Water Baptism
It is well known that water baptism plays a key role in the life of a true believer in Christ Jesus. But what is it that baptism really does? Why is it so important? What forms(s) should it take? Though in many ways water baptism is a basic of the Christian faith, a fair amount of stumbling (spiritually) occurs by the handling of this issue. God wants us simply to understand it, and be at peace.
Water baptism is the first of just two sacraments instructed for the Christian church. Both were instituted directly by our Lord Jesus Christ during His time here in the flesh. The other sacrament is communion; also being called the Lord’s supper.
The importance of water baptism cannot be denied; remember that Jesus Christ, who knew no sin, was baptized to be an example for us. Baptism is symbolic of repentance from sin, dying to yourself, and being resurrected with Christ. Jesus is perfect! To undergo baptism was an incredible act of humility by our Savior. There should never then be a question as to whether or not a believer “needs” to be baptized; we are expected to be as our Lord, and follow His example.
It should be known to all, that baptism is only to take place after the individual has received salvation through the blood of Christ. This event sequence should be obvious to most; without a change of heart, water baptism becomes just another washing of the flesh, without any eternal significance. Look at the following scriptures;
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mark 16:16
We see here that to believe first, and then to be baptized will bring salvation. This verse makes it seem entirely natural for true believers to be baptized—they go hand in hand.
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. Acts 8:36-38
The Ethiopian eunuch knew from Philip’s preaching that he needed to be baptized. He then asked Philip what would keep him from being baptized, and Philip answered that if he (the eunuch) believed with all his heart, he could be baptized. Just like the instruction from Jesus in Mark 16:16! Then comes the great confession of faith from the eunuch, just prior to his water baptism (because of this confession, Acts 8:37 is removed from many new Bible versions).
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:37,38
Peter, fresh from the baptism with the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost, is preaching the same way; that men should “repent and be baptized.” Repentance, or believing in Christ, is an inner choice that we each make individually—then water baptism is the outer testimony of that inward redemption. You can see from this light that the practice of infant baptism is a complete heresy with no scriptural basis. Baptism is an act of one’s own free will, only after that same person has chosen Christ for their Savior; infants are not nearly old enough to make such a choice!
So just how important is water baptism? Is it required for a person’s salvation? We need to look carefully at the words God preserved for us concerning this subject. When we do so, we will find that true salvation happens prior to water baptism; therefore, it is not the act of baptism which saves us. Yet at the same time, it is the first duty response of each new believer to be baptized! Let us now walk through the Word of God, to find what the Lord has shown us about this sacrament.
First, we will find a number of scriptures that clearly emphasize salvation as separate from, and in priority above water baptism. There is no doubt that the principal example most would think of, is that of the thief on the cross next to Jesus. This man, obviously, had no opportunity to be baptized! The Lord is certainly more interested in our heart’s condition than outer appearances (I Samuel 16:7). Yet this passage does not really denounce water baptism. It shows only that real salvation happens apart from baptism, and that the Lord is patiently understanding of our circumstances.
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:39-43
There are, however, still other times when salvation is spoken of without mentioning baptism. The emphasis should really be clear; without the change of heart which is brought by salvation, water baptism is but a meaningless tradition. Listed below are verses which support this truth.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:9-13
Water baptism was an important emphasis from the very beginning of the New Testament. John the Baptist was the messenger sent before the Messiah, he who came in the spirit of Elijah. Jesus makes it clear that John’s ministry marked a turning point in God’s revelation to mankind; this shown in both Matthew 11:13 and Luke 16:16, when Jesus declared that “the law and the prophets were until John.” I underlined the word until for emphasis of the point. Each of the four gospels list John and his ministry, and he is spoken of extensively at other points as well. We find his direct preaching and baptism ministry spoken of in Matthew 3:1-6, Mark 1:3-5, Luke 3:2,3, and John 1:25-34; it is even mentioned in Acts 1:5, though decidedly in the past tense. Not only did John baptize, but it continued on through the ministry of Jesus’ disciples.
