What Is Baptism? Why Christians Get Baptized

Published 2026-11-05

Christian baptism is a washing with water, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that marks a person as belonging to Jesus. Going under the water pictures dying and being buried with Christ; coming up pictures rising to new life with Him. Jesus commanded it, the first Christians practised it from day one, and churches around the world still do it today.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

Matthew 28:19–20

What baptism means

The word comes from the Greek baptizo, to dip or immerse. Paul explains what the water is saying: "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (Romans 6:3–4). Baptism pictures several truths at once:

• Union with Jesus: His death, burial and resurrection become yours (Colossians 2:12).
• Cleansing: sins washed away by Jesus' sacrifice (Acts 22:16).
• A new identity: "all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ" (Galatians 3:27).
• A new family: baptism joins you to the body of Christ, the church (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Why get baptized?

• Jesus commanded it. It's part of the Great Commission itself (Matthew 28:19). See what the Great Commission is.
• Jesus did it. He was baptized by John in the Jordan, "to fulfil all righteousness," and the Father spoke His approval (Matthew 3:13–17).
• The first believers did it right away. On the day of Pentecost Peter told the crowd, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38–41), and about three thousand were baptized that day.
• It's a public declaration. Baptism tells your family, friends and church: I belong to Jesus now.

Does baptism save you?

The New Testament ties baptism closely to salvation; Peter says baptism "now saves you also" and immediately explains: "not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:21). The power is in Jesus, not the water.

Salvation is a gift of grace received through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). The thief on the cross was promised paradise without being baptized (Luke 23:42–43). But in the New Testament, believing and being baptized go together; it's the normal, expected first step of obedience for anyone who has repented and trusted Jesus. Delaying it for no good reason isn't the pattern Scripture gives.

What Christians agree and differ on

Followers of Jesus across traditions agree that baptism was commanded by Jesus, is done with water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and marks entry into the life of the church. Sincere Christians differ on some questions:

• Who should be baptized: many churches baptize believers who can confess their own faith, following the pattern in Acts; others also baptize the infants of believing parents, pointing to whole households baptized together (Acts 16:31–34).
• How: full immersion, pouring, or sprinkling. Immersion matches the word's meaning and the burial picture of Romans 6; other traditions see pouring as also fitting the cleansing picture.
• What it does: whether baptism is mainly a sign and declaration, or also a means through which God gives grace.

These questions matter, and it's worth talking them through with a pastor at a Bible-believing local church. They shouldn't stop anyone from obeying Jesus' command.

Baptism in the Bible: real people, real water

• The Ethiopian official heard the Gospel on a desert road, saw water and asked, "Why shouldn't I be baptized?" He went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:35–39).
• Paul was baptized days after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:17–19).
• Lydia and her household were baptized after the Lord opened her heart by a riverside prayer meeting (Acts 16:13–15).
• The Philippian jailer and his family were baptized in the middle of the night, the same night they believed (Acts 16:29–34).

Notice how often baptism happened quickly and outdoors, wherever there was water. Many churches still hold baptisms in lakes, rivers and pools, and they're some of the most joyful moments in church life. At Jesus Festival Hamilton in September 2026, more than 50 people were baptized in a tank set up in the middle of Gage Park (read the 2026 impact report).

How to get baptized

• Make sure you've put your trust in Jesus. If you're not sure, start with what the Gospel is and what it means to be born again.
• Talk to a local church. Ask a pastor about baptism; most churches have a simple class or conversation to prepare you.
• Prepare to share your story. Many churches invite you to say a few words about how you came to Jesus. Here's how to write your testimony.
• Invite people. Baptism is a declaration; let family and friends see it, including those who don't yet know Jesus.
• Keep going. Baptism is a beginning, not a finish line. Jesus said to baptize and teach: get into Scripture, prayer and a community of believers (how to grow closer to God).