Because Jesus told us to, and because it's how you tell the world, "I'm with Jesus now."
Baptism means immersion. When you're baptized, you're completely submerged in water. It's a picture of what Jesus did for you. "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4 ESV). You go under the water dead to your old life, and you come up a new person.
In the Bible, baptism was how people showed they'd repented. When the crowd in Jerusalem asked Peter what to do, he said, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38 NLT). About 3,000 people were baptized that same day. That's a lot of wet clothes.
You might be thinking, "Do I have to be baptized to be saved?" No. Water baptism doesn't save you from sin and hell. Jesus does that. The thief on the cross was never baptized, and Jesus told him, "Today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43 ESV). But baptism is the first step of obedience for a new believer. Jesus commanded it: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19 ESV). If you love Him, you'll want to do what He asked.
"But I was baptized as a baby." If you were baptized before you chose to follow Jesus, I'd encourage you to be baptized again. This time, you're the one making the decision.
"What if I'm nervous about being up in front of people?" That's normal. But baptism was always meant to be public. It's an outward sign to you and everyone watching that you've died to your old life and are trusting God to make you new. And don't worry, the water at Pillars is heated.
When the Ethiopian official heard the gospel, he saw some water and said, "Look! There's some water! Why can't I be baptized?" (Acts 8:36 NLT). They stopped the chariot right there. So if you've given your life to Jesus and haven't been baptized, what's stopping you? Reach out to us, and let's get you in the water.
Scripture: Romans 6:3–4; Acts 2:37–41; 8:35–38; Matthew 28:19; Luke 23:43; Mark 1:4; Colossians 2:12