Baptism is one of the most significant practices in Christianity.
It is an outward expression of faith, a symbol of new life, and a command given by Jesus Himself.
But what does the Bible actually say about baptism?
Is it necessary for salvation, or is it just a symbolic act?
Why did Jesus emphasize baptism, and what does it mean for believers today?
The Bible provides clear guidance on the meaning, purpose, and importance of baptism.
Let’s explore what Scripture teaches about this powerful act of faith.
Baptism Is a Command from Jesus
Jesus made it clear that baptism is important for His followers.
Before ascending to heaven, He gave His disciples a mission, known as the Great Commission.
Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Baptism is not just a tradition—it is a command.
Jesus instructed His followers to baptize new believers as part of making disciples.
This means baptism is a fundamental part of the Christian faith, not just an optional practice.
Baptism Symbolizes a New Life
The Bible teaches that baptism is a powerful symbol of new life in Christ.
Romans 6:3-4 explains, “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Going under the water represents being buried with Christ.
Coming up from the water represents being raised to a new life.
Baptism is a public declaration that a believer has turned away from sin and is now walking in faith with Jesus.
It is an outward act that reflects an inward transformation.
Jesus Set an Example by Being Baptized
Jesus Himself was baptized, even though He was without sin.
Matthew 3:13-17 describes how Jesus came to John the Baptist to be baptized.
At first, John tried to stop Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
But Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”
Then John baptized Him.
As soon as Jesus came up from the water, heaven opened, and the Spirit of God descended like a dove.
A voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Jesus’ baptism was a moment of divine approval.
If Jesus, the Son of God, chose to be baptized, it shows how important this act is for His followers.
Baptism and Salvation
One of the biggest questions about baptism is whether it is necessary for salvation.
The Bible teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus, not through works.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Baptism does not save a person, but it is an important step of obedience.
Mark 16:16 says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Belief is the key to salvation.
Baptism is an outward sign of that belief.
A great example of this is the thief on the cross.
In Luke 23:39-43, one of the criminals being crucified next to Jesus asked Him to remember him in His kingdom.
Jesus responded, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
This man was not baptized, yet Jesus assured him of salvation.
This shows that baptism is not what saves—it is faith in Jesus.
However, for those who are able, baptism is still an essential act of obedience and a public profession of faith.
Baptism in the Early Church
The book of Acts shows how baptism was practiced in the early church.
In Acts 2:38, Peter preached to the crowd on the day of Pentecost, saying, “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.”
That day, about 3,000 people were baptized.
Baptism was an immediate response to accepting the gospel.
Acts 8:36-38 tells the story of an Ethiopian man who was reading Scripture but didn’t understand it.
Philip explained the gospel to him, and when they came across some water, the man said, “Look, here is water.
What can stand in the way of my being baptized?”
Philip baptized him right away.
The early church saw baptism as a natural and essential step after believing in Jesus.
It was a declaration of faith and a step into a new life with Christ.
The Meaning of Baptism by Water
Baptism by water is the most common practice in the Bible.
It involves full immersion in water, which represents being buried and raised with Christ.
John the Baptist baptized people in the Jordan River, using water as a symbol of repentance.
Acts 10:47-48 shows that water baptism continued even after Jesus’ resurrection.
Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water.
They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.
So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.”
Baptism is a powerful act of obedience, but it is not magical.
The water itself does not cleanse a person from sin—only the blood of Jesus does that.
Baptism is a public declaration of faith and a symbol of being made new in Christ.
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The Bible also talks about another kind of baptism—the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
John the Baptist said in Matthew 3:11, “I baptize you with water for repentance.
But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
The baptism of the Holy Spirit happened in Acts 2 when the disciples received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
They were filled with power and began to preach boldly.
1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
This baptism is not about water.
It is about being filled with the presence and power of God.
Every believer receives the Holy Spirit when they come to faith in Christ.
Who Should Be Baptized?
The Bible teaches that baptism is for those who believe in Jesus.
Acts 16:31-33 says, “They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.’
Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.
At that hour of the night, the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.”
Baptism follows belief.
It is a personal decision to follow Jesus.
Because of this, many churches practice believer’s baptism—meaning people are baptized after making their own decision to follow Christ.
Baptism as a Public Declaration
Baptism is not a private event.
It is meant to be a public declaration of faith.
Galatians 3:27 says, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
Baptism is like putting on a uniform—it shows the world that you belong to Jesus.
It is a testimony of faith, a way of saying, “I have decided to follow Jesus.”
Final Thoughts
Baptism is a beautiful and powerful step of faith.
Jesus commanded it, practiced it, and made it an important part of following Him.
It symbolizes new life, a fresh start, and a public commitment to God.
While baptism is not what saves a person, it is an act of obedience and a testimony of faith.
If you have not been baptized, prayerfully consider taking this step.
Baptism is not just a religious ritual—it is a declaration that you belong to Jesus.
It is a moment of celebration, marking the beginning of a transformed life in Christ.