Identification. John 3:22-24 The act of baptism is straightforward; it is simply part of God’s plan as a public way to testify that I, a fallen man whom God has saved by His grace, am now declaring to everyone who knows me that a change has taken place in me. What once held my attention and time no longer does. Now, I owe a new allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a higher calling from Him who died so I can live eternally with Him. I owe Him my all; it isn't enough to just speak my faith. The act of identification in a believer’s baptism testifies that the Savior I will follow.
It’s true; there are different baptisms, each with its own purpose. There was John’s baptism of repentance and the baptism of those who followed Jesus. Both were meant for the Jews at that time. Since then, many forms of baptism have emerged, often based on human opinion about what baptism should mean and in whose name it should be.
For those of us from all walks of life and places, who are saved and set free from sin, all human efforts are meaningless to God and me. Our baptism is a public declaration: “I am a Christian; I belong to my Lord.” I have died with Christ, been buried with Him, and have been raised to walk in newness of life. Believers’ baptism by immersion after salvation is commanded in God’s Word.