Steps to Take: It’s Time to Get Water Baptized
I was water baptized at City Light Church on November 27, 2022, and it was one of the most satisfying and rewarding things I’ve done in my life. I finally got into the water after months of wrestling with myself. Being born into a Catholic family, I was water baptized as a baby, and because of that, I didn’t think I needed to do it again.
Now, I find it hard to understand why I resisted it so much. At the same time, I still think being water baptized is something you need to be ready to do, so please use this post to prepare yourself to make the decision.
Why Get Water Baptized? Going Public with Our Faith.
Water baptism is a step of obedience and identification. It’s not just a symbolic ritual—it’s a public declaration of your new life in Christ. When we’re baptized, we’re not earning salvation (Ephesians 2:8–9), but we are responding to it with obedience and surrender.
Jesus Himself was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13–17), not because He had sinned, but to fulfill all righteousness. Jesus’ baptism is often seen as a symbolic initiation into his ministry. It signaled the beginning of his public work and the start of his mission.
He set the example for us. The baptism was a public declaration of Jesus’ Messiahship and his relationship with God. God further emphasized His identity by speaking from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Water baptism is a vital part of the Christian journey—it’s how we say “yes” to God’s way of doing things.
Paul explained the meaning of baptism beautifully in Romans 6:3–4:
“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
When you get baptized, you’re identifying with Jesus—dying to your old self and being raised into the new life He has given you.
Water Baptism – The Step to Becoming a Disciple of Jesus
Becoming a disciple of Jesus doesn’t begin with perfection—it begins with obedience. Baptism is not just a ceremonial act; it is the first step in your life as a follower of Christ. It’s how you move from hearing the Gospel to participating in it.
When Jesus gave His final instructions in Matthew 28:19–20, He didn’t just say to make converts. He said:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Baptism is part of the process of becoming a disciple. It’s the outward expression of an inward decision to follow Jesus and live according to His Word. It signals to heaven, to the Church, and to the world: “I’ve made my choice.”
It’s also a step of surrender. In baptism, you are symbolically buried with Christ and raised to a new life (Romans 6:4). That new life is no longer centered on self—it’s centered on Him. That’s what discipleship is: learning to walk like Jesus, talk like Jesus, and love like Jesus.
And you can’t skip the first step.
You don’t have to know everything or have all your theology figured out. But you do have to respond to what you do know—that Jesus is Lord, and that you’ve been called to follow Him.
If you’ve already placed your faith in Christ, then water baptism is your next move. It’s your “yes” to the call to be His disciple.
Common Hesitations (and the Truth That Frees Us)
Many people hesitate to get baptized—and I get it. I’ve been there. Here are a few common reasons people hold back and what the Word of God has to say about each one:
1. “I was baptized as a baby—doesn’t that count?”
That was my mindset for a long time because I didn’t understand the purpose and meaning of water baptism. The thing is, just like no one else can commit our lives to Jesus for us, or have faith for us, no one can choose water baptism for us either. Water baptism is something we do after believing and confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives—once we’ve made a personal decision to follow Jesus.
“Those who received his word were baptized…” —Acts 2:41
Infant baptism is often done with good intentions, but it’s futile. Scripture shows us that water baptism is meant to follow faith and repentance (Acts 8:12, Acts 16:30–33).
2. “I’m not ready yet.”
This one is valid—and also dangerous. The enemy will always try to delay our obedience. If you’ve placed your faith in Jesus and repented of your sins, you are ready. Baptism is not for those who have it all together—it’s for those who are surrendering to the One who does.
If you are feeling inadequate, guilty, or like you need to clean yourself up first, recognize that those thoughts are not from God. That’s the enemy whispering lies to keep you stuck—because he knows that baptism is a step of power, of breakthrough, and of forward motion in your walk with Christ. His goal is to make you stall out in hesitation, keep you circling in fear or unworthiness, and ultimately lead you to drift backward instead of stepping into the fullness of your new life.
Delaying obedience weakens conviction. The longer we wait, the easier it becomes to rationalize our delay, quiet the prompting of the Holy Spirit, and grow distant from the very call God is placing on our hearts. That’s how backsliding begins—not with rejection, but with reluctance. But the moment you say yes and step into that water, you break agreement with fear and make a public stand that your life now belongs to Jesus.
“And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” —Acts 22:16
3. “I’m embarrassed to do it publicly.”
Fear and pride often hide behind this one. But baptism is meant to be a bold, public act—it’s how we tell the world, “I belong to Jesus.”
Jesus said:
“Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven.” —Matthew 10:32
You’re not alone in your fear—but you don’t have to let it stop you.
I serve on the Baptism Team at City Light, and Baptism Sundays are my favorite (although they make for a long day) because of how beautiful, lovely, and transformative it is to watch people go public with their faith. I’ve witnessed the mixture of emotions people have, from fear, anxiety, excitement, and happiness before stepping into the baptism pool to all of them radiating with sheer joy once they emerge from the water.
It helps to be part of a church that celebrates water baptism and makes it a holy, joyful, and central part of the life of the church. When a church treats baptism as more than a formality—when it gives it the honor, reverence, and celebration it deserves—it creates an atmosphere where obedience is encouraged and transformation is witnessed.
A church that prioritizes water baptism helps disciples grow because it continually reminds the body of what it means to die to the old life and rise into the new one.
If your church doesn’t place a high value on baptism, or if it treats it like an optional add-on, that may be something to prayerfully consider. You want to be planted in a house where obedience to Jesus is honored, where your steps of faith are celebrated, and where the glory goes to God for the transformation taking place. Baptism isn’t just a box to check—it’s a powerful act of surrender that should be met with awe, encouragement, and praise.
A Step Worth Taking
If you’re holding back like I was, I want to encourage you: there’s nothing to fear—and everything to gain. The water isn’t magical, but what it represents is miraculous. It’s not just a ceremony. It’s not just a moment. It’s a line in the sand, a bold declaration that you now belong to Jesus—and nothing will be the same from here on out.
Getting baptized didn’t just confirm my faith—it further activated something in me. It solidified my decision to follow Jesus, and that propelled me into greater freedom, peace, and clarity. It was a spiritual shift. A sacred milestone. A stake in the ground that I would never take back. It led to receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
If you’ve believed, then this is your time. No more waiting. No more wondering. No more wrestling with whether you’re “ready enough.” Jesus has already made you worthy—now it’s your turn to step into the water and show the world what He’s done in you.
Be baptized—and go deeper in your walk in the newness of life you were made for.