Baptism is one of the most significant acts of faith in the Christian life.
It is a moment of surrender, a declaration of belief, and a powerful symbol of new life in Christ.
But what does the Bible actually say about getting baptized?
Is it required for salvation?
Why did Jesus Himself get baptized?
If you are wondering whether baptism is necessary or what it truly represents, the Bible offers clear answers.
Let’s explore Scripture and uncover the meaning, importance, and purpose of baptism.
What Is Baptism?
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation.
It is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ and a symbolic act of being washed clean from sin.
The word “baptize” comes from the Greek word baptizó, which means “to immerse” or “to submerge.”
This is why many Christian traditions practice full immersion in water—because it represents being buried with Christ and rising to new life.
Romans 6:4 explains this powerful imagery:
“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.”
Baptism is not just a ritual.
It is a declaration that a person has been made new through Jesus.
Jesus Was Baptized as an Example
One of the most compelling reasons for baptism is that Jesus Himself was baptized.
Matthew 3:13-15 describes the moment when Jesus came to John the Baptist:
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented.”
Jesus did not need to repent of sin, yet He chose to be baptized.
Why?
Because He was setting an example for His followers.
If Jesus, the Son of God, saw baptism as an important step, then His followers should take it seriously as well.
Baptism Is a Command from Jesus
Baptism is not just a personal choice—it is a command from Jesus Himself.
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave His disciples a final instruction known as the Great Commission.
In Matthew 28:19-20, He said:
“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.”
Baptism was part of Jesus’ final instructions to His followers, making it clear that it is an essential step in the Christian life.
Baptism Is a Sign of Repentance
John the Baptist preached a message of repentance and baptized those who turned away from sin.
Mark 1:4 says, “And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”
Baptism is connected to repentance—a turning away from sin and a turning toward God.
It does not mean a person becomes perfect overnight, but it does symbolize a desire to follow Christ and leave the old life behind.
Acts 2:38 reinforces this connection:
“Peter replied, ‘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.’”
Repentance and baptism go hand in hand, marking a new beginning in a believer’s walk with God.
Baptism Does Not Save You—Faith in Jesus Does
Some people believe that baptism is required for salvation, but the Bible teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through any act we perform.
Ephesians 2:8-9 states clearly:
“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 is a command and an important step of obedience, but it is not what saves a person.
The thief on the cross next to Jesus was saved without baptism (Luke 23:42-43).
He simply placed his faith in Jesus, and Jesus assured him that he would be in paradise.
However, just because baptism does not save a person does not mean it should be ignored.
It is an act of obedience and a public demonstration of faith.
Baptism Is a Public Declaration of Faith
Getting baptized is a way of declaring to the world, “I belong to Jesus.”
It is a step of boldness and commitment.
Galatians 3:27 says, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
When a person is baptized, they are making a statement that they are no longer living for themselves but for Christ.
This is why many churches baptize people in front of the congregation—to celebrate their decision and encourage them in their faith journey.
Baptism Represents a New Life in Christ
Baptism is not just about getting wet—it is a symbol of transformation.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Going under the water represents dying to the old way of life.
Coming out of the water represents rising to a new life with Christ.
It is a visible reminder that we are no longer controlled by sin but are walking in the freedom and power of Jesus.
Who Should Be Baptized?
The Bible teaches that baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to follow Jesus.
This is why many churches practice believer’s baptism—baptizing those who understand their faith and choose to follow Christ.
Acts 8:36-38 gives an example of this:
“As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?’ And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.”
The Ethiopian eunuch believed in Jesus first, then was baptized immediately after.
Baptism is for those who understand the gospel and want to take a step of obedience in their faith.
When Should Someone Be Baptized?
In the New Testament, people were baptized as soon as they believed.
Acts 16:31-33 tells the story of the Philippian jailer:
“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.”
There was no long waiting period.
Once people accepted Christ, they took the next step of baptism right away.
If you are a believer and have not been baptized, there is no reason to delay.
It is an act of obedience and a way to publicly declare your faith.
What If Someone Was Baptized as a Baby?
Some churches baptize infants, but in the Bible, baptism is always connected to a personal decision to follow Jesus.
Nowhere in Scripture do we see babies being baptized.
While infant baptism may be a meaningful tradition in some families, it does not replace the need for believer’s baptism.
If you were baptized as a baby but later came to faith in Jesus, it is still important to be baptized as a believer.
Final Thoughts
Baptism is a powerful and important step in the Christian life.
It does not save a person, but it is an act of obedience that symbolizes faith in Jesus.
Jesus Himself was baptized, and He commanded His followers to do the same.
Baptism represents a new beginning—a leaving behind of the old life and stepping into the new life in Christ.
If you have placed your faith in Jesus but have not yet been baptized, now is the time to take that step.
It is a beautiful, powerful declaration that you belong to Him.
Baptism is not just a moment—it is the beginning of a lifetime of walking in faith and obedience with Jesus.