Getting baptized is an important step in the Christian faith. It signifies dying to your old self and being born again as a new creation in Christ. Many wonder what changes after baptism and if they will feel any different. Here’s an overview of some of the key things that happen after baptism.
You are cleansed from sin
One of the primary purposes of baptism is to wash away your sins. When you go under the water, it represents dying and burying your old sinful self. When you come back up, it signifies being resurrected and reborn as a new person in Christ (Romans 6:3-4). Your sins are forgiven and washed away by the blood of Jesus.
You receive the Holy Spirit
At the moment of your baptism, you also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within you and serve as your helper and guide (Acts 2:38). The Spirit empowers you to live the Christian life and produce the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
You become part of the body of Christ
Baptism also initiates you into the body of Christ and the Christian church. You become part of God’s family and are joined together with other believers. You are no longer isolated in your faith but have a community of fellow Christians to encourage, support and pray for you.
You commit publicly to follow Jesus
Baptism is a public declaration of your new faith in Jesus. When you are baptized in front of family and friends, you are making a public profession that you now belong to Christ and intend to follow Him. Your baptism proclaims your allegiance to Jesus before witnesses.
You are commissioned to live on mission
After you are baptized, you are commissioned by Jesus to live a life on mission for Him. Your mission is to honor Christ with your life, share your faith with others, make disciples and obey everything Jesus commanded. Baptism marks the beginning of a lifelong mission to reflect Jesus to the world.
You experience a clear conscience before God
Baptism also clears your conscience before God. If you have accepted Christ and been baptized, you can have full assurance that your sins are forgiven and you are right with God. Your conscience is washed clean from everything you have done wrong (1 Peter 3:21).
You are sealed for salvation
According to some traditions, baptism also serves as a seal upon your salvation. When you are baptized, you receive a spiritual mark that publicly identifies you as belonging to Christ and destines you for eternal life. Your salvation is sealed and secured.
You walk in newness of life
After rising up out of the waters of baptism, you have the opportunity to walk in a new life devoted to righteousness. Your old self is dead and you are empowered to overcome sin. You now have freedom from sin’s control and ability to resist temptation (Romans 6:4-14).
You experience joy and peace
Being baptized and cleansed from sin can fill you with incredible joy and peace. The weight of sin and guilt has been lifted off your shoulders. You have a fresh start and a new relationship with God. Many people report feeling a tangible sense of joy and relief after being baptized.
You are equipped for spiritual growth
Baptism launches you into a process of discipleship and spiritual maturity. Now that you are a follower of Jesus, you can grow deeper in your knowledge of God through studying the Bible, learning from other Christians, and being trained to serve God. Baptism kickstarts your spiritual development.
You receive blessings from God
When you are baptized into Christ, you also inherit all of the blessings that come with being a child of God. You receive access to everything that is part of your heavenly inheritance, including righteousness, eternal life, authority over sin and the devil, and all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3).
Conclusion
Baptism serves as a significant turning point in the life of a believer. While it is just one step in the Christian walk, it provides tremendous spiritual benefits. After being baptized, you are cleansed from sin, filled with the Spirit, incorporated into Christ’s body, commissioned for service and equipped to grow. You walk in newness of life, with joy, purpose and blessings from God.