What Is Baptism? Its Meaning and Purpose For Christians

If you’re a Christian, you know what a baptism is. But how deep into its meaning and biblical history did you look? In this article, we’ll explain the purpose and symbolism of different types of baptisms in the Bible. This way, you’ll be able to fully embrace its importance and what it means for your religious path.

What Is Baptism According to the Bible

Baptism is a symbolic washing away of sins by submerging one's body in water, as taught in the Bible. After that, a Christian receives the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. It is when the Holy Spirit lives inside a person that they are considered to be begotten of God. By remaining faithful, this individual will be transformed into an eternal child of God upon the return of Jesus Christ.

In its most fundamental form, baptism is a public symbol of an inward transformation that takes place within a person. The root of the term "baptize" is "to submerge entirely" (into water). This lends credence to the idea that immersion baptism was the norm in the Bible.

John the Baptist is called "the Immerser" in Matthew 3:11 by the Jewish New Testament, which acknowledges the definition of the word and indicates that he immersed those who approached him. 

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.

As part of his Great Commission, Jesus first mandated baptism. Jesus commanded His followers to baptize new believers and make them follow Him in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18–20) before He ascended to heaven. This emphasizes the significance of baptism as a prerequisite to becoming a Christian.

Moreover, baptism represents a person's union with Christ. Baptism is a symbol of the believer's participation in Christ's death and resurrection, which signifies the believer's death to sin and the beginning of a new life (Romans 6:3-4). Doing this in public is a powerful way for Christians to declare their faith and commitment to following Christ.

A believer's baptism also signifies their adoption into the Christian family. Ephesians 4:4 says that when we join a body of believers, we are able to lean on each other for assistance.

Lastly, one publicly declares their faith by baptism. As a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ, it demonstrates to onlookers that this person has made Jesus their Lord and Savior. Believers show their commitment to following Christ and their faith via baptism.

What Is Water Baptism

Water baptism is the outward act of being immersed in water as a sign of a believer’s commitment to Christ. The water symbolizes cleansing, renewal, and transformation, reflecting a spiritual rebirth.

Throughout the Bible, water represents purification and new beginnings. In the Old Testament, ritual washings were used for spiritual cleansing. In the New Testament, John the Baptist baptized people in water as a sign of repentance, preparing them for the coming of Jesus. Jesus Himself was baptized in water, setting an example for His followers.

Being immersed in water represents dying to the old way of life and being raised to new life in Christ. As a believer is submerged, it symbolizes burial with Christ, and emerging from the water signifies being born again into a renewed life.

Water baptism is a powerful symbol but has no saving power on its own. It is an act of obedience and faith, reflecting the inner transformation that has already taken place in a believer’s heart. Through water, baptism visually represents the washing away of sin and the believer’s desire to follow Christ fully.

What Is Baptism of the Holy Spirit

At the time of redemption, Christians are united with Christ and with other believers in the body of Christ by the activity of the Holy Spirit, who baptizes them.

Both John the Baptist (Mark 1:8) and Jesus, just before He went to heaven, foretold the coming of the Holy Spirit as a baptizer:

“I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." – Mark 1:8

“For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit”  – Acts 1:5

The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4) marked the fulfillment of this promise; it was then that the Holy Spirit permanently indwelt humans for the first time, and the church was born.

The most important verse in the Bible about the Holy Spirit's baptism is found in 1 Corinthians 12:12–13:

“For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink” – 1 Corinthians 12:13

Take note that the Holy Spirit has baptized us all; this is not an exclusive event for a select few, but rather an experience that all believers have shared.

Similar to the 1 Corinthians text, Romans 6:1-4 describes the believer's position before God, but it does not address the Spirit of God specifically:

“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 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 might walk in newness of life.” – Romans 6:1-4

To better grasp the concept of Spirit baptism, it is important to remember the following details:

1. It is abundantly obvious from 1 Corinthians 12:13 that everyone has been baptized and has also received the indwelling of the Spirit.
2. There is no instruction in Scripture for Christians to seek the Holy Spirit's baptism or to be baptized with, in, or by him. This proves that every believer has gone through this.
3. It appears that Spirit baptism is mentioned in Ephesians 4:5. Then, just as "one faith" and "one Father" are for all believers, so too is Spirit baptism.

