Why should I be baptized?
It is one of the two ordinances Jesus has told us to do. (The other being Communion.) (Ordinances are activities we do out of obedience because Jesus Christ told us to. He has ordained them.)
Matthew 28:18-20
“The Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Jesus chose to be baptized as an example to us.
(Matthew 3:13-16; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21; John 1:31-34)
Baptism is symbolic of the spiritual occurrence that happens at the time of salvation:
Immersion symbolizes our choice to let our old nature die with Jesus Christ.
Being raised up symbolizes the resurrection of a new spiritual life but even more so, being resurrected as Jesus Christ was resurrected.
Baptism publicly states “I’m following Jesus Christ!