Baptism is one of the two acts Jesus entrusted to his church: "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them" (Matthew 28:19). In the New Testament it always follows faith: one believes, then is plunged into water — the image of dying and rising with Christ (Romans 6:4).
Baptism does not save by water but commits publicly: it is "the answer of a good conscience toward God" (1 Peter 3:21), the visible declaration of an invisible decision. If you have believed and are not baptized, it is the next step — the Ethiopian of Acts 8 asked the right question: "what is keeping me from being baptized?"
Bible verses about baptism
« Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, »
« Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. »
« We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. »
« He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned. »
« As they went on the way, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Behold, here is water. What is keeping me from being baptized?” »
« For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. »
« having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. »
« This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you—not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, »
Frequently asked questions about baptism
Is baptism necessary to be saved?
Salvation comes by faith in Christ — the thief on the cross was never baptized. But baptism is the believer's first act of obedience, so tied to faith in the New Testament that the two were never separated.
Why be baptized as an adult if I was baptized as a baby?
In the New Testament, baptism follows a personal, conscious faith. Many choose to be baptized after their conversion to take for themselves the step others once took for them.
How does a baptism happen?
The Greek word baptizo means "to immerse": the person publicly confesses their faith and is immersed in water, picturing death and resurrection with Christ (Romans 6:4). It is a celebration — often the best service of the year.