The purpose of baptism in Christian life

Christian denominations differ widely in their teachings on baptism.

Some faith groups believe that baptism does the washing of sin.
Others consider baptism to be a form of exorcism from evil spirits.
Still others teach that baptism is an important step of obedience in the believer's life, but only a recognition of the experience of salvation already accomplished. Baptism itself does not have the power to purify or save from sin. This perspective is called "Baptism of the believer".

The meaning of baptism
A general definition of the word baptism is "a ritual of washing with water as a sign of purification and religious consecration". This ritual was frequently practiced in the Old Testament. It meant purity or purification from sin and devotion to God. Since baptism was first instituted in the Old Testament, many have practiced it as a tradition, but have not fully understood its meaning and meaning.

Baptism of the New Testament
In the New Testament, the meaning of baptism is seen more clearly. John the Baptist was sent by God to spread the news of the future Messiah, Jesus Christ. John was directed by God (John 1:33) to baptize those who accepted his message.

John's baptism was called "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins". (Mark 1: 4, NIV). Those who were baptized by John recognized their sins and professed their faith that through the coming Messiah they would be forgiven. Baptism is significant in that it represents forgiveness and purification from sin that results from faith in Jesus Christ.

The purpose of baptism
Water baptism identifies the believer with the Divinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit:

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19, NIV)
Water baptism identifies the believer with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection:

"When you came to Christ, you were" circumcised ", but not with a physical procedure. It was a spiritual procedure - the cutting of your sinful nature. Because you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you have been raised to a new life because you trust the powerful power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. " (Colossians 2: 11-12, NLT)
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism in death so that, just as Christ rose from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too could live a new life". (Romans 6: 4, NIV)
Water baptism is an act of obedience for the believer. It should be preceded by repentance, which simply means "change". He is turning away from our sin and selfishness to serve the Lord. It means putting our pride, our past and all our possessions before the Lord. It is giving Him control of our life.

“Peter replied: 'Each of you must turn away from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ' Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church - about three thousand in all. " (Acts 2:38, 41, NLT)
Baptism in water is a public testimony: the external confession of an internal experience. In baptism, we stand before witnesses who confess our identification with the Lord.

Water baptism is an image that represents deep spiritual truths of death, resurrection and purification.

Death:

“I was crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life that I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me ”. (Galatians 2:20, NIV)
Resurrection:

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism in death so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the father, we too could live a new life. If we had been united with him in this way in his death, we would certainly have joined him in his resurrection. " (Romans 6: 4-5, NIV)
“He died once to defeat sin, and now he lives for the glory of God. So you should consider yourself dead to sin and capable of living for the glory of God through Christ Jesus. Don't let sin control the way you live; do not give in to his lustful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil, to be used for sinning. Instead, give yourself completely to God since you were given new life. And use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. " Romans 6: 10-13 (NLT)
The cleaning:

"And this water symbolizes baptism that now also saves you - not the removal of dirt from the body but the commitment of a good conscience towards God. It saves you from the resurrection of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 3:21, NIV)
"But you have been washed, you have been sanctified, you have been justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." (1 Corinthians 6:11, NIV)