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What is Baptism?

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<span id=hs_cos_wrapper_name class=hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_text style= data-hs-cos-general-type=meta_field data-hs-cos-type=text >What is Baptism?</span>

What is Baptism?

Christians practice baptism, a Greek word that means to go into water. When a person believed in Jesus in the New Testament, the person would be baptized in front of other people to show he or she was a follower of Jesus. Over time, different churches have chosen to baptize in different ways. However, the first person to baptize people in the New Testament was John the Baptist (His story is found in  John 1:1-51). His name shows that he was known for baptizing people who believed his message about the coming Messiah (Jesus). He would baptize people in the Jordan River where there was a lot of water. The Bible teaches that baptism is very important:
  • Jesus was baptized as an example for us (Matthew 3:13-17)
  • The disciples of Jesus were baptized (John 3:22)
  • Jesus commanded his disciples to baptize other people who believed in Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20)
  • Other people who believed in Jesus in the early church were baptized (Acts 2:41)
Baptism is important, but baptism does not make a person a Christian. A person becomes a Christian by believing in Jesus by faith ( Ephesians 2:8-9). Baptism is called a “the pledge of a clear conscience toward God” ( 1 Peter 3:21). It is a symbol or commitment to show other people we believe in Jesus. Should you be baptized? If you have not already been baptized in water since you have believed in Jesus, it is important to do so. Usually, a pastor or other church leader will oversee baptism, but this is not required in the Bible. You can talk with another Christian or church leader near you for more information or contact us with questions you have about baptism. We would also love to know about your baptism and rejoice with you.

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Dr. Dillon Burroughs
Dr. Dillon Burroughs

Dillon Burroughs has earned degrees from Indiana State University (BA) and Dallas Theological Seminary (ThM). He has written several books including Comparing Christianity with World Religions and Comparing Christianity with the Cults. His writings have also appeared in The new York Times and the Washington Post.

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