The believer’s baptism is a gift from God and a call to obedience. It does not stand alone, but is inextricably linked to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Baptism is not a human invention or a religious celebration, but an act that springs from Jesus« own word and example. After his resurrection, Jesus said to his disciples: »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). Here we see that baptism is linked to becoming a disciple – with faith, following and a new life in Christ.
The Bible teaches us that baptism is an outward expression of an inward reality. It is linked to repentance and faith. When Peter preached on the day of Pentecost and people were touched to the heart, he said: «Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit» (Acts 2:38). Baptism is therefore not a means of becoming worthy of God, but a response to God’s grace. It follows faith, as the Gospel of Mark says: «He who believes and is baptized will be saved» (Mark 16:16). Faith comes first; baptism confesses and confirms this faith.
In baptism, the believer identifies with the death and resurrection of Jesus. The apostle Paul explains this profoundly and clearly: «Or do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried with him by baptism into death. So that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life» (Romans 6:3–4). When we are immersed in water, it testifies that the old life has been put behind us. When we are raised up again, it testifies to a new life in Christ. Baptism proclaims the gospel, not only with words, but with our whole body.
The Bible repeatedly shows us that those who are baptized are people who have heard the gospel and accepted it in faith. In the Acts of the Apostles we read: «But when they believed Philip preaching the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. And Simon himself believed also; and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, being astonished at the signs and mighty works which he saw.» (Acts 8:12-13) And of the Ethiopian eunuch it is written: «As they went along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, «Look, here is water; what hinders me from being baptized?» Philip answered, «If you believe with all your heart, you may.» And he said, «I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.»» And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch: and Philip baptized him” (Acts 8:36–38). Baptism follows personal faith and confession. That is why the Bible speaks of baptism as believer’s baptism.
Scripture teaches us that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. «For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast» (Ephesians 2:8–9). Baptism is not the basis of salvation, but it is a natural part of a life surrendered to Christ. At the same time, baptism is more than a symbol. The Bible associates promises with baptism, not because the water itself has power, but because God acts through his word and his Spirit. Peter writes: «Baptism, which is an antitype, now saves you, not the removal of dirt from the body, but the appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ» (1 Peter 3:21). Baptism is an act of surrender to God and a confession of trust in the work of Jesus.
Regarding the issue of infant baptism, we see that the Bible does not give an example of children being baptized independently of personal faith. Baptism in the New Testament is always linked to repentance, faith, and obedience. Jesus says: «He who believes in the Son has eternal life» (John 3:36), and again we see the sequence of faith and baptism in the apostles« preaching. At the same time, the Bible shows great concern for children. Jesus says: »Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14). Children are loved by God and are under his grace, but baptism is described as a confession and obedience that springs from personal faith.
In practical terms, baptism is simple and dignified. In the Bible, it is performed wherever there is water, often by rivers, ponds, or other natural places. John baptized in the Jordan (Matthew 3:13), and the early Christians baptized wherever possible. Baptism is performed in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus himself commanded (Matthew 28:19). The person being baptized is immersed in water and then raised up again, a clear picture of death and resurrection with Christ. Baptism is often performed in community with other believers, as a witness to the church and the world.
In baptism, something emotionally strong does not always happen, but something real does happen. God has linked his promise to the path of obedience. The baptized person can rest in the knowledge that he or she belongs to Christ. Paul writes: «For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ» (Galatians 3:27). Baptism marks a new ownership and a new position. The baptized person publicly confesses: I belong to Jesus.
The believer's baptism points forward to a life of discipleship. It is not the end, but the beginning of the journey. Jesus says, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). Baptism is a yes to this life. A life in which we grow in faith, learn to know the word of God, fall and get up again, and live in the grace that carries us.
Finally, it is good to remind each other of this: Baptism does not save us because we are strong, but because Jesus is faithful. When we doubt, we can look back at baptism and say: God, I have surrendered myself to you. You have accepted me. «If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself» (2 Timothy 2:13). The believer’s baptism is therefore not primarily a testimony of our strength, but of God’s grace, God’s truth, and God’s saving work in Jesus Christ.
