Getting baptised is obedience to Christ’s command, a public declaration of faith, and an identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Approaching baptism with faith removes it out of the realm of typology or symbolism and makes this identification with Jesus a living reality to the believer. Water baptism is essential, vital and part of the salvation package. It is not an option, but a necessity. Water baptism is of vital importance, because God expects it from the believer. By being obedient to his instruction in this expected and appropriate response, the believer is giving proof of having the same faith by which they have been saved. Actions need to demonstrate our faith in every area of our lives, not only in water baptism. The first principal of baptism is that it must be approached with faith. The second principal is obedience, fulfilling righteousness as Jesus did when He was baptised by John. After the believer has been obedient to this instruction from God, it must be followed up by receiving teaching in how to obey every other command to walk with God. Being baptised is being baptised into the character of God, Christ and the Holy Spirit, resulting in change. One is then in a place of being enabled to receive greater revelation and understanding. Therefore, refusing to follow God’s principles, is a self-imposed hindrance to further progress in him and in reaching his purposes for your life. Water baptism is the doorkeeper of obedience to the rest of a person’s Christian walk.
