All in with your Identity(Romans 6:3-5; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38)

Text: Romans 6:3–5; Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:38

ME

Church, I want to start by telling you a story about a young man I once met. He had been coming to church for a while, learning about Jesus, praying, reading his Bible.

But he had never taken the step of baptism. One day he said to me, “Pastor, I love Jesus, but I’m scared. I don’t want people to see me mess up, and I don’t know if I’m ready.”

And I told him what I tell everyone: Baptism isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being all in.

It’s like standing at the edge of a pool. You can keep testing the water with your toes, talking about it, thinking about it… or you can jump in and let it change your life.

Baptism is that jump.

Some of you have been testing the waters of your faith for years.

You’ve prayed. You’ve asked questions. You’ve felt God tugging at your heart.

But today, God is saying, “It’s time. It’s time to go all in.”

WE

Let’s be honest — we live in a world full of half-hearted commitments.

People date halfway.

People give halfway at work.

People live their faith halfway.

But God isn’t asking for half. He’s asking for all of you.

And that’s why baptism is so powerful. Because it says to the world, “I belong to Jesus. My life is His. No turning back.”

When you get baptized, you are making a public declaration that your identity has changed.

You are no longer defined by your past mistakes, your failures, your shame — you are defined by Christ.

Let’s read Romans 6:3-5 together to hear what God says about going “ALL IN” with our Identity.

1. Baptism is Identification

Romans 6:3–5 says:

“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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.”

Notice what Paul says: “baptized into his death.” That’s identification. When you go under the water, you are saying, “I died with Christ. My old self — my sin, my shame, my guilt — is buried.”

baptism is more than water. It’s a spiritual statement. It’s saying, “I am no longer who I used to be. I am a child of God.”

Illustration: Think about soldiers taking an oath. They are identifying themselves with their country.

They aren’t saying they are perfect; they are saying, “This is who I stand for, and this is where I belong.”

Baptism is the same — you are identifying with Christ.

2. Baptism Declares Resurrection Life

Romans 6 continues:

“Just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too might walk in newness of life.”

Coming up out of the water represents resurrection.

You’re saying, “I am alive in Christ. My past does not define me.

I have a new identity. I have a new future.”

Illustration:

Picture a seed planted in the ground. It must be buried before it can grow.

It must die before it can sprout. Baptism is your spiritual planting in Christ — you go down under the water so that new life can emerge.

3. Baptism is Obedience and Participation

Jesus commands in Matthew 28:19–20:

“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.”

Baptism is obedience. It is the first step of following Jesus publicly.

It’s not the finish line — it’s the starting line.

Acts 2:38 reminds us:

“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Baptism is participation. You are joining the community of believers. You are saying, “I am not alone. I belong to the Church, the body of Christ, and I will walk this journey with others.”

4. Baptism is Public, Not Private

I know some of you are thinking, “But I can believe in Jesus privately. Why do I need to be baptized in front of people?”

Listen — Christianity is not meant to be private. It’s meant to be public. The way we live reveals what we truly believe.

Baptism says to your family, your friends, your community, and even to the enemy, “I belong to Jesus, and nothing will take me back.”

Illustration:

Wedding rings don’t make someone married, but they publicly declare commitment. Baptism does the same spiritually. You may have committed your heart privately, but baptism says it loud and clear — “I am all in.”

5. Baptism Connects Us to Christ’s Mission

Baptism isn’t just about you. It’s about joining God’s mission.

When you get baptized, you are saying, “I am joining the movement of Christ. I will love, serve, and share Him with the world.”

baptism is like planting a flag. It declares, “I am on Christ’s team. I’m not taking part in this life half-heartedly. I am all in with Jesus.”

Illustration:

A soldier who joins a battalion isn’t just showing up; he is participating in the mission, the victories, and the struggles.

Baptism is your enlistment into the mission of God.

YOU

Now, I want to speak directly to some of you:

If you have trusted Jesus but have never been baptized, today is your day.

If you have been baptized but your faith has been lukewarm, today is your reminder to go all in.

Baptism is not about being perfect — it’s about being surrendered.

It’s not about being noticed — it’s about being obedient.

It’s not about the water — it’s about the heart.

Church, what’s in your heart today? Are you ready to jump in? Are you ready to let God declare to the world, “This one belongs to Me”?

Illustration for Step of Faith

Think about a baby learning to walk. The baby doesn’t know what’s ahead.

They cry, they stumble, they fall… but when the parent holds their hand and encourages them, they take the step.

Baptism is stepping out in faith — knowing God is holding you.

Altar Call / Baptism Invitation

Right now, I want to invite anyone who has never been baptized or feels called to reaffirm their commitment: step forward as a sign of surrender.

Let the water symbolize death to the old life and resurrection into the new.

If you are baptized today, remember your covenant. Live like it. Walk in the newness of life. Let the world see your commitment.

Today, we celebrate with those who are about to step into the water. Today, we declare: I am all in. My life belongs to Jesus. No turning back.

WE

Church, imagine if every believer in this sanctuary went all in:

Every heart surrendered.

Every mind renewed.

Every life committed.

We would see revival in our city. We would see transformation in our families. We would see a Church living boldly, declaring to the world: We belong to Jesus. We are all in.

Baptism is more than water — it’s a statement, a symbol, a step, and a celebration. Today, some of us will make that step. And today, all of us are reminded to live the life we’ve declared.

Closing: If you have been wrestling with fear, doubt, or hesitation — take that step. Step into the water. Step into obedience. Step into a life of saying to God, “I am all in. You have all of me.”

Church, it’s time. Let’s go all in.

I am now going to invite those who have committed themselves today to go all in with their identity and baptism to come forward. Linus, Cole, Rance & Mindy.

Also, if anyone else feels like the Spirit is stirring in your heart to be baptized today, you are welcome to join them!