What Is Baptism and Why Does It Matter?

Baptism is one of the foundational ordinances of the New Testament church. It is not just a religious tradition or a ritual for infants as some may suppose, it is a biblical command given by Christ to those who believe in Him. When a new believer is baptized, they are publicly declaring their faith in Jesus Christ and symbolically portraying their spiritual union with Him.

The word ordinance refers to a practice appointed by Christ for the church to observe. According to 1 Corinthians 11:2, Paul praised the church for keeping “the ordinances” just as they were delivered. Baptism, along with the Lord’s Supper, is one of the two ordinances specifically commanded by Jesus to be practiced by the local church.

The Meaning of Baptism

Baptism is a symbolic act that portrays what happens when a person is saved. It pictures the believer’s death to sin, burial of the old life, and resurrection to new life in Christ (Romans 6:3-5). The person being baptized is immersed in water to reflect this spiritual reality. The act does not save them—it shows outwardly what has already taken place inwardly through faith.

The proper mode of baptism is immersion. This was the practice of Jesus Himself (Matthew 3:16) and the early church (Acts 8:38-39). The very word baptize means “to dip” or “to immerse.” Pouring or sprinkling water fails to illustrate the full symbolism of burial and resurrection.

Furthermore, baptism is not meant for babies or the unconverted. In the New Testament, only those who had personally believed the gospel were baptized (Acts 2:41, Acts 8:12, Acts 16:31-33). Baptism follows salvation—it does not precede it. It is an act of obedience, not a means of grace.

Why Baptism Matters

1. Baptism is a Command of Christ
Jesus said in the Great Commission: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). Baptism is not optional for the believer. It is the first step of obedience after placing faith in Jesus. To neglect baptism is to reject one of Christ’s plainest instructions.

2. Baptism Is a Public Testimony
Baptism boldly declares, “I belong to Jesus.” It is the believer’s spiritual “wedding ring,” symbolizing their new identity in Christ and their commitment to Him. Through baptism, Christians openly confess that they have died to their old life and are now walking in newness of life. It is a visible mark of separation from the world and identification with God’s people.

3. Baptism Strengthens the Church
When someone is baptized, they are added to the visible membership of the local church (Acts 2:41). Baptism affirms their place in the body of Christ and signifies that they are ready to grow, serve, and be held accountable in the community of believers. It brings great joy and unity to the church when someone publicly joins the family of faith.

4. Baptism Affirms the Gospel Message
Every baptism preaches the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When believers are immersed in water, they are saying, “Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again.” It is a powerful visual declaration of the gospel. Baptism is not merely symbolic—it is also evangelistic, because it puts the saving work of Christ on display.

Who Should Be Baptized?

Only those who have been born again by trusting in the gospel should be baptized. Baptism is for believers, not infants or those who have not made a personal profession of faith. Throughout the book of Acts, every example of baptism involves people who first heard the Word, believed it, and then were baptized (see Acts 2:41, 8:12, 10:47-48).

The practice of baptizing someone who does not yet believe contradicts the very meaning of the ordinance. A person should be able to articulate their faith in Jesus and understand what baptism represents before going through with it.

When Should a Believer Be Baptized?

As soon as possible after salvation. The pattern in Scripture is that believers were baptized immediately or shortly after believing (Acts 8:36-38; 16:30-33). There is no reason for long delays. Once someone has genuinely trusted Christ and understands what baptism means, they should obey Christ’s command and be baptized.

How Should Baptism Be Practiced?

• By immersion, in water, representing the full death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

• In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as Jesus taught (Matthew 28:19).

• As part of church life, since baptism brings a person into visible fellowship with the local body (Acts 2:41-42).

• With clarity, making sure the person being baptized understands the meaning of the act and has truly believed in Christ.

Final Thoughts

Baptism does not save a person, but it shows that they are saved. It is an act of obedience, a symbol of salvation, and a testimony to others. If you have trusted in Jesus for salvation, your next step is baptism. Don’t delay what Christ has commanded. Declare your faith, follow His example, and walk in obedience today.