Should I get baptized? What does baptism mean?
You’ve given your life to Jesus, or you’re close. Someone mentioned baptism, and you’re wondering what it is, whether you need it, and if you’re ready.
Yes. If you have put your faith in Jesus, you should be baptized. Jesus commanded it: “Go 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). Our doctrine is that water baptism is for believers, by going all the way under the water, and it is an act of obedience that shows on the outside what Jesus has already done on the inside. Going under pictures your old life buried with Christ; coming up pictures your new life raised with Him (Romans 6:4). Baptism doesn’t save you by itself; faith in Jesus does. But a believer who knows Jesus commanded it shouldn’t wait.
Ready, or close? We’ll walk with you. Take the first step →
“Look, here is water!”
An official from Ethiopia was riding home in his chariot, reading Isaiah, when Philip ran up beside him and explained that the passage was about Jesus. As they traveled, they came to some water, and the man said, “Look, here is water! What is there to prevent me from being baptized?” He ordered the chariot to stop, they both went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. Then he went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:26–39). He didn’t wait for a special Sunday. He believed, and he was baptized that day.
What baptism means
In plain words: baptism is like a wedding ring. The ring doesn’t make you married; your vows do. But the ring shows the world you belong to someone. Baptism shows the world you belong to Jesus. “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).
Who should be baptized
People who have repented and believed. In the book of Acts, people were baptized after they believed (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 16:31–33). That is why we dedicate babies to the Lord and baptize them later, when they choose to follow Jesus for themselves.
How to know you’re ready
Have you turned from your sin and put your trust in Jesus? Do you want to follow Him for the rest of your life? Then you’re ready. You don’t have to be perfect or know the whole Bible. Talk to your pastor and set a date.
What the Bible says
- 01
Jesus’ command.
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 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, even to the end of the age.””
Matthew 28:18–20 - 02
Buried and raised.
“Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.”
Romans 6:3–4 - 03
Repent and be baptized.
“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off—to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.” With many other words he testified, and he urged them, “Be saved from this corrupt generation.” Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day.”
Acts 2:38–41 - 04
Here is water.
“Then Philip began with this very Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road and came to some water, the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is there to prevent me from being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, but went on his way rejoicing.”
Acts 8:35–39 - 05
Jesus was baptized.
“At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” “Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him. As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!””
Matthew 3:13–17 - 06
Clothed with Christ.
“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
Galatians 3:26–27
Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.
If you’ve believed but haven’t been baptized, tell a pastor this week that you’re ready.
Common questions
Can you be saved without being baptized?
Yes. The thief on the cross was saved without it (Luke 23:43). But every believer who can be baptized should be, because Jesus commanded it.
I was baptized as a baby. Do I need to be baptized again?
Baptism in the Bible follows a person’s own faith. If you were baptized before you believed, being baptized now as a believer is the biblical pattern.
Do I have to be baptized in a church?
No. The Ethiopian was baptized on the side of the road. Any water deep enough to go under works.
Take your first step with us.
If you prayed today, or you’re close, Become will walk with you: your first days with Jesus, step by step, with people praying for you.