What Is Baptism? The Public Sign and Witness of a Believer

What Baptism Is

Baptism is a sacred practice that Jesus himself instituted and gave to the church. It is a visible sign performed with water that declares a person has believed in Jesus Christ and belongs to him. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus commanded 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). From the very day the church was born, all who believed the gospel were baptized (Acts 2:41).

What Baptism Symbolizes

Baptism is a living picture that paints the heart of the gospel before our eyes. Paul writes, "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... we too might walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:3-4). Going down into the water pictures dying and being buried with Christ, so that the old self is brought to an end. Rising up out of the water pictures being raised with Christ into a new life. At the same time, the water symbolizes washing, the forgiveness of sins and the cleansing of the heart (Acts 22:16).

Baptism and Salvation

It is important to be clear that baptism itself does not save anyone. Salvation is "by grace... through faith" (Ephesians 2:8), through trusting Jesus alone. The thief crucified beside Jesus had no opportunity to be baptized, yet Jesus promised him, "Today you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43). This shows that baptism is not a condition for being saved, but a sign by which an already-saved person obeys the Lord and publicly confesses their faith. Baptism is like a wedding ring: the ring does not make a person married, but it is the genuine mark of the marriage covenant.

Who Should Be Baptized

In Scripture, those who were baptized were people who had already believed the gospel and were willing to repent and turn to Christ. Peter said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38). As soon as the Ethiopian official believed, he asked to be baptized right away (Acts 8:36-38). Baptism is therefore a sincere response of faith, the moment a person publicly declares before God and others, "I belong to Christ."

The Meaning and Encouragement of Baptism

Many believers describe their baptism as an unforgettable moment. It does not make them more saved, yet it brings deep assurance and joy, because they have confessed the Lord before others, and the Lord himself promised, "everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32). Baptism also formally joins you to the body of Christ, the family of the church, so that you can grow together in the love and support of fellow believers.

If you already believe in Jesus but have not yet been baptized, speak with a pastor at your church and take this step of obedience. If you are still seeking and getting to know this Savior, the best place to begin is by reading God's word for yourself. Download the free BiblePro app and use its multiple translations, audio Scripture, AI verse search, and reading plans to study the book of Acts and Romans 6, and let God's word lead you to know and follow Christ.