What Does the Bible Say About Baptism?

Baptism is such a beautiful way to show your faith in Jesus!  It’s more than just a ceremony—it’s a way to celebrate your relationship with Him and share that joy with others.  This guide will help you understand what the Bible says about baptism and how it’s practiced.

 

Why Should I Be Baptized?

We get baptized because Jesus asked us to.  He said:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”—Matthew 28:19–20 (MSB)

These are Jesus’ last instructions before He returned to heaven, called the Great Commission.  Notice the flow: we go, share the gospel, make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to follow Jesus.  Baptism is an important part of that journey—it’s our way of following His command.

 

What Does Baptism Mean?

If we could sum up baptism in one word, it would be identification.  When you are baptized, you’re saying:



“I’ve turned from my old life and I’m starting a new life in Jesus.”


“I identify with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.”


“I belong to the family of believers.”



As you go under the water, you’re symbolizing Jesus’ death and burial. As you come up, you’re celebrating His resurrection—and your own new life in Him!  Baptism is a powerful way to show the gospel without saying a single word.

 

How Should We Be Baptized?

Through history, people have practiced sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. The Bible shows that the word baptize (Greek: baptizō) primarily means “to dip, plunge, or immerse.”

The New Testament shows:



Baptism requires water (Matthew 3:11).


Baptism involves going down into the water and coming back up (Acts 8:30; Matthew 3:16).



The early church also practiced immersion.  At Grace Community Bible Church Utsunomiya, we follow this pattern because immersion best symbolizes fully identifying with Jesus.

 

How Important Is Baptism?

Baptism doesn’t save you—faith in Jesus does:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one may boast.”—Ephesians 2:8–9 (MSB)

But baptism is your public celebration of faith. It’s a joyful way to show the world that you’ve left your old life behind and started a brand-new life in Christ.

 

What About Infant Baptism?

Baptism always comes after faith. The Bible shows us:



Those who believed were baptized (Acts 8:12).


Personal belief comes before baptism (Acts 10:43–48).



Infant baptism isn’t found in the New Testament because children need to understand and choose to follow Christ themselves.

 

Quick Answers to Common Questions

How old should children be before baptism?
Old enough to understand faith and make a personal decision.

​

When should baptism happen?
As soon as someone understands it represents identifying with Jesus and wants to obey Him.

​

What about those who were baptized as infants or by sprinkling (pouring water over the head)?

According to the Scriptures, after a person accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, they need to be baptized by immersion (believer's baptism), where the entire body is submerged in water.

​

How can parents prepare children for baptism?



Talk with them about Jesus and faith.


Let them watch a baptism.


Ask a pastor to explain it.


Have them share why they want to be baptized.


Celebrate the occasion with friends and family.​



 

What happens at a baptism service?
It’s usually informal: prayer, singing, a short teaching about baptism, a public profession of faith, and then immersion. Afterwards, there’s often a time of thanksgiving and celebration!

​

What should I bring?
A change of clothes, towel, toiletries, and a bag for wet items.

​

Baptism is a joyful, meaningful celebration of your faith—so invite friends and family and share the happiness!

​

Final Note:

​We believe that Christ commanded two ordinances for His Church: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These are meaningful acts of obedience that testify to the believer’s faith.
We do not believe these ordinances are sacraments that produce or contribute to salvation. Grace is received as an unmerited gift from God, not as a result of baptism or communion.