What is baptism?

Baptism is a response. Notice the Bible says Repent and be baptized (Act 2:38). That is, we should acknowledge we have offended God by doing things wrong, tell Him we are sorry for those things and get baptized. So why has Jesus requested that those who believe should be baptized?

The Bible states that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death (Romans 6:3). This clearly links baptism with the death of Jesus. The Bible then goes onto say if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection (Romans 6:5). So baptism is intimately linked with the death and resurrection of Christ.

Jesus is seeking disciples, people who follow Him and obey Him. Anyone who believes on the Lord Jesus is one of His disciples, and any disciple should desire to obey the commands of their Lord. It should be any disciple's desire to be "united together" in the death and resurrection of Jesus, a death and resurrection which brings salvation and hope to anyone that believes.

Perhaps you believe on the Lord Jesus. However have you responded in obedience to Him by being baptized?