Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
What the Bible Says About Baptism
Baptism is one of the two ordinances Jesus commanded for His church, alongside the Lord's Supper. In the Great Commission, Jesus instructed His disciples to go into all nations, making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. From the earliest days of the church, baptism was the immediate response to faith in Christ. At Pentecost, three thousand people were baptized the same day they believed.
Romans 6:4 reveals the profound symbolism of baptism. Going under the water represents burial with Christ, dying to the old life of sin. Coming up out of the water represents resurrection with Christ, rising to walk in newness of life. Baptism is a physical picture of a spiritual reality: the believer has been united with Christ in His death and resurrection, and the old person they used to be has been crucified with Him.
The Bible presents baptism as a public act of obedience and identification. It is not a private spiritual exercise but a visible declaration before witnesses that a person has placed their faith in Jesus Christ. In the early church, baptism often carried significant social cost, as it publicly identified someone as a follower of Christ. Today, baptism continues to serve as a bold public testimony of faith.
While Christians have different views on the precise mode and meaning of baptism, Scripture is clear that baptism is an important act of obedience for every believer. Peter clarifies in 1 Peter 3:21 that the power of baptism is not in the water itself but in the appeal of a good conscience toward God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism does not save in itself, but it is the expected response of one who has been saved by faith.
Key Bible Verses
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
— Matthew 28:19
“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 6:4
“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 2:38
“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:”
— 1 Peter 3:21
Practical Application
- If you have trusted Christ as your Savior but have not been baptized, take this step of obedience and arrange your baptism with your local church.
- If you have been baptized, remember what it signified and live daily in the reality of your new life in Christ.
- Share the story of your baptism with others as part of your testimony, explaining what it meant to you and why you chose to follow Christ publicly.
- Attend and celebrate the baptisms of others in your church community, encouraging new believers in their public step of faith.
Family Discussion & Activity
Discussion Questions
- ? What does going under the water and coming back up represent in baptism?
- ? Why do you think Jesus commanded His followers to be baptized?
- ? What makes baptism a public declaration, and why does that matter?
- ? If you have been baptized, what do you remember about that day and what it meant to you?
Family Activity
This week, look for examples of baptism in your daily lives. Share one example at dinner each night and talk about how the Bible's teachings on baptism can guide your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is baptism required for salvation?
The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), and examples like the thief on the cross who was saved without baptism (Luke 23:43) confirm this. However, baptism is a commanded act of obedience for every believer (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38). It is the expected response to salvation, even though it is not the cause of salvation.
Should infants be baptized?
Christians hold different views on this. Some traditions practice infant baptism as a sign of the covenant, similar to circumcision in the Old Testament. Others practice believer's baptism only, noting that every example of baptism in the New Testament follows a personal profession of faith. Both traditions agree that baptism is important and meaningful.
What is the proper mode of baptism?
The Greek word baptizo means to immerse or dip, which has led many Christians to practice full immersion as the biblical mode. Others practice sprinkling or pouring and point to various historical and practical considerations. Romans 6:4 describes baptism as a burial and resurrection, which most naturally pictures immersion. Different Christian traditions have respectful disagreements on this point.
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