Today, the practice of baptism has often become disconnected from its ancient intent.

Nevertheless, the principle and truth behind baptism still matters for many reasons. Perhaps most specifically, it matters because, as in the first century, if we accept Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, we are called upon to declare our personal faith. It’s more than a duty or an act of obedience, it’s an opportunity to declare our gratitude for the love and grace of Christ.

If you have trusted Jesus as your own Savior, baptism gives you an opportunity to tell others that your life has been changed. You can say of Christ, “I am His and He is mine.”

If you have not been baptized since your conversion, I encourage you to talk with your pastor or a spiritual mentor and discuss this important issue. Christ was baptized with suffering and death for us. Now we are given the privilege of responding to His gift with our own personal declaration of faith.

“Those who gladly received his word were baptized.” —Acts 2:41

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The book of Acts declares that on the Day of Pentecost, “Those who gladly received his word were baptized” (2:41). You can join them in this joyful act of obedience, identification, and proclamation of Christ’s salvation. Yes, the real meaning and message of baptism still matters today.