Baptism is the public sign of having become a Christian — a visible confession of faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus commanded it (Matthew 28:19); the early church practiced it (Acts 2:38). This guide explains what baptism is and how to be baptized.
Matthew 28:19 — 'Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.' Acts 2:38 — 'Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.' Romans 6:3-4 — baptism pictures union with Christ in death and resurrection. The New Testament is unanimous: baptism follows belief.
Baptism is for believers. Acts 8:36-37 — Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch after he confessed faith.
Discuss your faith with a pastor. They'll affirm your testimony and schedule baptism.
Be ready to share briefly who you were, how you came to Christ, and who you are now in him.
Baptism is public. Invite those who matter to you. It is a celebration of God's work in you.
In most traditions, baptism is by immersion (Romans 6:3-4 pictures death and resurrection). Some traditions use sprinkling or pouring. Follow your church's practice.
Baptism is the beginning, not the end. Pursue Christ daily. Join the church. Grow in faith.
Baptism is the public sign of becoming a Christian — visible confession of faith in Jesus Christ. The believer is immersed in (or sprinkled with) water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It pictures union with Christ in his death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). Jesus commanded it (Matthew 28:19); the early church practiced it (Acts 2:38).
Christians differ. Most evangelical traditions teach baptism is the sign of salvation, not the cause — salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). The thief on the cross was saved without baptism (Luke 23:43). But baptism is commanded and should follow belief without delay. Some traditions (Catholic, Lutheran) hold a stronger sacramental view.
Christian traditions differ. Reformed/Presbyterian/Catholic/Lutheran/Anglican traditions baptize infants of believers. Baptist/Pentecostal/non-denominational traditions baptize only those who profess personal faith. Both sides cite Scripture. If you were baptized as a baby and have come to personal faith as an adult, talk to a pastor about how your tradition views this.