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What Does the Bible Say About Baptism? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Baptism?

Introduction

Baptism is a central rite in the Christian faith that symbolizes the washing away of sins and the new birth in Christ. It has been an integral part of the Christian faith since its inception and is still practiced by many Christians today.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about baptism and its significance for believers.

Baptism is a multi-dimensional concept that carries theological and symbolic implications. It represents a believer’s faith in Jesus Christ and their commitment to follow Him. It is a public declaration of faith that unites believers in the body of Christ.

As such, it is important to understand the meaning and significance of baptism, particularly for those who are considering being baptized or who have recently undergone baptism.

This blog post will provide a comprehensive overview of what the Bible says about baptism. It will examine the definition of baptism, its symbolism, biblical examples of baptism, which should be baptized, how to be baptized, and the relationship between baptism and salvation.

We hope that this blog post will deepen your understanding of the importance of baptism and provide clarity on this fundamental aspect of the Christian faith.

Baptism in the Bible

Definition of Baptism

Baptism is defined as the act of immersing a person in water or sprinkling them with water as a symbol of their identification with Christ and their commitment to follow Him.

The Greek word for baptism, “baptizo,” means to immerse or dip, which suggests that baptism should be done by immersion. The Bible also refers to baptism as a burial with Christ and a resurrection to a new life (Romans 6:4).

Symbolism of Baptism

Baptism is symbolic in several ways. It represents:

Cleansing from sins

Acts 22:16 says, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Baptism represents the washing away of sins and the forgiveness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

Identification with Christ’s death and resurrection

Romans 6:3-4 says, “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Baptism represents the believer’s identification with Christ’s death and resurrection and their new life in Him.

Unity with other believers

1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” Baptism represents the believer’s unity with other believers in the body of Christ.

Public declaration of faith

Matthew 10:32 says, “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.” Baptism is a public declaration of faith and a way for believers to identify publicly with Christ.

Biblical Examples of Baptism

There are several examples of baptism in the Bible, including:

John the Baptist’s baptism of Jesus

Matthew 3:13-17 says,

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?’ But Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’

Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'”

Baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch

Acts 8:26-39 says,

“Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, ‘Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ This is desert. So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning.

And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go near and overtake this chariot.’ So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’

And he said, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?’ And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. The place in the Scripture which he read was this: ‘He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,

So He opened not His mouth. In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.’ So the eunuch answered Philip and said, ‘I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?’

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?’

Then Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.

Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.”

Baptism of Cornelius and his household

Acts 10:44-48 says,

“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.

For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, ‘Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.”

These examples show that baptism was practiced in the early church and that it was a way for believers to publicly declare their faith in Jesus Christ.

Who Should Be Baptized

Baptism is open to all who have put their faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible does not prescribe a specific age for baptism, but it is important that the person being baptized has a personal faith in Christ and understands the significance of the act.

Baptism is also a public declaration of faith, so it is important to be baptized in the context of the church.

How to Be Baptized

Baptism can be done by immersion or by sprinkling, although immersion is the biblical mode of baptism. The most important thing is the meaning behind the act, which is to identify with Christ and declare faith in Him.

Baptism is also a public act that is typically done in the presence of other believers, and it is important to be baptized in the context of the church.

Baptism and Salvation

While baptism is an important step of obedience and faith, it is not a requirement for salvation. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through baptism (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Baptism is a symbol of salvation and an act of obedience, but it does not save a person. It is important to remember that our salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Conclusion

Baptism is a significant rite in the Christian faith that represents the washing away of sins and the new birth in Christ. It is a public declaration of faith, a symbol of identification with Christ, and a way for believers to unite with one another.

The Bible provides several examples of baptism, and while the method of baptism is not as important as the meaning behind the act, immersion is the biblical mode of baptism.

It is important to remember that while baptism is an essential step of obedience and faith, it is not a requirement for salvation. Our salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and baptism is a symbol of that salvation.

It is important for Christians to consider being baptized as a public declaration of faith and a way to identify with Christ. Baptism can be an incredibly meaningful experience that deepens our faith and brings us closer to God. However, it is also important to remember that baptism does not save us.

Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and our relationship with Him is what truly matters.

In conclusion, we encourage all believers to follow through with baptism as a step of obedience and faith and to recognize its significance in the Christian faith. We also encourage those who have not yet put their faith in Jesus Christ to consider doing so and to experience the new life that comes through faith in Him.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.