Baptism is an important step of obedience and public declaration of faith for believers in Jesus Christ. However, there may be times when a person desires to be baptized but is unable to due to circumstances outside of their control. What does the Bible say about situations like these? Here is an overview of biblical principles to consider.
The Importance and Meaning of Baptism
According to Scripture, baptism is an act of obedience to Jesus’ command (Matthew 28:19-20) and signifies our faith and new life in Christ. It represents Christ’s burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4) and our identification and unity with Him. Baptism also marks one’s entrance into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). Therefore, baptism holds great spiritual significance.
The Bible connects baptism to salvation, not as a prerequisite to be saved, but as an act of obedient faith and public declaration of belief. Mark 16:16 says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” Acts 2:38 exhorts, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” 1 Peter 3:21 states, “Baptism…now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
So baptism is a step of faith and obedience for believers to take seriously. However, the thief on the cross next to Jesus demonstrates that baptism is not absolutely necessary for salvation (Luke 23:39-43). The thief was promised salvation though he was not baptized.
If Baptism is Delayed or Prevented
Despite baptism’s importance, Scripture shows that the spiritual condition of a person’s heart before God is what ultimately matters. Jesus taught that people must be born again of the Spirit (John 3:5-8). When the Holy Spirit indwells a repentant heart, transformation takes place that leads to obedience, including baptism. But sometimes baptism is delayed or prevented by circumstances outside a person’s control.
In the early church, there were instances where people believed the gospel and received the Holy Spirit, but were not immediately baptized in water. In Acts 10, Cornelius and his household believed and received the Spirit prior to baptism. They were only baptized later when Peter realized even Gentiles were being saved. In Acts 8, Philip preached Christ to the Samaritans, who believed and were baptized later when the apostles came to them.
What about those who want to be baptized but face obstacles? They may be confined to a hospital, imprisoned, physically unable to be immersed, or living in a country where public baptism is illegal. If the desire is present but circumstances prevent baptism, Christians can take comfort in God’s mercy and grace to save those who sincerely call upon Him (Romans 10:13). God sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
A Desire for Obedience is Key
The crucial factor is a heart attitude of desiring to obey Christ, rather than knowingly rejecting baptism. For those who long to be baptized but cannot, their desire to follow the Lord in baptism is what matters most. They demonstrate true saving faith and love for Christ.
In dire situations, God makes allowances for exceptions. But this does not diminish baptism’s importance. Those who must wait should prayerfully seek removal of obstacles preventing their baptism. And when possible, they should indeed be baptized. Acts 8:36-38 shows how the Ethiopian eunuch desired baptism immediately after believing.
Additionally, one should examine if obstacles are truly insurmountable. In places banning public baptism, secret baptisms can be held. For those with disabilities, modes like sprinkling or pouring can suffice where immersion is difficult. But for cases where baptism is genuinely impossible, God honors the intention of the heart.
Examples of Delayed Baptism in the Bible
Scripture records several examples of delayed or repeated baptism that illustrate God’s grace concerning unusual situations:
- The Ethiopian Eunuch – He believed and was baptized immediately when the opportunity arose (Acts 8:36-38).
- Cornelius’ Household – They received the Spirit prior to water baptism which came later (Acts 10:44-48).
- Lydia – She and her household were baptized after she believed (Acts 16:14-15).
- The Philippian Jailer – He and his family were baptized the same night they believed (Acts 16:33).
- Crispus & Household – Baptized after believing the preaching of Paul (Acts 18:8).
- Disciples of John – They were baptized again into Christ after John’s baptism (Acts 19:1-5).
These examples demonstrate God’s acceptance of those who respond in faith to the light they have received at the time. What matters most is a trusting and repentant heart before Him.
Faith and Repentance Precede Baptism
The biblical sequence is clear – saving faith and repentance must precede water baptism. Baptism follows conversion rather than causing it. Mark 1:15 shows Jesus preached repentance first. Acts 2:38 instructs repentance prior to baptism. Repentance and faith come first, then baptism follows.
Therefore, a desire for baptism helps confirm true faith and repentance. But delay or prevention does not negate salvation if someone has sincerely repented and believed. While baptism should indeed follow conversion as soon as possible, exceptions exist where God grants mercy when circumstances prohibit baptism.
God Judges the Heart
Ultimately, only God can see the heart and judge a person’s spiritual state. 1 Samuel 16:7 states, “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Jesus also said, “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already” (John 3:18).
Therefore, while believers should obey Christ’s command to be baptized, their heart is what God really examines. Faith and repentance are what ultimately lead to salvation – not the physical act of baptism. If one deeply desires baptism but forces outside their control prevent it, God in His grace accepts their faith and intention to obey.
Preaching Christ is Imperative
The most urgent priority is preaching the gospel so people have the opportunity to believe in Christ as Savior. Baptism follows faith in Him. Acts 8:35 says Philip “preached Jesus” to the Ethiopian before baptizing him. Romans 10:14 asks: “How shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard?”
So while Christians should encourage new believers to follow the Lord in baptism, the essential message is Christ Himself. Baptism has great significance, but the gospel must come first. Thankfully, God cares most about the heart surrendered to Him in faith.
Practical Steps if Baptism is Delayed
Here are some practical suggestions if someone desires baptism but cannot be baptized immediately:
- Pray and seek the Lord’s wisdom and timing for removal of obstacles preventing baptism.
- Study Scripture on baptism to grow in understanding of its biblical importance.
- Publicly share your faith in Christ and desire to be baptized when possible.
- Be encouraged knowing God sees your heart and desire to obey Him.
- Ask other believers to pray you will soon have the opportunity to be baptized.
- Rejoice that God has granted you saving faith in Christ as Savior.
- Wait expectantly and prepare your heart to take this important step of obedience.
Conclusion
In summary, baptism is a vital step of obedience and public confession of faith that should follow conversion to Christ. When baptism is delayed or prevented by circumstances, God’s grace and understanding apply to those who sincerely long to be baptized. He ultimately cares most about the spiritual condition of one’s repentant heart and faith in Jesus as Savior. Believers unable to be baptized can find comfort knowing God sees their desire to obey Him and follow Him in baptism when the opportunity arises.
