“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
This command was given by Jesus after His resurrection.
He told His followers to baptize people as part of making new disciples.
This shows that baptism is part of the Christian faith from the very beginning.
In the Bible, baptism is not just a tradition.
It is an act of obedience to God and a sign of a new life in Jesus.
The Bible speaks about baptism in both the Old and New Testaments, but its full meaning is found in the New Testament.
What Is Baptism?
Baptism is the act of being dipped or immersed in water.
The word “baptize” comes from the Greek word baptizo, which means “to immerse” or “to wash.”
In the New Testament, baptism is a picture of dying to sin and rising to a new life in Jesus.
It shows that a person has turned away from their old way of life and has chosen to follow Christ.
Baptism is not a way to earn salvation.
It is a public sign of what has already happened in the heart.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
Why Did Jesus Get Baptized?
Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.
Even though Jesus had no sin, He chose to be baptized.
He did this to fulfill all righteousness and to set an example for us.
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.” (Matthew 3:13)
John did not want to baptize Jesus at first.
But Jesus said it was the right thing to do.
“And Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’” (Matthew 3:15)
When Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened, and the Spirit of God came down like a dove.
A voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
This shows that God the Father approved of Jesus’ baptism.
Who Should Be Baptized?
The Bible teaches that those who believe in Jesus should be baptized.
Baptism always comes after faith in Christ.
It is for people who have heard the gospel and accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior.
“Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” (Acts 2:41)
In this verse, people heard Peter preach about Jesus and then chose to be baptized.
This shows that baptism is for those who can believe and respond to the message.
How Is Baptism Done?
In the Bible, baptism is done by full immersion in water.
Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River, and many others were baptized in rivers or places with much water.
“And when He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water.” (Matthew 3:16)
Philip baptized the Ethiopian man in a place where there was enough water.
“So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.” (Acts 8:38)
This method shows the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
It is a powerful picture of leaving the old life behind and starting fresh with Christ.
What Does Baptism Mean for a Christian?
Baptism shows that a person belongs to Jesus.
It is a symbol of being united with Him in His death and resurrection.
It also marks the beginning of a new life of faith.
“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead… even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
It reminds us that our sins have been washed away and we now live for God.
Baptism also connects us with the family of believers.
“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.” (1 Corinthians 12:13)