In the first century the term baptism meant “identification.” In fact the term was used of a clothier in ancient days. When he took a white garment and dipped it into a scarlet dye, he was said to have “baptized” the garment. Baptizo was the term used when he “changed its identity.”
Baptism, as practiced here at Northwoods Community Church, is a public declaration, saying: I belong to Jesus Christ. I identify with His death for me. And by being raised from the water, I identify with a new kind of life that I could never live on my own. By His power I will be able to experience new life. I’ve been born again. Baptism is the outward profession of your inward decision to follow Jesus!