Understanding Water Baptism

Water baptism is a significant Christian practice symbolizing the believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. It represents the believer’s union with Christ in a spiritual reality. The immersion in water illustrates the believer’s death to sin, burial of old habits, and resurrection to a new life in Christ. Only immersion appropriately symbolizes death, burial, and resurrection, maintaining the accurate picture of the reality that baptism signifies. Therefore, baptism cannot mean sprinkling, pouring, or dabbing water on someone’s head.

The New Testament provides deep insights into baptism’s meaning and history. It traces back to proselyte baptism in Judaism, where Gentiles were inducted into Judaism through circumcision, immersion, and animal sacrifice. John the Baptist continued this practice, baptizing people as a visible symbol of their repentance and turning from sin. Although sinless, Jesus was baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness and symbolize His death, burial, and resurrection. After His resurrection, Jesus commanded His disciples to baptize believers as a step in making disciples.

The early church practiced baptism as a public declaration of faith and obedience to Christ. It was a bold step, often involving significant risks such as alienation from society and potential persecution. Only genuine believers were willing to undergo it, making baptism proof of genuine repentance and salvation.

Water baptism is closely associated with salvation as an immediate and inseparable indicator of genuine repentance and faith. While baptism itself does not save, it demonstrates obedience and a public declaration of one’s faith in Christ. The example of the thief on the cross shows that baptism is not a requirement for salvation. However, reluctance to be baptized may indicate a lack of genuine repentance and faith. Baptism is a commandment of Christ that believers are called to obey, carrying blessings for those who willingly and obediently partake in it.

Are you a Christian? Have you been baptized?