When therefore the LORD knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) John 4:1,2
Water baptism was extremely emphasized in the early church. The gospel was initially brought forth promoting the practice of baptism; Jesus’ disciples practiced it under the Lord’s direction, and He also commissioned them to baptize (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16). In the book of Acts, then, we will repeatedly find this practice; the disciples were not “making up” some ritual of a new practice which added (Deuteronomy 4:2) to the law of Moses; they were obeying directives received directly from the Lord God Almighty! Let us look now at the further scriptural truths regarding water baptism;
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; Acts 10:36,37
As Peter is giving the account of Christ’s life and ministry, he states plainly that it began from the baptism which John preached! That seems pretty important to me!
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. Acts 9:17,18
Paul is baptized as part of his conversion.
And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. I Corinthians 1:16
Paul gives an account of baptizing some believers; this was not his main ministry, but the Lord used him that way.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Acts 10:44-48
This account is given of the centurion Cornelius and his group. You’ll note that conversion, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, are imparted before water baptism takes place. The disciples who were with Jesus knew how crucial it was to be baptized; the Lord had directly instructed them to do so! They therefore took care of this duty right away.
When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Acts 13:24
Yet another mention of John the Baptist and his ministry. We know by the accounts that this was repentance, and water baptism.
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us. Acts 16:14,15
Lydia believes on Christ through Paul’s preaching, and is baptized. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…” Paul and the apostles truly loved their Lord; but they still revered Him as God, diligently carrying out His directives.
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. Acts 16:30-33
The jailor and his house believe, and are immediately baptized.
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. Acts 18:24-26
More emphasis on the baptism of John, which is shown as a beginning revelation of Christ. You’ll note that when Aquila and Priscilla spoke to him, it is said that they expounded the way of God more perfectly; in other words, Apollos was on the right track, but needed to grow spiritually.
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 19:3-5
These at Ephesus are referred to as disciples. They are in good standing with God, but need to be illuminated concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. They received Paul’s teaching, and were re-baptized in Christ.
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:3,4
These verses in Romans show us the significance of water baptism. It is symbolically death to our “old man” of sin, and resurrection by the Holy Spirit into the newness of life.
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, Ephesians 4:4,5
Another mention of the importance of water baptism in verse 5; The one hope of our calling is in the one Lord (Jesus), one faith (salvation through Jesus, God’s Son), and one baptism (our identity with Christ symbolically). The baptism with the Holy Spirit is implied in verse 4, by the “one Spirit” that lives in the body (of Christ).
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Colossians 2:12
This is a companion verse to the passage in Romans 6, attesting to baptism as our symbolic unity with Jesus death and resurrection.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Titus 3:5
First God saved us; we were “washed” in regeneration, and “renewed” in the Holy Ghost. Baptism is a needful part of the believer’s life!
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1,2
When looking at these verses alone, one might think we were being told to leave water baptism as a doctrine. But look again, and read carefully—this time beginning with Hebrews 5:12. Remember that the chapter and verse separation wasn’t part of the original manuscript; those were inspired to be added later; to aid us in the location and memorization of scripture. In this passage, it is clear that believers are being urged to “grow up” into maturity in the Christian faith. Baptism is more of a basic doctrine, to be carried out once in the new believer’s life.
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: I Peter 3:18-21
More mention of water baptism, this time through Peter. Baptism is being compared here to those in the ark of Noah’s family; “eight souls saved by water.”
Yet even here, the inner heart condition is shown to be the relevant circumstance; that the water by itself achieves nothing. The importance is noted to be “the answer of a good conscience toward God.”
We can then see that Biblically, water baptism is extremely important. Yet it is still symbolic; an outer confession of our inner change. In my mind, water baptism is to the New Testament what animal sacrifice was to the Old Testament.
