Jesus commanded us saying:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit".
- Matthew 28:19
Why did Jesus think it was so important to be baptized? Because it is a symbol of our relationship with Him.
Baptism is an illustration of what happens in your life when you accept Jesus as your Savior. It is an outward expression of an inward change.
Romans 6:3-4 says:
"Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
Only people who have accepted Jesus as their Savior should be baptized, because baptism will not mean anything to those who have not been born again. Baptism does not save a person. However, it is an important step for every follower of Christ because it is a public confession of their faith (see Romans 10:9).
When should you be baptized? Once you have decided to follow Jesus and put your trust in Him alone for salvation, you should do it as soon as possible.
Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”
Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.
- Acts 8:36-38
