What Is Baptism According to the Bible

According to the Bible, baptism is a commanded, symbolic, and spiritual act of faith. It is done by full immersion in water after a person repents and believes in Jesus. Baptism publicly identifies a believer with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, and it is closely associated with receiving the Holy Spirit and becoming part of the Church. It marks the beginning of a new life of obedience and transformation by the power of God.

Key aspects of baptism:

1. A Command of Christ

Baptism is a command given by Jesus Christ. Before ascending into heaven, Jesus instructed His disciples:

“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)

This shows that baptism is part of the process of becoming a disciple of Jesus.

2. A Public Act of Repentance and Faith

Baptism in the New Testament always follows personal belief and repentance. For example, on the day of Pentecost, when the people were convicted of their sin, Peter responded:

“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 (ESV)

Thus, baptism is not merely symbolic; it is directly connected to repentance, forgiveness of sins, and the reception of the Holy Spirit.

3. Immersion in Water

The Greek word “baptizō” literally means “to immerse” or “to dip.” The Bible provides several examples confirming that full immersion was the practice of the early church. For instance, when Jesus was baptized:

“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water…” - Matthew 3:16 (ESV)

Similarly, the Ethiopian eunuch was baptized by Philip in this way:

“They both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water…” - Acts 8:38–39 (ESV)

This method reflects the rich symbolism of being “buried” and “raised” with Christ.

4. A Symbol of Death and Resurrection with Christ

Paul describes baptism as a powerful spiritual act that unites believers with Christ’s death and resurrection:

“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... we too might walk in newness of life.” - Romans 6:4 (ESV)

Therefore, baptism represents dying to sin and rising to a new life in Christ.

5. An Act of Obedience and Identification

While baptism itself does not save (faith in Christ does: Ephesians 2:8–9), it is the outward expression of inner transformation. It is a believer’s public declaration of allegiance to Jesus:

“So those who received his word were baptized...” - Acts 2:41 (ESV)

It is an act of obedience by those who have already trusted in Jesus.

6. Reception of the Holy Spirit

Although the Holy Spirit is often received at the time of baptism (Acts 2:38), the book of Acts shows that God may bestow the Spirit before or after baptism according to His will (e.g., Acts 10:44–48). However, baptism remains closely tied to receiving the Spirit and becoming part of the body of Christ:

“For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…” - 1 Corinthians 12:13 (ESV)

What Is the Purpose of Baptism

According to Grand Canyon University, a Christian's baptism is a powerful symbol of their faith because it symbolizes their submission to Christ, their growth as an individual, and their joining together with the body of Christ.

1. Obedience to Christ’s Command

Baptism is not a human invention but a divine command. Jesus Christ, before ascending into heaven, gave this clear instruction to His disciples:

“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)

This shows that baptism is a fundamental act of obedience for those who wish to follow Christ. It is not optional or ceremonial - it is a directive from the Lord Himself, meant for all believers.

2. Identification with Christ’s Death and Resurrection

One of the most profound purposes of baptism is to symbolize our union with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection:

“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... so that we too might walk in newness of life.” - Romans 6:3–4 (ESV)

Through baptism, the believer publicly declares that they have died to sin and now live a new life through Christ. It is not merely symbolic but a God-ordained way to proclaim the inward transformation already begun by the Holy Spirit.

3. A Public Declaration of Faith

Baptism is the outward, visible testimony of an inward change. Just as faith begins in the heart, baptism expresses that faith outwardly:

“So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven.” - Matthew 10:32 (ESV)

In the book of Acts, we see new believers consistently baptized as an immediate response to their faith (Acts 2:41, Acts 8:12). Baptism, then, is a bold and public declaration: “I belong to Jesus.”

4. Entrance into the Body of Christ

Baptism also represents spiritual inclusion into the family of God, the church, which is Christ’s body:

“For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - Jews or Greeks, slaves or free - and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” - 1 Corinthians 12:13 (ESV)

While salvation comes through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9), baptism marks our identification with God’s people and our readiness to live in Christian community.

5. Expression of a Clean Conscience Before God

Though water itself does not cleanse sin, baptism reflects the believer’s desire to live with a pure heart before God. Peter makes this point clear:

“Baptism... now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” - 1 Peter 3:21 (ESV)

This shows that baptism is a deeply spiritual act, a pledge of loyalty and obedience to the risen Lord.

What Is Water Baptism

It is a sacred act, not to earn salvation, but to proclaim it. In water baptism, the believer declares before God and others: “I have been made new through Jesus Christ.” Water Baptism means:

1. A God-Ordained Act of Obedience

Water baptism is a command given by Jesus and practiced by His followers as a visible step of obedience to God. Jesus Himself was baptized to “fulfill all righteousness”:

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him... But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’” - Matthew 3:13,15 (ESV)

Though Jesus had no sin, He was baptized to set an example for all who would follow Him.

2. Symbolizing Death, Burial, and Resurrection with Christ

Water baptism is a deeply symbolic act in which a believer identifies with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul explains:

“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.” - Romans 6:4 (ESV)

Being immersed in water represents the death of the old self, and emerging from the water reflects the believer’s new life in Christ.

