Christian baptism is an important ritual in the Christian faith that symbolizes a believer’s death to sin and new life in Christ. Baptism is commanded by Jesus in the Great Commission, where he tells his disciples to “go 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). Here are some key aspects of Christian baptism and its theological significance:
Baptism as an act of obedience
Jesus set the example by being baptized himself, even though he was without sin. When Jesus was baptized, God the Father said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Jesus was not baptized for repentance of sins, but to “fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15) and model obedience to the Father’s will. Therefore, baptism is a way for believers to publicly declare their submission to Christ and obedience to his command. It is the appeal of a good conscience to God (1 Peter 3:21).
Baptism as a public declaration of faith
Baptism is the way new believers publicly declare their faith in Jesus Christ. It marks the beginning of their new life as followers of Jesus. In the book of Acts, when people believed in the message of salvation, they were immediately baptized as a public expression of their newfound faith (Acts 2:41, 8:12). Their baptism openly identified them with the community of believers and with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Baptism and forgiveness of sins
Baptism is closely linked to the forgiveness of sins and spiritual cleansing. When Peter called the crowd at Pentecost to repentance, he told them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Baptism doesn’t automatically obtain forgiveness, but repentance and faith in Christ open the door for sins to be washed away by his blood when a person is baptized.
Baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit
Baptism was also associated with receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit in the early church. People who believed the gospel would be baptized and receive the Holy Spirit soon afterward as a sign of their salvation (Acts 2:38, 8:12-17, 10:44-48). The indwelling Spirit begins the lifelong process of transformation into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Baptism and union with Christ
Baptism is an outward expression of the inward spiritual rebirth and renewal that happened when a person repented of sin and put their faith in Jesus Christ. It represents a believer’s union with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12). Going under the water symbolizes dying and being buried with Christ, while coming out of the water pictures being raised to new life.
Baptism by water and the Spirit
The baptism commanded by Jesus involves both water and the Spirit. John the Baptist said that while he baptized with water, Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8). Baptism by water symbolically cleanses believers, and baptism by the Spirit regenerates them and unites them to Christ. The two go hand in hand.
Baptism and incorporation into the church
Baptism also serves to publicly incorporate new believers into the universal church and local church fellowship. In the early church, baptism was the line of demarcation between the church and the world. The communal nature of baptism underscores that it unites Christians not just with Christ but also to one another (1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27-28).
Infant vs. believer’s baptism
There is disagreement among Christians about whether infant baptism or believer’s baptism is the biblical model. Those who practice infant baptism do so based on the covenant relationship between God and his people, pointing to verses like Acts 2:39. But others see baptism in the New Testament repeatedly linked to repentance and faith, arguing the order should be belief first, then baptism.
The proper mode of baptism
Christians disagree about whether sprinkling, pouring, or immersion is the proper mode of baptism. Supporters of immersion point to the original Greek word baptizo which means “to immerse.” They argue that Jesus and the early disciples baptized by full immersion in water (Matthew 3:16). But others point out that the Greek word has broader connotations, and sprinkling or pouring are acceptable.
Baptism is not absolutely necessary for salvation
While baptism is a biblical command for believers and conveyed rich symbolism in the early church, it is not absolutely necessary for someone to be saved. Salvation comes through repentance of sin and faith alone in Christ and his atoning work on the cross (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9). However, obedience in baptism should follow as an outward sign of the inward repentance and faith.
Baptism has no benefit apart from faith
Baptism has no inherent spiritual benefit apart from personal faith in Christ. It is possible for someone to be baptized without truly believing, but this outward act alone is empty. Peter makes it clear that it is not “the removal of dirt from the body” that saves, but the inward appeal to God through Christ (1 Peter 3:21). Baptism reflects a believer’s faith but does not confer salvation apart from faith.
Baptism is thought to be required for church membership
Many churches teach that baptism is a prerequisite for church membership. Since it is the initiating rite into the Christian life and incorporation into the body of Christ, churches often require baptism for individuals to become formal members of a local congregation. However, views differ on whether lack of baptism should bar participation in the Lord’s Supper.
Rebaptism is controversial
There is no consensus among Christians on whether rebaptism is recommended for those who have strayed from faith and returned, or for those who were baptized before having a personal relationship with Christ. Some traditions rebaptize, equating it to a renewed public profession of faith. Others see baptism as an unrepeatable act. They encourage wayward believers to repent and reaffirm their baptismal vows instead.
In conclusion, baptism is a public declaration of faith and identification with Christ commanded by Jesus for all believers. While views about its precise meaning, mode, and application differ, baptism powerfully symbolizes a believer’s death to sin, new life in Christ, and incorporation into his body. The ritual itself does not save, but it is a step of obedience that should characterize all those who have repented of sin and put their faith in Christ alone for salvation.
