Baptism is an important act of obedience and public declaration of faith for Christians. The Bible provides guidance on the meaning and method of baptism. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about how believers should be baptized:
The Meaning and Purpose of Baptism
Baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also represents the new believer’s identification and unity with Christ in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). Through baptism, believers publicly profess their faith in Christ and demonstrate submission to Him as Lord.
Baptism signifies cleansing from sin and the old way of living. Acts 22:16 says, “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” It represents the washing away of sins through Christ’s sacrificial death.
Another key purpose is to visibly identify the new believer with the Christian community. Baptism joins believers to the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). It’s an initiation into the family of faith and discipleship.
Who Should Be Baptized?
Jesus commanded His followers to “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). Therefore, baptism is for all believers who have put their faith in Christ.
In the New Testament, those who believed the Gospel were baptized (Acts 2:41; 8:12). Whole households were baptized when the head of the home came to faith (Acts 16:15, 33). The one requirement for baptism is belief in Jesus Christ as Savior.
When Should a Person Be Baptized?
Baptism is meant to follow conversion and should happen fairly quickly after a person believes. In the book of Acts, people were baptized immediately or soon after believing in Christ (Acts 2:41; 8:35-38; 9:17-18; 16:29-33). Delaying baptism isn’t necessary, as the New Testament model shows baptism soon after conversion.
Since baptism signifies new life in Christ, it’s appropriate to be baptized after confessing and repenting of sin. The waters of baptism symbolize cleansing and the burial of the old, sinful way of life.
Immersion Is the Biblical Method
The Bible shows baptism by full immersion as the method used by the early church. The Greek word baptizo means “to immerse or dip.” Immersion best represents Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection and the believer’s new life in Christ.
Scripture points to baptism by immersion:
- Matthew 3:16 says Jesus, after His baptism, “came up out of the water.” This implies He had been completely immersed.
- In Acts 8:38, Philip and the eunuch both went down into the water for baptism.
- The symbolism of being buried with Christ in baptism (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12) points to immersion.
Some churches practice other methods like pouring or sprinkling, but full immersion provides the clearest picture of its spiritual meaning. It best symbolizes our identification with Christ’s death and resurrection.
Baptism Is in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Jesus commanded baptism to be conducted “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). This reflects the triune nature of God and the believer’s relationship to the three Persons of the Godhead.
The book of Acts shows the early church baptizing in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5). This affirms Jesus’ deity and lordship. But Matthew 28:19 gives the complete formula for baptism into relationship with the triune God.
Baptism Publicly Identifies with the Church
Baptism is intended as a visible, public declaration of a believer’s faith in Christ. Therefore, baptism should be performed by the authority of the local church.
In the New Testament, people were baptized and then added to the church (Acts 2:41). The epistles were written to churches whose members had been baptized. Even Jesus presented Himself for baptism by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17).
Baptism joins believers to the universal church of Christ. Local church oversight ensures baptism is practiced according to Scripture.
Baptism Doesn’t Save, But It’s an Act of Obedience
It’s important to understand that baptism itself does not save. Scripture stresses we are saved by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, baptism is a vital act of obedience for believers.
Jesus commanded baptism for His disciples. When Peter preached to Cornelius’ household, he commanded them to be baptized (Acts 10:48). Baptism is a step of obedience for all believers who commit to follow Christ.
Although baptism doesn’t impart salvation, it marks a critical transition in the life of a new believer. It should be treated as essential, not optional or trivial.
Re-Baptism May Be Necessary in Some Cases
Generally, the Bible indicates that baptism is a one-time event for believers. However, some consider re-baptism acceptable in certain cases:
- A person was baptized before actually being converted.
- Baptism was under false doctrine or for the wrong purpose.
- A person has utterly fallen away and now genuinely repented and returned to faith.
The key is that baptism should mark authentic conversion. It may be warranted if prior baptism failed to meet biblical standards.
Baptism Doesn’t Confer Special Blessings
Some churches teach that baptism itself imparts grace, regeneration, or spiritual gifts. But the Bible does not support baptismal regeneration, the idea that baptism is required for salvation.
Scripture shows that faith in Christ alone saves us and makes us children of God (John 1:12; Ephesians 2:8). The thief on the cross demonstrates salvation without baptism (Luke 23:39-43). Baptism is a result of, not a requirement for, salvation.
Baptism also does not guarantee blessings, graces, or angelic guardians as some churches teach. It’s an act of obedience signifying what Christ has already done in us.
The Holy Spirit May Operate Before or After Baptism
Some theologies teach that baptism is necessary for receiving the Holy Spirit or exercising spiritual gifts. But the New Testament shows the Holy Spirit may begin working in a person before or after baptism.
Cornelius and his household received the Spirit before being baptized (Acts 10:44-48). Samaritan believers were baptized then later received the Spirit by the laying on of hands (Acts 8:12-17). God’s work in each believer’s life is unique.
Infant Baptism Is Controversial
Infant baptism, or paedobaptism, is the practice of baptizing babies or children. Some traditions believe in baptizing infants, others see baptism only for adult believers able to understand and profess faith.
Support for infant baptism comes from:
- Circumcision as a sign of being part of God’s covenant community (Colossians 2:11-12).
- Household baptisms that may have included children (Acts 16:15; 1 Corinthians 1:16).
- Analogy to Old Testament rites for children, like Passover and circumcision.
- Belief in baptismal regeneration and the child’s need for grace.
Those opposing infant baptism argue:
- Scripture never directly states to baptize infants.
- Jesus’ Great Commission was to make disciples by teaching, then baptizing (Matthew 28:19-20).
- In the early church, instruction preceded baptism (Acts 2:38, 41; 8:35-39).
- Every baptism recorded in Scripture involves a confessing believer.
- Baptism represents a conscious faith decision.
There are reasonable arguments on both sides. Scripture neither explicitly confirms nor excludes infant baptism. This remains a matter of debate and difference between traditions.
Baptism Is a Serious Commitment
Baptism is more than just a quick ritual or empty religious tradition. It marks a significant milestone in the believer’s new life in Christ.
Baptism visibly, publicly transitions the believer from the world into the family of God. It’s not to be taken lightly. It’s meant as a lifelong pledge of devotion to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Just as Christ died, was buried, and rose again, in baptism we die to sin, are buried in the waters, and rise to walk in new spiritual life. Baptism beautifully symbolizes the radical, total transformation that takes place through faith in Jesus.