Baptism is the full immersion of a believer into water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an outward confession of inward faith in Christ and a significant first act of obedience.
The Role of the Church
When talking about the role of the church, it is important to understand where its cues come from. Who is the church? How would you describe it? What is its purpose? The Bible gives foundational descriptions of what the church is and what it is called to do. Specifically, one of its key responsibilities is to take part in two ceremonial ordinances as a gathered body of believers: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These two practices are to be carried out in the context of the church, a gathering of followers of Jesus in covenant with one another, as a means of publicly displaying faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. To understand baptism, it is helpful to answer a few key questions.
Why Do We Observe Baptism?
In short, Jesus commanded it. In some of His last words to His disciples before ascending to the Father, Jesus said that part of making disciples is “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:18–20). By His authority, Jesus made it clear that part of making disciples involves practicing this outward expression of faith through baptism.
Where Did Baptism Come From?
The first examples of baptism by water are found in the Old Testament. In Leviticus 8, Moses brings Aaron and his sons, the first priests, to be washed with water as a way to set them apart for service to God. Jesus also acknowledged these practices during His earthly ministry.
For example, in John 9:7, Jesus instructs a man to wash in the Pool of Siloam as a symbol of cleansing and transformation. Throughout Scripture, water baptism symbolizes identification with God, repentance of sin, and being set apart as His follower.
The Meaning and Significance of Baptism
Baptism represents repentance and new life. God calls His people to repentance, and baptism represents His invitation to turn from sin, trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, and receive the Holy Spirit, restoring relationship with God.
It is also a confession of faith. Baptism proclaims that a person has recognized his need for Christ and has received Him as Lord and Savior. It is a public testimony of a transformed life.
Baptism symbolizes cleansing from sin. Being fully immersed in water symbolizes that Christ has cleansed the believer from sin through His blood (1 John 1:7).
It also symbolizes the newness of life. Just as Jesus was buried and raised to life, baptism represents a believer’s death to sin and resurrection into new life in Christ (Romans 6:4).
Finally, baptism identifies a believer with the church. Entering the waters of baptism signifies belonging to Christ and to His people, both locally and globally. It is a public affirmation of shared faith and a commitment to grow in Christlikeness alongside other believers.
How Baptism Can Be Abused?
While baptism is a celebration of faith, it can also be misunderstood or misused. It can be abused when it is refused. If someone has professed faith in Christ but refuses baptism, it raises questions about obedience to Christ’s command to publicly declare faith in Him.
It can be abused when it is rushed. Baptism should not occur before a person understands its meaning or before he can distinguish the physical act from the spiritual reality of salvation.
It can be abused when it is reduced. Baptism should never be taken lightly. It is a sacred act connected to a person’s decision to follow Jesus and must be approached with sincerity.
It can be abused when it is redefined. The New Testament presents baptism as immersion following personal faith in Christ, and its definition today should remain consistent with that biblical model.
It can be abused when it is restricted. Baptism should never be denied to a repentant, born-again believer. Every follower of Jesus has the privilege and responsibility to publicly profess faith through baptism.
What Baptism Does
Baptism functions as a proclamation of the gospel. When someone enters the waters of baptism, that act proclaims the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross and its personal implications. It is a visual sermon declaring that Christ has saved, cleansed, and made new those who trust in Him. Baptism does not save, but it powerfully points to the One who does.
