If a person desires baptism but cannot be immersed in water due to illness, disability, advanced age, etc., what should be done?

TL;DR:

Baptism is commanded for every believer, but salvation does not depend on being immersed in water. When immersion isn’t possible, churches can find meaningful ways for believers to publicly express faith and identify with Christ.

what does the bible say?

The New Testament presents baptism as a command for disciples of Jesus and as the expected response of new believers (Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:21; Acts 2:41). The narratives suggest immersion as the ordinary practice, since baptisms occurred where there was ample water (John 3:23; Matthew 3:5–6; Acts 8:36–39). Baptism visibly identifies a believer with Jesus and with His people (Acts 8:12; 16:33; Romans 6:3–4; Colossians 2:12).

At the same time, Scripture is clear that salvation rests on grace through faith and not on any work, including baptism (Ephesians 2:8–9). For example, the believing criminal who died beside Jesus was saved without being baptized (Luke 23:43). Additionally, Cornelius received the Holy Spirit before being baptized (Acts 10:44–48). These and other passages indicate that, while baptism in water was the norm, those who could not be baptized were not second-class Christians.

The Bible does not provide specific instructions for those who are physically unable to be immersed. A church is free to apply wisdom in how an individual might make a public declaration of faith while respecting issues with water immersion, as long as the individual has made a true profession of faith.

from the old testament

The topic of baptizing a person who cannot be immersed in water is not addressed in the Old Testament.

from the new testament

The New Testament presents baptism as an essential act of obedience and identification with Christ. Jesus commanded His followers to baptize those who believe (Matthew 28:19), and the early church viewed it as the public marker of repentance and new life in Him (Acts 2:41). Baptism symbolizes cleansing from sin, union with Christ’s death and resurrection, and belonging to His people (Romans 6:3–4; Colossians 2:12).
Immersion appears to have been the ordinary form of baptism in the New Testament. John baptized where there was “much water” (John 3:23), and Philip and the Ethiopian went down into the water together (Acts 8:36–39). Immersion best portrays the believer’s identification with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, showing outwardly what has already occurred inwardly through faith.
Still, baptism itself does not bring salvation. Scripture teaches that a person is saved by grace through faith, not by any physical act (Ephesians 2:8–9). The thief on the cross was promised paradise without baptism (Luke 23:43), and Cornelius received the Holy Spirit before his baptism (Acts 10:44–48). These examples show that while baptism is the expected step of obedience, it is not the basis of salvation.

implications for today

If you long to be baptized but are unable because of illness, disability, or age, take heart—God sees your desire to obey Him. Baptism is an essential act of obedience, but it does not save you nor make you a better Christian. Salvation comes through faith in Christ alone. Baptism is an outward act to declare what has already taken place within: that you have been united with Jesus in His death and resurrection and now belong to Him.

Your inability to be immersed does not make your faith incomplete or less genuine. What matters most is a heart that trusts and obeys. The Lord honors your willingness and understands your limitations. Speak with your pastors to seek a wise and appropriate way to still give a public testimony of your salvation and commitment to Christ.

Keep walking faithfully with the Lord each day, trusting His grace and seeking to honor Him in every way you can. Though you may not be able to experience baptism as others do, you can still live out the reality it represents—a life surrendered to Christ and committed to following Him. God’s grace is sufficient, and He will strengthen you to persevere in faith until the day you see Him face to face.

understand

Baptism is commanded but not required for salvation.
Faith in Christ, not the act of baptism, saves.
Churches can adapt baptism when immersion isn’t possible.

reflect

How do you view the purpose of baptism?
How are you publicly expressing your commitment to Christ?
How does knowing that salvation depends on faith, not the act of baptism, affect your confidence in God’s grace?

engage

How can we honor baptism for members who cannot be immersed?
What examples from Scripture show that God’s grace and salvation are not limited by ritual or physical acts?
How might understanding baptism as an outward declaration rather than a requirement change our approach to discipleship and faith practice?