What is baptism?
Quick Answer
Baptism is the Christian rite of water immersion or application, symbolizing union with Christ in His death and resurrection, cleansing from sin, and public identification with Him.
Understanding Baptism
Baptism (from Greek 'baptizo,' meaning to immerse or dip) is the initiation rite of Christianity, commanded by Christ and practiced by the church since its beginning. Water baptism symbolizes several spiritual realities: union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection; washing away of sins; reception of the Holy Spirit; and incorporation into the body of Christ, the church. Baptism is an outward sign of inward grace - it does not save but pictures the salvation already received through faith. It is an act of obedience to Christ's command and a public declaration of faith. Christians differ on the mode (immersion, pouring, sprinkling) and subjects (believers only, or including infants), but all recognize baptism's importance as Jesus commanded it.
In the Old Testament
Baptism has Old Testament precedents though the practice itself is new. The creation account shows the Spirit hovering over waters (Genesis 1:2). Noah's flood is called a type of baptism (1 Peter 3:20-21). Israel's Red Sea crossing was 'baptism into Moses' (1 Corinthians 10:2). Ritual washings were common in the Law. Prophets called for inward cleansing (Isaiah 1:16, Ezekiel 36:25). By Jesus' time, Jewish proselyte baptism welcomed Gentile converts. John the Baptist's ministry of baptism prepared for Jesus, signifying repentance.
In the New Testament
Jesus was baptized by John to 'fulfill all righteousness' (Matthew 3:15), receiving the Spirit's anointing and the Father's approval. He commanded baptism as part of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). The book of Acts shows baptism as the immediate response to faith - the Ethiopian eunuch, Cornelius, Lydia, and the Philippian jailer were all baptized promptly after believing. Paul's theology of baptism emphasizes union with Christ in death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). The early church understood baptism as essential to Christian initiation, though never as the cause of salvation.
Key Scripture References
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
Read full commentary →Romans 6:3-4“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
Read full commentary →Acts 2:38“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Read full commentary →Galatians 3:27“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
Read full commentary →1 Peter 3:21“The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
Read full commentary →Colossians 2:12“Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”
Read full commentary →Related Concepts
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