3. A Sign of Repentance and Cleansing

Water baptism also symbolizes the washing away of sin, not in a literal sense, but as an outward sign of an inward cleansing through faith in Jesus. Peter connected baptism to repentance:

“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins...” - Acts 2:38 (ESV)

And Ananias told Paul:

“And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” - Acts 22:16 (ESV)

This illustrates that baptism accompanies repentance and a changed heart.

4. Following the Pattern of the Early Church

The New Testament repeatedly shows that new believers were baptized in water soon after placing their faith in Christ. For example:

“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” - Acts 2:41 (ESV)

And Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch immediately after his confession of faith:

“See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”... And they both went down into the water... - Acts 8:36–38 (ESV)

These examples show that water baptism was the immediate and expected response to genuine faith.

5. A Public Declaration of a Changed Life

Though the act of baptism does not save (Ephesians 2:8–9), it is the biblical way for believers to declare their new identity in Christ. Peter emphasizes that the power of baptism lies in the believer’s appeal to God:

“Baptism... now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” - 1 Peter 3:21 (ESV)

Thus, water baptism is not merely ritual, it is the faithful response of a believer who has repented and now desires to live in obedience to the Lord.

What Is the Difference Between Christening and Baptism

Many people confuse christening and baptism, but they have distinct meanings and practices. Baptism is a sacrament recognized across Christian denominations, while christening is more of a naming ceremony often performed as part of infant baptism. 

Baptism can be done at any age, including for adults who convert to Christianity, whereas christening is traditionally for babies and young children. A key difference is that christening typically involves introducing the child’s name in a religious setting, while baptism focuses on spiritual rebirth and commitment to God. 

The way water is used also varies: christening usually involves pouring or sprinkling water on the child’s head, while baptism can include full immersion or other methods depending on the denomination. Historically, baptism predates Christianity and is mentioned in the Bible, whereas christening was first referenced in the 14th century. 

Some churches view christening as an act of dedication, while others do not, but all Christian traditions see baptism as a submission to God. 

Baptism in Different Denominations

Though nearly all Christian groups practice baptism, they differ in how they interpret its purpose, who should be baptized, and how it should be performed. Below is a comparison of how major denominations view baptism based solely on their theological teachings and traditions.

1. Roman Catholic Church

• Baptism is a sacrament that removes original sin and brings the individual into the grace of God.
• It is necessary for salvation (based on John 3:5 and Mark 16:16).
• It leaves an indelible spiritual mark, a person can only be baptized once.

Mode:

• Infant baptism is the norm.
• Pouring (affusion) is the most common method, though immersion is accepted.

2. Eastern Orthodox Church

• Baptism is the first of the three initiation sacraments (Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist).
• It cleanses original sin and grants the Holy Spirit immediately after (through Chrismation).
• Considered essential for salvation and church membership.

Mode:

• Infants are baptized.
• Always by full triple immersion in the name of the Trinity.

3. Protestant Denominations (varied)

a. Lutheran

• Baptism is a means of grace and a sacrament.
• Infants and adults are baptized.
• Baptism brings regeneration, forgiveness of sins, and faith.

Mode: Sprinkling or pouring is common, but immersion is also acceptable.

b. Reformed / Presbyterian

• Baptism is a sign and seal of the covenant of grace.
• Infants of believing parents are baptized (like circumcision in the Old Testament).
• It does not regenerate, but points to God's promise.

Mode: Sprinkling or pouring.

c. Anglican / Episcopal

• Baptism is a sacrament and marks entrance into the Christian community.
• Both infant and adult baptisms are practiced.
• Considered a means of grace, but not absolutely necessary for salvation.

Mode: Usually pouring or sprinkling.

d. Baptist

• Baptism is not a sacrament but an ordinance, a symbolic act of obedience.
• Only believers (not infants) are baptized.
• Baptism does not save; it publicly testifies to a person’s faith in Christ.

Mode: Full immersion only.

e. Pentecostal / Charismatic

• Baptism is important but distinct from the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
• Performed for believers only and is a public declaration of faith.
• Emphasizes personal experience of salvation before baptism.

Mode: Full immersion.

4. Churches of Christ / Christian Church (Restorationist)

• Baptism is essential for salvation (based on Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16).
• Only believers are baptized.
• Baptism is not just symbolic but is the moment when sins are washed away and the believer is united with Christ.

Mode: Full immersion only.

5. Methodist / Wesleyan Traditions

• Baptism is a sacrament and a means of grace.
• Can be administered to infants or adults.
• Not regenerative on its own, but represents entrance into the covenant and invites the grace of God.

Mode: Immersion, pouring, or sprinkling - all accepted.

6. Seventh-day Adventist

• Baptism is an act of faith and obedience.
• For believers only, after a personal decision for Christ.
• Symbolizes death to sin and new life in Christ.

Mode: Full immersion only.

7. Quakers (Society of Friends) & Salvation Army

• Do not practice water baptism at all.
• Emphasize inner spiritual experience over external rituals.
• Believe that spiritual baptism by the Holy Spirit is what truly matters.