Water Baptism: What It Is & What It Isn't

Water Baptism in the New Testament is an essential part of the new convert's life and is an instruction of Jesus to new disciples as seen in Matthew 28:19. Water Baptism, while important, needs to be understood in the context of its purpose. Unfortunately, some have erred in making water baptism a requirement for salvation. We must always be careful of false teachings that tie anything other than faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior for the means of being saved. This is liken to the error of those Jews in Acts 15 that tried to make circumcision along with faith in Christ necessary for salvation. There are things we do because we are saved that are not the things we must do to be saved. We are water baptized after salvation has occurred in our lives, not for salvation to occur. The breakdown below offers some biblical clarity to show both what water baptism is and what it is not.

There are many water rituals and baptisms throughout the Old & New Testament; thus, in this course, when we speak of water baptism, we are talking about the baptism that is in the authority of Jesus. This is the baptism of immersion seen throughout the New Testament of believers who placed their faith in Jesus and thus, symbolically in union with Christ, were baptized in his death, burial, and resurrection.

1. Water Baptism is a Public Declaration, Not a Means of Salvation

Water baptism is a symbolic act that publicly declares a believer's faith in Jesus Christ. It is an outward sign of an inward change, showing that one has been united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. In fact, throughout the New Testament, we see that water baptism is only given to those who have made a profession of faith in Christ because baptism is the symbol of the beginning of the Christian life.

"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... we too may live a new life." —Romans 6:4

However, this act does not save a person. Salvation comes through faith alone."For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." —Ephesians 2:8–9

2. Baptism Follows Salvation, It Doesn’t Precede or Cause It

Baptism is a step of obedience taken after one has placed their faith in Christ. It is a response to salvation, not a requirement for it. Scriptures that express water baptism are preceded by the teaching and preaching of Christ and belief by the hearers. The example of Cornelius and his household is so important because it PROVES that salvation was had before they were ever water baptized, seeing as they believed and received the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.

"Those who accepted his message were baptized..." —Acts 2:41, Note that belief comes first."Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already..." —John 3:18

Then Peter responded, “Can anyone withhold water and prevent these people from being baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” —Acts 10:47

3. Baptism Reflects a Good Conscience Toward God

The apostle Peter clarifies that the power of baptism lies not in the physical act but in the spiritual reality it represents.

"...not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." —1 Peter 3:21 This verse does not teach that the water saves, but that the believer’s appeal to God through faith—rooted in Christ’s resurrection—is what saves.

4. Salvation is Through Belief in Christ, Not Rituals

Jesus consistently pointed to belief—not baptism—as the key to eternal life. To add something outside of faith alone in Christ alone is to suggest another means for justification. Theologian Wayne Grudem states, "Paul would have opposed the idea that baptism is necessary for salvation just as strongly as he opposed the similar idea that circumcision was necessary for salvation" (Systematic Theology, pg. 1212).

"Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life." —John 6:47. If baptism were required for salvation, it would contradict the clear message of justification by faith. The Bible never declares that we are justified by water baptism, but it does declare that we are justified by faith in Christ (Galatians 2:16, Romans 3:28, Romans 5:1,

Summary Statement:

Water baptism is an important act of obedience and public testimony, but it does not bring about salvation. Saying that water baptism is necessary for obedience to Christ is not the same as saying water baptism is necessary for salvation. Christ tells us we should always pray, we should obey this, but this doesn't therefore mean we are or are not saved if we don't always pray. We always need to obey Christ, but the Bible declares we are only saved by the gracious gift of God. The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by any work or ritual, including baptism. Baptism demonstrates a believer’s identification with Christ, but it is the heart’s belief and confession of Jesus as Lord that brings salvation (Romans 10:9-10). We must pray for those who believe and those who are taught that water baptism is a necessity for salvation.