Baptism is one of the most important symbols in the Christian faith. It represents a person's decision to follow Jesus, to be washed clean from sin, and to begin a new life. It’s a public sign of faith and obedience to God.
What Does Baptism Mean?
The word baptism comes from the Greek word baptizo, which means “to dip” or “to immerse.” In the Bible, baptism is closely tied to water and spiritual cleansing. It shows that someone has been changed on the inside.
“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.”
— Romans 6:4 (NIV)
“Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.”
— Colossians 2:12 (NIV)
Why Do Christians Get Baptized?
Baptism is a step of obedience. Jesus was baptized, and He told His followers to baptize others.
“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.”
— Matthew 28:19 (ESV)
“And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’”
— Mark 1:11 (NIV)
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
— Mark 16:16 (NIV)
| Reason | Bible Support |
|---|---|
| Obedience to Christ | Matthew 28:19 |
| Public declaration of faith | Acts 2:38 – “Repent and be baptized, every one of you...” |
| Symbol of a new beginning | 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “The old has gone, the new is here!” |
| Identification with Christ | Galatians 3:27 – “...baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” |
How Is Baptism Performed?
Baptism usually happens in water. In many churches, the person is fully immersed in water. In others, water is poured or sprinkled over the head. The method can vary, but the meaning remains the same.
“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?’ … Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.”
— Acts 8:36–38 (NIV)
“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.”
— Acts 22:16 (NIV)
Who Should Be Baptized?
In Scripture, baptism follows faith. People heard the message of Jesus, believed it, and then were baptized.
“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
— Acts 2:41 (NIV)
“But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”
— Acts 8:12 (NIV)
“Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.”
— Acts 18:8 (NIV)
| View on Baptism Timing | Supporting Scripture |
|---|---|
| Believer’s Baptism | Acts 2:41, Acts 8:12, Acts 18:8 |
| Infant Baptism | Acts 16:15 – “She and her household were baptized...” |
What Does Baptism Symbolize?
Baptism is rich in meaning. It's a spiritual picture that says: I have been washed clean, died with Christ, raised to new life, and I belong to God's family.
“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.’”
— Acts 2:38 (NIV)
“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
— Titus 3:5 (NIV)
“For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body... and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:13 (NIV)
“There is one body and one Spirit... one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
— Ephesians 4:4–5 (NIV)
Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
Some ask if baptism is required for salvation. The Bible teaches that we are saved by faith, not by works or rituals.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith... it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
— Ephesians 2:8–9 (NIV)
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
— Romans 10:9 (NIV)
“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.”
— John 14:21 (NIV)
