Water baptism represents death, burial and resurrection.
The waters of baptism symbolically represent a burial ground. The word baptize is from the Greek verb baptidzo which means “to immerse.” Immersion is a picture of burial.
Water baptism symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the identification of the believer with Him in those events:
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Romans 6:4-6).
The person being baptized portrays that even though Jesus knew no sin, He took sin’s penalty in His own body and died in place of the believer. Jesus was then raised from death the same way the believer receives his new life—by the power of the Holy Spirit. Now he is a new man, raised up to live a life of overcoming sin by the power of the Spirit (Romans 6:10)!
If you have been saved but have not been water baptized, we encourage you to consider engaging in this powerful testimony of your faith. As you declare outwardly your identification with Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, this symbol will also be a significant reminder to you of what’s happened in your life, strengthening you in your Christian journey!