Why is Water Baptism a Big Deal?

This past Sunday we had a water baptism for eight people in a lake near our church.  Water baptisms are very impacting for the person getting baptized and for those observing the baptism. In the transformational journey of a person following Jesus Christ, there are significant events that stand out. When a person commits their entire life to Jesus Christ, accepting His work on the cross for their sins and making Jesus their Lord it is a big deal. When a person invites the Holy Spirit to be more than an agent of their salvation, but asking the Holy Spirit to be their moment by moment guide, counselor, and teacher of their life it is a big deal. So what is the big deal about getting immersed in water as an outward symbol of something that has already happened inwardly?

Chris Shinnock, the Connections pastor at Manna Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina, says it is a big deal and uses the acronym of DEAL to tell us why.

Demonstration – it is a beautiful demonstration of the gospel; believe and be baptized.
Expectation – it is an obvious expectation of the gospel. Two ordinances the church is commanded to carry out is Communion and Water Baptism. It is expected that every Christian is to be water baptized.
Amplification – it is a radical amplification of the gospel. It signals loud and proud an identification with Jesus Christ.
Liberation – it is a liberation by the gospel. Sin habits and fears can be left in the waters of baptism.

Water baptism is a big deal and was evidenced by the moving experience we had Sunday as a church family celebrating what Jesus has done in the lives of eight individuals. Tears, cheers and prayers gave thanks and glory to Jesus Christ who has changed us by His love.

Matthew 28:18-20
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

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