Baptism is arguably one of the most misunderstood subjects found in the Bible. The act of baptism was instructed by the Lord Jesus Himself in Matthew 28:19. From this, we learn that it is a command to be obeyed by those who have made the conscious decision to trust the Lord Jesus and follow Him. In Romans 6, we learn the theology upon which the act of baptism is founded. This brief article is a simple explanation of the act of baptism and its deeper meaning.
Practically
Baptism takes place in a body of water—there is nothing special about the water itself (Acts 8:36). This isn’t “holy water” (a concept not found in Scripture); any ordinary body of water will do. The act involves full immersion: the person is lowered completely under the water and then brought back up. This outward action symbolises something that has already taken place inwardly. Baptism does not wash away sins, nor does it bring salvation. Rather, it is a public declaration that the individual has already been saved and had their sins cleansed at the moment they placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour (Acts 2:41).
Pictorially
Baptism is also a powerful picture of the work of Christ. As the person is lowered into the water, it represents Jesus’ death on the cross and His burial in the tomb. Rising up out of the water symbolises His resurrection from the dead. In this way, baptism visually proclaims the work of Jesus Christ that saved the individual—the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Personally
Baptism also reflects a deeply personal truth: the believer’s identification with Christ. Spiritually, the one who trusts in Jesus has died with Him—set free from the power and penalty of sin. And just as Christ rose from the dead, the believer now walks in “newness of life” (Romans 6:4). This personal union with Christ is beautifully expressed by the Apostle Paul when he wrote “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20). Baptism, then, is not just a symbol of what Christ has done—it’s a declaration of who we are in Him.
In summary, baptism is a simple act with profound significance. It is an act of obedience, a vivid picture of Christ’s saving work, and a personal declaration of the believer’s new identity in Him. While it does not save, it boldly testifies to a salvation already received—a life transformed by faith in Jesus Christ.