What Is Baptism by Fire

The phrase "baptism with fire" first appeared in Matthew 3:11 (and its equivalent in Luke 3:16), which are the words of John the Baptist:

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire" – Matthew 3:11

For some, the day the Holy Spirit descended from heaven on Pentecost is symbolic of the baptism of fire. On the other hand, the command "Do not quench the Spirit" found in 1Thessalonians 5:19 leads some to assume that the Holy Spirit's role as an energizer of the believer's service and a purifier of evil within is symbolized by the baptism with fire. Believers are commanded not to quench the Spirit's fire by denying His ministry.

Baptism in fire may also mean judgment, which is the third and most plausible explanation. While the Holy Spirit's baptism is stated in four of the Gospel chapters, the fire baptism is only described in Matthew and Luke. 

Matthew 3:7–12 and Luke 3:7–17 both deal with judgment in their immediate contexts. Mark 1:1-8 and John 1:29-34 do not take this into account. There will be a consuming fire when Jesus returns to judge the ungodly (2 Thessalonians 1:3-10; John 5:21-23; Revelation 20:11-15), but glory to God, He will rescue those who believe in Him (John 3:16)!

What Is the Symbol of Baptism

The Archdiocese of Brisbane tells us that at its core, baptism is represented by four symbols:

• Baptism is symbolized by water. The water of Baptism represents the life-giving grace that nourishes all individuals who have become children of God, since water is fundamental to all life.
• Two times throughout the ritual oil is utilized. As a symbol of the child's healing and strengthening, the Oil of Catechumens is applied to his or her chest before baptism. The next step is to anoint the child's head with fragrant chrism, a sign that they are now a priest, prophet, and royal, and a gesture of gratitude and delight for their new union with Christ.
• As a symbol of their new life in Christ and "the outward sign of Christian dignity," the white garment that the newly baptized are subsequently clothed with represents this change.
• As a symbol of the light of Christ, the newly baptized are given a baptismal candle, which is lit from the paschal candle next to the font. 

What Is Baptism for the Dead

​Baptism for the dead, also known as vicarious baptism, is a religious practice where a living person is baptized on behalf of someone who has passed away. This ritual is rooted in the belief that baptism is essential for salvation, and it offers those who died without the opportunity to be baptized during their lifetime a chance to receive its spiritual benefits posthumously.​

The practice is most notably associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as the Mormon Church. Since 1840, the LDS Church has performed proxy baptisms in their temples, allowing deceased individuals to accept or reject the rites performed on their behalf in the afterlife. 

The concept of baptism for the dead is mentioned in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 15:29, where the Apostle Paul references the practice in the context of discussing the resurrection. However, interpretations of this passage vary, and there is limited evidence that early mainstream Christian communities widely adopted the practice. ​

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. 

What Is an Appropriate Gift for a Catholic Baptism

Choosing a meaningful gift for a Catholic baptism is a wonderful way to celebrate the child’s entrance into the faith. The best gifts are those that reflect spiritual significance, can be cherished as keepsakes, or help the child grow in their faith.

1. Personalized Bible or Children's Bible – A beautifully bound Bible with the child’s name engraved is a thoughtful and lasting gift.
2. Cross or Crucifix – A wall cross or crucifix for the child’s room serves as a daily reminder of their faith.
3. Rosary Beads – A delicate rosary, possibly with the child’s birthstone or name, is a meaningful keepsake.
4. Saint Medal or Pendant – A medal of the child’s patron saint or a guardian angel pendant can offer spiritual protection.
5. Baptism Certificate Holder or Frame – A special way to preserve and display this important sacramental document.
6. Personalized Baptism Blanket or Stuffed Animal – A soft, embroidered blanket or faith-themed plush toy makes a sweet, comforting gift.
7. Prayer Book or Devotional – A collection of prayers for children or a baptism blessing book can help guide their faith journey.
8. Savings Bond or Monetary Gift – A financial contribution for the child's future is also a thoughtful gesture.

Each of these gifts reflects the importance of baptism while offering a meaningful way to celebrate the child's spiritual journey.