Baptism is the first step of obedience after you place your faith in Jesus. It is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ and testimony about how He has changed you. But what does the Bible say about baptism, and why is it so important?
What is Baptism?
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It symbolizes Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection and how believers cross from death to life when they place their faith in Him. When we are baptized, we publicly declare that we have trusted Jesus Christ for our salvation and are committed to following Him.
Baptism is…
- A response to receiving the gospel and making Christ your Lord and Savior.
- A reminder of the unity you have with other Christians.
- A picture of being immersed in Christ and fully covered in Him.
- A way to glorify God and tell others about Him.
- A sign of the covenant you are in with Jesus.
Baptism does not save us, but it is a beautiful picture of how we are made new in Christ, born again of the Spirit, and have passed from death to life. Bible verses about baptism and how we are saved shed light on the what and why of baptism.
Examples of Baptism in the Bible
The Bible provides numerous examples that highlight the significance of baptism:
- Jesus’ baptism
“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.’”—Matthew 3:16-17
Jesus, though sinless, was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. This act marked the beginning of His public ministry and set an example for all believers to follow.
- John’s preaching
“John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”—Mark 1:4 (emphasis added)
John the Baptist preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Bible verses about baptism reveal that it signifies repentance from sin and a new life in Jesus.
- The Great Commission
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”—Matthew 28:19
Jesus commanded His disciples to baptize new believers, emphasizing baptism as an act of obedience.
- The Day of Pentecost
“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”—Acts 2:38
After Peter’s sermon, about 3,000 people were baptized, demonstrating the immediate response of new believers to the powerful message of the gospel.
- The Ethiopian Eunuch
“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?’”—Acts 8:36
In Acts 8, Philip encounters an Ethiopian official who, after hearing the gospel, immediately requests to be baptized. This story highlights the urgency and importance of baptism following belief in Christ.
- Paul’s baptism
“Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.”—Acts 9:18
After his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul was left blind for three days. When he regained his sight through a miraculous healing, he was immediately baptized and began preaching about Jesus. Paul’s story reminds us of Jesus’ power to redeem us and use us to further His kingdom.
- Cornelius and his household
“‘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.”—Acts 10:47-48
When Peter preached to Cornelius and his household, they received the Holy Spirit and were baptized, showing that baptism follows the receiving of the Holy Spirit.
- Lydia’s baptism
“Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.”—Acts 16:14
Lydia and her household were baptized after she responded to Paul’s message. Her family was changed because she received the gospel message and publicly declared her faith in Christ.
- The Philippian Jailer
“And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.”—Acts 16:33
When an earthquake opened the prison doors holding Paul and Silas, the Philippian Jailer realized that they served a powerful God. He asked them what he must do to be saved, and after believing in the Lord Jesus, he and his household were baptized.
- The Corinthian church
“Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.”—Acts 18:8
Many Corinthians who heard Paul believed in Jesus and were baptized. The believers in the city united to declare their faith in Jesus through baptism publicly.
These Bible verses about baptism give us the “what” behind it. They show that baptism is an occasion for joy and celebration. But why should believers be baptized, and when are they ready to get baptized?
Who Should Get Baptized?
Baptism is for anyone who has made a personal decision to follow Jesus Christ. It is an essential step of obedience and a public declaration of one’s faith. According to Acts 2:41, those who accepted Peter’s message were baptized, illustrating that baptism is for all who committed their lives to Jesus.
Why Should You Get Baptized?
Baptism is a command from Jesus Christ. In Matthew 28:19-20, He instructs His disciples to baptize new believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Baptism symbolizes the washing away of sins and the new life we have in Christ (Romans 6:4). It signifies our unity with Jesus’ death and resurrection, marking a believer’s transformation and commitment to living a Christ-centered life.
The Takeaway About Baptism
Baptism is a profound declaration of faith and obedience to Jesus Christ. Whether you are new to Christianity or have been a believer for a while, this event provides a meaningful opportunity to publicly declare your faith through baptism. Bible verses about baptism demonstrate that it is vital to our spiritual growth as believers.
Are you ready to take the next step in your faith? Sign up for baptism at Revival Weekend. Don’t miss this chance to publicly profess your faith and celebrate this significant milestone with our church family. For more information and to sign up, visit our Revival Weekend page. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!