Why the wet-and-weird ritual of Baptism?
If you’ve ever watched a baptism—let’s be honest—it’s a bit weird. Someone gets dunked under water, and this apparently means something? What’s that all about?
Baptism can feel mysterious. It's ancient, deeply symbolic, and all very physical and public. And for many of us, it raises questions: What does it mean? Why does it matter? And maybe most pressing—should I get baptised?
Let’s talk about it.
Dying and Rising with Jesus
One of the clearest ways to understand baptism is through the words of Paul in Romans 6. He puts it like this (in The Message paraphrase):
“When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country.”— Romans 6:4–5 (MSG)
That’s powerful, right?
Baptism is not just a religious box to tick. It’s a participation in the death and resurrection of Jesus. It’s a bold act where we say: My old life—marked by striving, shame, and self—is buried with Jesus. And my new life—marked by grace, hope, and the Spirit—is rising with him.
It’s like passing through a doorway. You go down into the water one way. You come up into something entirely new.
Not Just a Symbol
Now, in our Vineyard theology, we hold that baptism is more than just a symbol. Yes, it symbolises a profound inner transformation. But it’s also a place where God meets us—in real time and space. We believe this is a sacrament, or in otherwords, a tangible way to experience something spiritual.
Something happens in baptism. It’s a sacred moment where heaven touches earth. It’s not easily forgotten. Not because the water is magic. But because God honours our surrender and meets us in it with presence and power.
One of our Vineyard priorities is to be the people who often say: “Come, Holy Spirit.” That’s exactly what we trust happens in baptism. As we enter the waters the Holy Spirit comes to empower, to seal, to begin a deeper work in us.
Stepping Into a New Country
Paul’s language in Romans 6 is rich. He speaks of being raised “into a light-filled world,” of entering a “grace-sovereign country.” What a vision.
When we are baptised, we’re not just saying goodbye to the past—we’re saying yes to a whole new way of being human. A life where grace, not guilt, is in charge. A life aligned with Jesus and shaped by his story.
It’s less about arriving squeaky clean and more about being reborn. Less about religious duty and more about deep, joyful surrender to the One who makes all things new.
Baptism Is a Beginning
Some of us delay baptism because we think we’re not ready. We feel like we need to get our act together first. Maybe clean up our past or fix a few things before we go public.
But that’s not the pattern we see in Scripture—or in the life of Jesus.
Baptism isn’t the finish line. It’s the starting point.
Like a wedding is the starting point of marriage, baptism is a powerful and memorable initiation into discipleship. It’s how we say “I’m in” to this life of following Jesus with others, empowered by the Spirit, for the sake of the world.
Joining the Family
There’s also a communal dimension here.
Baptism is the moment you step visibly into the family of God. It's how the Church has always welcomed new believers into the life of the body—not as individuals doing their own thing, but as people joining a shared life.
You’re not just making a personal commitment—you’re becoming part of a people, and all those people can see you entering to be with them. It is the moment of witness and proclamation, “I want to be here in this family, too!”
“When we are baptised, we are immersed not just in water but into a whole new way of being in the world.”
So, What About You?
Have you been baptised?
And if not… what’s holding you back?
If you’ve turned toward Jesus in trust and love, if you’ve said yes to his invitation to new life, then baptism is for you. Not as a reward for having it all figured out—but as a sacred beginning.
It’s your way of saying: I’m dying to my old self. I’m rising into something new. I’m with Jesus now.
And we’d love to walk with you as you take that step.
If you’re ready to explore baptism, or just want to talk more about it, get in touch with one of our CV pastors, or chat with your Circle/CV Youth/CV Kids leader. We’d love to hear your story, pray with you, and make space for you to take this beautiful next step.