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Three Realities of Baptism

FIRST:

Baptism is not about joining the church, but rather an outward expression of an inward reality. People who wish to be baptized are aware that something has happened to them spiritually; that they have had a spiritual rebirth. Jesus says in John 3:3, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." The water is symbolic of what has happened to our soul - a complete cleansing and washing away of the effects and the very nature of sin.

SECOND:
It is a statement of identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is acknowledging that at a specific point in time Jesus literally died, was buried, and rose again…conquering death once and for all, and offering an abundant life (John 10:10) to all who would have it. In baptism, we’re identifying with Christ as we die to self, we're buried in the water, and are raised up anew in Christ! What better reason to celebrate?

THIRD:
It is a public confession and act of obedience to the personal Lordship of Jesus Christ. However, our understanding of what the Bible teaches is that baptism is an act of obedience that follows conversion. Life is no longer about "me", but rather, what God wants to do in and through my life.