God makes it clear in His Word that animal sacrifice was never adequate for removing sin! We do find that the shedding of blood is necessary for the remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22); but because those animal sacrifices were insufficient, they were offered over and over again. So even in the Old Testament, it was really all about God’s grace. Consider the following verses in support of this truth;
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Hebrews 10:4
For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one That prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary. And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people. II Chronicles 30:18-20
And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to enquire of the LORD, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard; Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD. II Chronicles 34:26,27
Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Psalms 40:6
For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalms 51:16,17
When our Lord Jesus came to be the sacrifice lamb in our place, His perfect blood was offered in a one time offering for sin (Hebrews 7:25-27, 9:28, 10:10-12). This is the sacrifice which only Christ could give; therefore water baptism was instituted in its place.
Some try to argue against baptism on the basis of “grace vs. works.” They will try to claim that water baptism is a work, and thus we don’t need it because we are now under grace. Frankly, I think such an attitude is only reflecting who we really are in the flesh; sinfully rebellious individuals! There is nothing within us that naturally wants to serve God on His terms.
The first problem with the previous reasoning arises from a lack of understanding about works vs. grace. When the Bible tells us that “works” won’t save, it is referring to works from the law of Moses (as seen in Romans 3:28). When we are spiritually transformed through salvation, that faith will then produce good works! To attempt to say otherwise is contradictory to Biblical teaching. I will print one key passage, but you can look up the rest of these yourself. See Matthew 25:14-30, John 15:2, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:8.
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. James 2:14-24
The second problem with the “works” argument, is that such an individual is overlooking the continued need for obedience to God. If our God requires something for us, we must then do it! How hard is it to be baptized once in your life? Anyway, the Bible shows us just how important it is…
Remember again the truth of a sinless Christ submitting to water baptism; a rite meant for those repenting of sin! And just consider what Jesus said about it, and listen. When Jesus came to be baptized by John, He was at first refused; John knew that he shouldn’t be baptizing the spotless Lamb of God! Look at this verbal exchange between John and Jesus; bold type is my own, added for emphasis.
Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. Matthew 3:13-15
If Jesus was “fulfilling all righteousness” by being baptized, how can we do less? Remember that “…the servant is not above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord…”—from Matthew 10:24,25.
Friendship with God is not the same as friendship with other men or women. We have to obey this friend! God the Father loves us dearly, but He is still God; He will tell us what He expects from us. Jesus said that we (His disciples) were His friends, “…if ye do whatsoever I command you.”—see John 15:13,14. Water baptism is a sacrament that God expects us to fulfill. It is not salvation of itself, but is a testimony of the grace our Lord has given us. Don’t let anyone tell you that it’s unimportant; our Savior has shown us otherwise!
Finally, some would ask if the method of water baptism is important. That is, some are sprinkled with water, while some may be fully immersed; is one right, and the other wrong?
The Bible never instructs us as to an exact method of baptism. Full immersion is what I would suggest as preferred, because that is the method John the Baptist and Jesus employed. Yet because water baptism is symbolic only, rest assured that God will see your heart in this. When you also consider the baptisms in Acts 10:47 and 16:33, it seems that these were not likely to be full immersion baptisms.
Hopefully this scripture study will help to throw some additional light on the subject of water baptism; always remember that it is God we must obey, according to His Word. As time marches on toward the end, there won’t be much of this practice left.
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31,32
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. John 17:17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. II Timothy 3:16,17
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. II Timothy 4:2-5
WARNING: To avoid Satan’s snares and deceptions, return to the pure Word of God; which is the King James Bible. Revised translations are not small word alterations meant to bring clarity! Major doctrinal changes have occurred, which will tend to bring doubt and destroy your faith. To follow these new “versions” of the truth, is to build your spiritual house upon sand, and become as the ones reflected in Matthew 7:21-23. Please use this entire passage, Matthew 7:21-27.
Satan means to deceive you into sincerely following his alternate “truth.” You are really being set up to fall, and serve the antichrist.
Pray and seek God diligently in this matter; for time is short. See also our Word of God section and the section on A Sure Salvation vs. Eternal Security.