In Romans 6:1–11, Paul declares that baptism unites believers with Jesus in His death and resurrection, breaking the power of sin at its root. Because we have died with Christ, sin is no longer our master, and because we have been raised with Him, we now walk in newness of life. The Christian life is not about managing sin better, but about living from a new identity—dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

In Acts 2:37–41, the crowd is pierced to the heart by Peter’s proclamation of the crucified and risen Jesus and asks the most urgent question of faith: “What shall we do?” Peter’s answer—repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins—reveals that the gospel calls for a concrete response that brings forgiveness, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and entry into God’s renewed people. That day, about three thousand are baptized, showing that the church is born as a repentant, forgiven, Spirit-filled community shaped by the saving work of Christ.

1 Peter 3:18–22 teaches us that God saves by bringing His people through death into life.
Just as the flood carried Noah into a new world, baptism carries believers into union with the risen Christ.
And the One who meets us in the water now reigns at God’s right hand, guaranteeing that our suffering will give way to glory.