Baptism Day 2026

In Acts chapter 2, the apostle Peter preaches to a crowd that is so moved by his words that they ask a simple but profound question: what should we do? His answer has shaped the Christian faith ever since. It comes down to two things: repent and be baptized. Repentance is not about feeling bad or being shamed into change. It is a genuine turning of the mind and heart, away from sin and toward Jesus Christ. The Hebrew word for repentance means to turn, and the Greek word means to change the mind. Together, they describe someone who was heading in the wrong direction and chooses a completely new path. Romans 2:4 reminds us that it is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance, not His anger. Baptism is the second step, and it is important to understand what it is and what it is not. It does not produce salvation. Rather, it declares it. Just as a wedding ring does not make someone married but publicly represents that commitment, baptism is a public statement that a person has repented, placed their faith in Jesus Christ, and is not ashamed to say so. The Greek word for baptize, baptizo, literally means to immerse, and the imagery is deeply meaningful. Going under the water pictures the death and burial of the old life, while coming up out of the water pictures resurrection and new life in Christ, just as Romans 6:4 describes. The New Testament consistently shows baptism happening after a personal decision to follow Christ, not before. Infant baptism developed gradually in church history and was not the consistent practice of the early church. Throughout history, believers have held this conviction so deeply that some gave their lives for it. Today, the call remains just as clear even if the cost is far lower. If you have repented and trusted Christ as your Savior, believer's baptism by immersion is the natural and obedient next step in your walk of faith.