Baptism is Obedience

**Baptism is Obedience**  
*By Don Vess*

In 2 Kings 5:1-14, we read the story of Naaman, a commander in the army of Aram, who suffered from leprosy. Through the guidance of a young Israelite girl, Naaman sought healing from the prophet Elisha. However, when Elisha instructed him to wash in the Jordan River seven times, Naaman became angry, thinking it too simple and undignified. It was only after his servants reasoned with him that Naaman humbled himself and obeyed. As a result, he was healed of his leprosy, his flesh restored like that of a young boy.

This story teaches us that obedience, even when it seems insignificant or unnecessary, brings blessings. Baptism, much like Naaman’s washing in the Jordan, is an act of faith and obedience that God honors. Baptism may not seem like a grand gesture, but it is a crucial step in our walk with God, reflecting our submission to His will.

### Baptism: Following Christ's Example

Many ask, “Is baptism necessary for salvation?” The answer is no, but if you are truly saved, you will want to obey God’s commands, and baptism is one of those commands.

Even Jesus, who was without sin, was baptized. Matthew 3:13-16 tells how Jesus came to John the Baptist at the Jordan River to be baptized. Though John tried to refuse, Jesus said, *“Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”* Jesus was not baptized because He needed cleansing from sin, but to set an example of obedience for us all.

We, as believers, are called a *“royal priesthood”* in 1 Peter 2:9. Just as Jesus, our High Priest, was baptized to fulfill the priestly requirements, so too are we baptized as an act of obedience, symbolizing our dedication to God and His Kingdom.

### Baptism: An Outward Expression of Faith

In Mark 16:15-16, Jesus gives the Great Commission, instructing His followers to go into the world, preach the Gospel, and baptize those who believe. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It is a public declaration that we have accepted Christ, died to our old sinful nature, and been raised to new life in Him. It is a statement of faith that says, “I believe.”

This same principle is seen in the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-40. After hearing the Gospel, the eunuch eagerly asked, *“Look, here is water. What prevents me from being baptized?”* His immediate response to the message of Christ was obedience through baptism.

### Baptism: A Command for All Believers

Jesus’ final command to His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20 was to make disciples of all nations and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This command was not limited to certain individuals; it is for all who believe. Baptism is not optional—it is a commandment from our Lord. In 1 Peter 2:21, we are reminded that Christ set an example for us to follow in His steps, and baptism is part of that example.

In Acts 2:38, after Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, those who heard his message were deeply convicted and asked, *“What shall we do?”* Peter replied, *“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”* Baptism is closely tied to repentance—it is a physical act that represents the spiritual reality of turning away from sin and turning toward God.

### Baptism: A Symbol of New Life

The act of baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. When we go under the water, it represents the death of our old sinful self. When we come up out of the water, it represents our new life in Christ. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, *“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.”*

Water baptism declares that we have died to sin and been raised to new life. It is a declaration to the world that we now belong to Christ. The old has passed away, and we are a new creation, transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

### The Importance of Obedience

Just as Naaman had to humble himself and obey God’s instruction to receive healing, we too must humble ourselves and obey God’s command to be baptized. The method—whether it is dipping or sprinkling—is less important than the heart of obedience. The word “baptize” comes from a term that means “to submerge,” and as Jesus was submerged in the waters of the Jordan, we follow His example through full immersion, symbolizing complete surrender to God.

Baptism is not just a symbolic act—it is a powerful statement of faith. It is an outward demonstration of our inward transformation, and it shows the world that we are not ashamed to follow Christ.

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**Prayer:**  
Lord, help us to walk in obedience to Your Word. Teach us to follow Your commands, including the call to be baptized. May we, like Naaman, humble ourselves and follow Your instruction, knowing that blessings come through obedience. Thank You for the gift of baptism and for the new life we have in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.