Three Benefits of Water Baptism

Water baptism is one of the most common practices in the whole tradition of Christianity. It is not merely a religious ritual; Jesus commanded we repent and be baptized (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16). There are many people who have received Jesus Christ as Savior but have not come to the waters of baptism.

The Example of Jesus

It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” – Mark 1:9-11

Jesus is the only Person in history who didn’t need to be baptized. His purpose was not to indicate His repentance; He was sinless. Jesus was baptized so that we could see what the expected benefits would be. At His baptism there came an infusion of things from heaven. Those are the things He wants to release in our life.

The Three Spiritual Benefits

Directly tied to being baptized are incredible points of release, illustrated in the baptism of Jesus Himself. According to the scriptures, three things happened when Jesus was baptized:

• The heavens were parted: An opening to what happened as He came up out of the waters.
• The Spirit came on Him like a dove: This represents the anointing of the Spirit for the ministry that He had to bring.
• A Voice spoke from heaven: “You are My Son in whom I am well pleased.” This was the Father’s seal of approval on the first thirty years of His Son’s life.

Baptism not only has benefit in obedience, it unlocks something in the invisible realm for us. That unlocking not only takes place when you are baptized, but is a fresh resource that may be re-appropriated throughout your life.

The Call to Repentance and Ministry

The Bible very clearly calls us to baptism in this sequence: repent and be baptized. If you were baptized before you received Jesus, you need to be baptized now. As He was baptized, there came the launching of His ministry.

We are people of the Kingdom—in touch with heaven but assigned to minister to earth. The Lord’s purpose in bringing people into the Kingdom is not just to take us to heaven, but to transform the world around us. We are to be people who recognize our resources in the invisible realm and usher them into the realm of reality.