There are a lot of questions that people have surrounding baptism. Should infants be baptized? What about spiritual formation and next steps? Breaking this down into four questions, let’s look at what the Bible says.
What is baptism?
The Greek word is “baptizo” which means to dip, to immerse, to submerge. Baptism is called a sacrament or an ordinance but those are manmade terms—not used in the New Testament. Some churches practice sprinkling and infant baptism, but those practices are not found in Scripture. They are more like what we call Baby Dedication.
In fact, in the Bible we see Joseph and Mary dedicating Jesus to God in Luke 2:22–40, but Jesus was baptized as an adult in Matthew 3:16–17. At Liberty, we provide opportunities for child dedication and believer’s baptism.
Baptism is not optional. It is a command of Christ.
Baptism is an act of obedience. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” (Mt. 28:18-19).
Who should be baptized?
The Bible says that those who repent should be baptized (see Mark 1:4 and Acts 2:38). Why do we need to repent? Because we’ve all sinned. The 10 Commandments were given to show us our need for a Savior—not to save us, but to point us to Jesus.
James 1 says the law is like a mirror. It shows us what needs to be cleaned, but it cannot clean us. Repentance and belief must come before baptism (Mark 16:16, Acts 8:12, Acts 18:8).
Why should you be baptized?
We are baptized to follow Jesus’ example. After Jesus was baptized, a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). If you want to please God, you will be baptized.
Baptism is the wedding ring of the Christian life, it’s an outward sign of an inward change.
Jesus was baptized not because He needed forgiveness, but to identify with us. When we are baptized, we identify with Him. It’s a way to mark a changed life (Romans 6:3–4) and to publicly declare our faith (Matthew 10:32).
When should you be baptized?
Immediately after you repent and believe. Acts 2 says, “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:41).
Baptism doesn’t save you, but it is a response to salvation. Just like the thief on the cross was promised paradise without baptism, we know it’s Jesus alone who saves. Baptism is a symbol, a testimony, and a step of obedience. It does not make you a member of a church, but it does declare your identity with Christ.
Have you been baptized since deciding to follow Jesus?
If you’re ready to take this next step in your faith, we’d love to celebrate with you! You can sign up to be baptized here.
If you’re planning a visit, we’d also love to meet you! Head to libertylive.church/visit to plan your visit.
