Baptism in the Bible

Baptism is the public sign of faith: it is the visible identification of the believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Scripture does not present it as a mere ritual, but as a response of obedience to the gospel and as the symbol of the new life received in Jesus Christ. The one who goes down into the water proclaims that they have left the old life behind to begin a new one. The apostle Paul gives its deepest meaning: "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). Baptism thus tells the gospel in images: the descent pictures the death and burial of the old self, and the rising again pictures resurrection to a new life. It does not save by itself, but it proclaims the faith that lays hold of salvation. Baptism is also an act of obedience commanded by the risen Lord. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus commanded: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). To be baptized is therefore to respond to an explicit command of Christ and to enter publicly into the community of his people. These verses explain baptism as a step of faith and a testimony of belonging to Christ. It symbolizes the washing away of sin and marks the commitment to "walk in newness of life." Far from being a formality, it is a joyful confession before the church and before the world.