What Is Baptism?

If you have recently come to faith, you may be asking, what is baptism and is it for me? Baptism is one of the first steps a new believer takes, and it carries deep meaning. This page explains what baptism is, what it pictures, and how to approach it with joy rather than worry.

A picture of the gospel

Baptism uses water to tell the story of the gospel. Going into the water pictures dying to our old life, and coming up pictures rising to new life in Christ. Paul writes, "we are buried with him by baptism into death... even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). It is a vivid, physical sign of an inward reality: you have been forgiven, washed, and made new through faith in Jesus.

A step of obedience and witness

Jesus commanded baptism when He told His followers to make disciples, "baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). In the book of Acts, people who believed were baptized soon after, as a public declaration of their faith (Acts 2:41). Baptism does not earn salvation, which comes by grace through faith, but it joyfully announces to others that you now belong to Jesus.

How baptism is practiced

Christians baptize in different ways, some by immersion, others by pouring or sprinkling, and churches differ on the age at which it is done. These differences are real, yet the shared meaning is clear across the church: baptism marks a person's union with Christ and entry into His people. If you are wondering about your own baptism, a good next step is to talk with a local church.

Ready to take the step

Baptism is meant to be celebrated within a community of believers. PraiseHim Club can help you find a church home and connect with others who will rejoice with you as you follow Jesus in this beautiful first step.