(This is the second column on a series about The Basics.)

These are the words I wrote as a fifteen-year-old in the front of my KJV Scofield Reference Bible, Red Letter Edition, just after my baptism: “I was saved on June 26, 1975 at 1:30 a.m. at the Colonial Apartments on Laguna Beach near Panama City, Florida… I was baptized on July 6, 1975 with Mark Smith, Brandon Smith and Mike Tiller by Rev. Tommy Reaves at the creek behind Donald Lloyd’s house.”

After I made my public commitment to Christ and was baptized, my grandmother encouraged me to write the date of those significant events in the front of my Bible so I would never forget them. She said, “If you write it down, it will be easier to remember it and to revisit it.”

Baptism in that cold country creek was a significant moment recorded in my Bible with a pen and in my soul with permanent ink. So, what is the meaning of baptism and why is it significant?

Baptism is a visible testimony of the invisible commitment an individual has made to follow Jesus. It is a watery picture of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. That is one of the reasons that we as Baptists practice baptism by immersion. And that is the reason a minister often declares as a candidate is being immersed, “Buried with Christ in baptism, and raised to walk in newness of life, I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”

Although baptism is not an act that “saves” us, baptism is an act that identifies us as a follower of Jesus. Popular preacher and author Max Lucado says, “Baptism separates the tire kickers from the car buyers.” In other words, when we are baptized, we are no longer content to hide in the crowd of spectators applauding Jesus.  Rather, we “buy in” to what it means to be a full-fledged follower of Jesus.

Brian McLaren proposes that “Baptism is rich in meaning. It suggests cleansing. When you are a disciple, you understand that you are cleansed by Christ. You understand that Christ died in your place on the cross, paying for your sins, fully forgiving you for all your wrongs. You are cleansed from guilt, and you are becoming a cleaner, healthier, more whole person.”

There’s an old gospel song that says, “I can tell you time, I can show you the place, where the Lord saved me by his wonderful grace.” I certainly do not believe that everyone has to remember the time, date, and location of their conversion and baptism to be considered a genuine Christian. But for me, remembering my baptism has helped me to confirm and reaffirm my faith during some pretty tough times.

Do you remember your baptism?  As followers of Jesus who learn and live out Christ’s teaching in a Baptist community of faith, being baptized is pretty important…not so much to “seal the deal” but to confirm and launch us into a life of grace and growth. Baptism is deeply meaningful and becomes a vital part of our life’s story…a part of the story to be remembered, treasured, and lived forward.

If you or a member of your family is thinking about the possibility of being baptized, please contact me or a minister in your community who can help you plan and prepare for the experience of baptism.

(Barry Howard serves as the pastor at the Church at Wieuca in North Atlanta. He also serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches. He and his wife, Amanda, currently reside in Brookhaven, Georgia.)