What Baptism Is and Is Not
— A Biblical Examination
Scripture teaches that baptism is a public act of obedience that follows personal repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. It symbolizes the believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. It is not a means of salvation, nor does it cleanse sin apart from faith.
What Baptism Is
1. An Act of Obedience After Salvation
Acts 2:41 (KJV)
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
Baptism follows belief. It is done by those who have received the gospel and responded in faith.
2. A Picture of the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Christ
Romans 6:3–4 (KJV)
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead… even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
Baptism visually represents spiritual truth—death to sin and new life in Christ.
3. A Public Identification With Christ
Galatians 3:27 (KJV)
“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
Baptism openly declares one’s faith and union with Christ.
4. Done By Immersion in Water
Acts 8:38–39 (KJV)
“And they went down both into the water… and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water…”
The biblical mode of baptism is immersion, consistent with the picture of burial and resurrection.
What Baptism Is Not
1. Baptism Is Not a Requirement for Salvation
Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Salvation is by grace through faith—not by works or rituals, including baptism.
Luke 23:42–43 (KJV)
“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
The thief on the cross was never baptized, yet Jesus confirmed his place in paradise.
2 Samuel 12:22–23 (KJV)
“And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept… But now he is dead… I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”
David’s infant son died and was not baptized, yet David expressed confidence that he would be with him again, indicating the child’s presence in heaven.
2. Baptism Does Not Wash Away Sin
1 John 1:7 (KJV)
“The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
Only the blood of Christ cleanses from sin. Baptism is not a cleansing ritual.
3. Baptism Does Not Save Apart From Faith
Mark 16:16 (KJV)
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
The requirement is belief. The absence of faith—not baptism—is what condemns.
4. Baptism Does Not Apply to Infants
Acts 8:37 (KJV)
“And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
Belief must precede baptism. Infants are incapable of understanding or expressing personal faith.
Summary of What Baptism Is and Is Not
| Description | Scripture Reference | Biblical Teaching |
|---|---|---|
| Follows salvation | Acts 2:41 | Baptism comes after receiving the gospel |
| Symbol of death and resurrection | Romans 6:3–4 | Represents union with Christ in His death and resurrection |
| Identification with Christ | Galatians 3:27 | Baptism publicly declares one belongs to Christ |
| Done by immersion | Acts 8:38–39 | Biblical baptism is by immersion in water |
| Not a means of salvation | Ephesians 2:8–9 | Salvation is by grace through faith alone |
| Not required to enter heaven | Luke 23:42–43; 2 Samuel 12:22–23 | The thief and David’s child were not baptized but are in heaven |
| Does not cleanse sin | 1 John 1:7 | Only the blood of Christ cleanses from sin |
| Faith required | Mark 16:16 | Belief is the essential condition |
| Not for infants | Acts 8:37 | Baptism is for those who have personally believed |
Conclusion
Biblical baptism is an outward act of obedience symbolizing an inward transformation. It follows personal faith and repentance, but does not cause salvation. Baptism is not required to enter heaven, as demonstrated by the thief on the cross and the child of David. It does not wash away sin or apply to those who have not believed. According to Scripture, baptism is a testimony—not a transaction—for those who are already saved.