What is Christian baptism?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Christian baptism is a symbolic act of obedience in which a believer publicly declares faith in Jesus Christ and is immersed in water to represent Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12). Though baptism is not required for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9), it is a meaningful step that reflects inner spiritual cleansing and new life in Christ. The only biblical requirements for baptism are saving faith in Jesus and an understanding of what baptism means—age, timing, and setting are flexible (Acts 8:34-38). Baptism is ultimately a joyful and public way to say, “I belong to Jesus,” and to follow His command (Matthew 28:19).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Baptism as a formal ceremony is not explicitly mentioned in the Old Testament the way it appears in the New Testament, but there are several precursors or foreshadowings that connect directly to New Testament baptism. For example, Old Testament ceremonial washings by immersion symbolized purification, anticipating the spiritual cleansing signified in New Testament baptism (Leviticus 15:13; Numbers 19:7-13).
• God’s promise to sprinkle clean water pointed to inner spiritual renewal, which baptism outwardly represents in Christ (Ezekiel 36:25).
• Israel’s passage through the sea prefigures baptism as a transition from bondage to new life (Exodus 14; see 1 Corinthians 10:1-2).
• Naaman’s healing through washing in the Jordan foreshadows the cleansing power of faith expressed in baptism (2 Kings 5:10-14).
• The flood symbolized judgment and salvation through water, just as baptism now symbolizes salvation through Christ’s resurrection (Genesis 6-9; see 1 Peter 3:20-21).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Christian baptism is a voluntary ceremony whereby a person publicly declares he or she has come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12).
• Christian baptism is performed by dipping the believer under water and lifting him or her up again, symbolically representing the believer's acceptance of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection for their sins (Colossians 2:12).
• Paul explained the symbolism of baptism in Romans 6:3-4: "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, 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."
• Baptism doesn't save; it isn't required for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5).
• Although some denominations require a believer to be baptized before they can participate in church ministries or government, it is not biblically required (1 Corinthians 1:17; Galatians 2:16).
• Christian baptism is, however, an act of obedience. As Jesus was baptized in obedience (Matthew 3:15), so we should be as well.
• Baptism is also part of the great commission: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).
• Publicly confessing one's faith, whether by word (Romans 10:9-10) or action (Acts 2:38), while not required for salvation, is a way of acknowledging the Father and a sign of a saving faith (Matthew 10:32-33).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Baptism is a powerful way for a Christian to say, “I belong to Jesus.” While it doesn’t save us, it’s a step of obedience that reflects what has already happened in our hearts: the cleansing of our sins and our commitment to follow Christ. The only requirement for baptism is that we have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. As long as the person understands what baptism means, the Bible does not add any requirements, such as age, length of time someone has been a believer, or classes taken prior to baptism. We step into the water to show we’ve left our old life behind and entered into a new one with Jesus. Whether you're baptized in a church, a lake, or even a backyard pool, it’s a public testimony that says, “I’ve been made new.” What matters is the heart behind the act—a willing, joyful declaration that one now walks with Christ. Baptism matters because it honors Jesus’ command, connects us with His death and resurrection, and boldly proclaims that our life now belongs to Him.

UNDERSTAND

• Baptism publicly declares faith in Jesus.
• Baptism symbolizes new life but doesn’t save.
• Saving faith is the only requirement for baptism.

REFLECT

• Have you been baptized as a public declaration of your faith in Jesus, and if not, what’s holding you back?
• How does remembering your baptism (or considering it) encourage you to walk in newness of life today?
• How does your life reflect the surrender and cleansing that baptism symbolizes?

ENGAGE

• Why is baptism such a powerful and public expression of our faith?
• What Old and New Testament images of baptism stand out most to you, and why do they matter today?
• How does understanding that baptism doesn’t save, but is an act of obedience, change the way we view the ceremony?