Baptism: a public response of faith in Christ

Baptism is not an empty gesture or a social ceremony. In the Bible, it expresses faith in Christ, repentance, and entrance into a new life. The baptized person publicly declares that he or she belongs to the Savior.

This decision does not buy salvation. Baptism responds to grace already received. It makes visible a surrender that God is already working in the heart.

Death to sin, life with Christ

The biblical symbolism of baptism points to death and resurrection. Going down into the waters represents leaving the old life behind; coming out of them points to a new walk in Christ.

For that reason, baptism should not be treated with haste or superficiality. It involves teaching, faith, repentance, and conscious decision.

Commitment to Christ and to the community

Baptism also relates the Christian to the church. Faith is personal, but not isolated. Those who unite themselves to Christ are also called to live in fellowship, service, and mission.

This community dimension protects baptism from becoming only an individual milestone. It points to a life of discipleship.

Keep studying

The study The Bible Teaches includes the subject of baptism and helps explain this decision within the whole Christian walk.