WHY BE BAPTIZED? - A New Reason for Baptism

A New Reason for Baptism

The baptisms performed by John differed in purpose from immersions carried out by Jesus' followers.  (John 4:1, 2)  John baptized people as a public symbol of their repentance over sins against the Law.  (Luke 3:3)  But something new was involved in the baptism of Jesus' followers.  At Pentecost 33 C.E., the apostle Peter urged his listeners: "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins."  (Acts 2:37-41)  Though he was addressing Jews and proselytes, Peter was not talking about baptism to symbolize repentance over sins against the Law; nor did he mean that baptism in Jesus' name pictures the washing away of sins. -Acts 2:10.

On that occasion, Peter used the first of "the keys of the kingdom."  For what purpose?  In order to unlock for his listeners knowledge about the opportunity to enter the Kingdom of heaven.  (Matthew 16:19) Since the Jews had rejected Jesus as the Messiah, repenting and exercising faith in him was a new and vital factor in seeking and receiving God's forgiveness.  They could give public evidence of such faith being immersed in water in the name of Jesus Christ.  In that way they would symbolize their personal dedication to God through Christ.  All who desire  divine approval today must exercise similar faith, dedicate themselves to Jehovah God, and undergo Christian baptism in symbol of an unreserved dedication to the Most High God. 

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The Watchtower, 2002