fellowship with God. Water baptism is an outward demonstration of the inward work of salvation. As you are submerged in water it represents the passing away of the old spirit, as you come up out of the water it symbolizes your reborn spirit's birth. Jesus also said in Matthew 10:32 "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven."(KJV) Water baptism is a public acknowledgement of your relationship with Christ.
You do not have to be baptized to have Christ in your heart any more than you must exchange rings to be pronounced man and wife. But if the inner commitment to trust Christ alone for salvation has been made, then the outward symbol of Baptism should be as valued and as visible as the gold ring on a newlywed's finger.
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