What is Baptism?

Baptism is the immersion of a person into water with the intention to follow Jesus’ example.

In Matthew 3, Jesus chose to get baptized before starting His ministry here on Earth. When we make that same choice, we’re living how Jesus lived. Later, in Matthew 28, Jesus told His followers to go and baptize others. As we get baptized into Jesus, and baptize others, Jesus’ message of love spreads around the world.

Baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace or change. It is a visible ritual that represents to the world, both in heaven and on earth, our spiritual commitment. An individual proclaims their faithfulness by receiving forgiveness of one’s sins and committing to following Jesus Christ.

Baptism is defined in the Strong’s Concordance 907, 908, 909.

• Baptized    907 baptízō – properly, “submerge” (Souter); hence, baptize, to immerse (literally, “dip under”). 907 (baptízō) implies submersion (“immersion”), in contrast to 472/antexomai (“sprinkle”).
• Baptism    Cognate: 908 báptisma – baptism (note the –ma suffix, emphasizing it is a result, i.e. of sincere repentance.) 908 (báptisma) indicates submerging (dipping, immersion).
• Baptism    909 βαπτισμός (baptismos) — Baptism, washing
• Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb βαπτίζω (baptízō), meaning “to dip, immerse, or submerge.”

Study 15: Baptism

Matthew 28:19-20

Jesus gave his disciples the commandment to baptize others in the name of the Father, YHWH, in the name of the Son, Jesus (Yeshua), and the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:12, 36-38

Men and women (not children) who understand the scriptures and the commitment can be baptized; understanding that Jesus is the SON of God.

1 Corinthians 12:11-13 (NLT)

People who get baptized into Jesus Christ, whether they are Jews or Gentiles, become united with the same Spirit.

Romans 6:1-6

Through baptism, we partake of Jesus’ life and death, we become dead to sin and alive to new life in Jesus Christ.

Colossians 2:10-13

We have a spiritual circumcision of the flesh and heart through baptism into Jesus and his resurrection, and have faith in God who raised Him.

Hebrew 10:22

Having been baptized, draw near to God with a sincere heart and full faith, knowing that God has forgiven your sins.

1 Peter 3:21

Through baptism there is forgiveness of sins, and clearing of conscience toward God, and we then through faith become a footstep follower of Jesus the Christ.

Ephesians 4:1-6

We are united through the one true baptism, and believe in the one true God, YHWH, and His Son Jesus, so let’s live a life worthy of the calling we have received.

Acts 22:16

Why wait to receive the gift of baptism that cleanses your sins and shows that you follow Jesus Christ and God’s commandments?

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