Baptism is one of the oldest and most visible practices in Christianity. For many believers it’s a moment of joy and public commitment; for others it raises difficult questions about timing, mode (immersion vs. sprinkling), and whether it’s required for salvation. This article looks at the biblical reasons Christians have baptized one another, the different theological positions, and a practical recommendation for a believer today.

What baptism means in the New Testament

Baptism in the New Testament carries several overlapping meanings:

• Obedience to Christ’s command. Jesus commissions his followers to make disciples and to baptize them, which locates baptism within the mission and authority of Christ: “baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
• Union with Christ (death, burial, resurrection). The New Testament uses baptism as the symbolic language of being joined with Christ in his death and raised to new life, a picture of inner transformation. Paul speaks of being “buried with Him through baptism into death…” (Romans 6:4 phrase: “buried with Him through baptism into death.”) That imagery explains why baptism often follows conversion: it pictures what God has done inwardly.
• A public profession and entry into the Christian community. In Acts, baptism is frequently the public rite that accompanies a person’s turning to God and marks incorporation into the believing community.
• A sign tied to repentance and the gift of the Spirit. In the Jerusalem sermon, Peter calls for repentance and baptism together as part of the response to the gospel (Acts 2); the New Testament links repentance, faith, baptism, and reception of the Spirit in varied ways.
• An act associated with faith and salvation in some passages. For example, Jesus says concerning belief and baptism, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved…” (Mark 16:16). And in a distinctive saying to Nicodemus he links birth of “water and the Spirit” with entry into God’s kingdom: “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)

These passages show baptism is rich in meaning, symbolic of inward realities, commanded by Christ, and in Scripture often put very near to repentance, faith, and the Spirit.

Different theological conclusions people draw

Because the New Testament connects faith, repentance, baptism, and the Spirit, Christians have developed different emphases about what baptism does:

1. Baptism as essential to salvation (baptismal regeneration). Some traditions read passages like Mark 16:16 and John 3:5 as teaching that baptism is a necessary part of becoming a Christian. For them baptism is not mere symbol but the means by which God effects cleansing and incorporation.
2. Baptism as necessary obedience but not the cause of salvation. Other traditions (many in historic Protestantism) hold that salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9): faith receives the gift of salvation, and baptism is the obedient sign and seal of that faith, important and commanded, but not the instrument that saves.
3. Baptism as an identifying sign for the community (including infant baptism debates). Churches differ about infant baptism versus believer’s baptism. Those practicing infant baptism see it as the new covenant sign replacing circumcision (bringing children into the covenant community), whereas believers’ baptism traditions argue the New Testament consistently depicts baptism following personal faith and repentance.

All positions seek to stay faithful to the biblical data; they simply weigh the implications of different passages differently.

Practical answers — what should a Christian do?

If you are a person who has trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior, here are practical reasons to be baptized:

• Obedience to Christ. Jesus commanded baptism for disciples. Obedience is a primary reason to baptize.
• Public testimony. Baptism visibly proclaims your union with Christ and your belonging to his people.
• Participation in the biblical pattern. The New Testament consistently links belief and baptism as parts of a believer’s response.
• Spiritual formation. The baptismal imagery (death to sin, newness of life) helps shape Christian identity and discipleship.

If you struggle with the question “Is it absolutely required?” be honest: Christians disagree. Some read the Bible as requiring baptism for salvation; others see it as indispensable evidence and obedience but not the instrument of justification. Either way, refusing baptism while claiming discipleship to Christ makes your practice out of step with the clear New Testament pattern of following Jesus’ commands.

Common concerns

• “I’m nervous about public visibility.” That’s normal. Churches often provide pastoral care and explain what happens so you can be at peace.
• “I was baptized as a child — should I be baptized again?” That depends on what your church teaches about infant baptism and whether your infant baptism was intended as a sign of covenant membership. Many churches accept one sacramental baptism; others encourage a believer’s baptism as a public profession when one personally trusts Christ.
• “Which mode — immersion, pouring, sprinkling?” Different traditions argue from historical and biblical evidence for different modes. The core point is the meaning: identification with Christ. Many churches practice immersion to emphasize burial and resurrection imagery; many practice pouring or sprinkling and emphasize continuity with historic worship. Ask local leaders and choose a congregation whose conviction you can embrace.

A brief, balanced recommendation

For most Christians who have placed trust in Christ, the biblical case argues strongly for being baptized: it is commanded, it powerfully depicts union with Christ, and it publicly aligns you with the church’s life and mission. Whether one believes baptism is the means of salvation or a commanded sign of salvation, the practical response for a believer is to submit to baptism as an act of obedience, testimony, and incorporation into Christ’s body.

If you’re ready to take that step, speak with an elder, someone in authority or a mature believer in your church; they can guide you through the theological reasons, the service itself, and what baptism will mean for your life of discipleship.

Short Scripture reminders

• “baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
• “He who believes and is baptized will be saved…” (Mark 16:16)
• “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)
• Baptism pictures union with Christ: “buried with Him through baptism into death.” (Romans 6:4 phrase)

Why I believe in Believer’s Baptism by full immersion?

I believe baptism should follow a person’s conscious repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Throughout the New Testament, baptism consistently comes after belief, not before it. When the gospel was preached, those who responded in faith were baptized as a deliberate act of obedience. For example, in Acts we read that “those who had received his word were baptized” (Acts 2:41). This pattern suggests baptism is intended for those who can personally respond to the gospel.

I also believe full immersion best reflects the biblical meaning of baptism. The language Scripture uses connects baptism with death, burial, and resurrection, realities most clearly pictured by being immersed in water and raised again. Paul writes of believers being “buried with Him through baptism into death” (Romans 6:4). Immersion visually proclaims that the old life has died and a new life has begun in Christ.

Finally, believer’s baptism by immersion preserves the distinction between salvation and its outward sign. I am not baptized in order to be saved, but because I have trusted Christ. Baptism becomes my public confession that I belong to Him, an act of obedience, worship, and witness grounded in faith, not a ritual performed apart from personal belief.