If you are new to Christianity, you may be wondering:
What is baptism?
Is baptism necessary for salvation?
Why did the apostles baptize in Jesus’ name?
Does baptism forgive sins?
This page explains baptism exactly as the apostles taught it in the New Testament.
The word baptize comes from the Greek word baptizō, meaning:
to immerse, submerge, or dip completely under water.
Biblical baptism was not sprinkling or pouring. It was full immersion.
John the Baptist chose places with “much water” for baptism: John 3:23
Jesus Himself was baptized and came up “out of the water”: Matthew 3:16
Biblical baptism = full immersion in water.
After the death and resurrection of Jesus, the apostles preached repentance and forgiveness of sins.
Jesus said repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name: Luke 24:47
When people asked what they should do, Peter gave a direct answer:
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” Acts 2:38
This was the first Christian sermon. Baptism was part of the response to the gospel.
According to the apostles, baptism is connected to:
Paul explains that baptism is like being buried with Christ and raised into new life.
It is not just symbolic. It is a faith response that joins you to Christ’s death and resurrection.
The Book of Acts shows a consistent pattern:
In water
By immersion
In the name of Jesus Christ
Examples:
The apostles always invoked the name of Jesus in baptism.
Peter wrote:
“Baptism now saves you…” 1 Peter 3:21
He clarifies that it is not about washing dirt from the body, but an appeal to God from a clean conscience through Jesus Christ.
The apostles did not treat baptism as optional tradition.
They treated it as obedience to the gospel.
In the New Testament, those baptized were:
People who believed the message
People who repented
People who chose to follow Jesus
“They that gladly received his word were baptized.” Acts 2:41
Baptism followed belief and repentance.
The apostles taught that salvation is found in Jesus’ name.
“There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
Because of this, they were baptized in His name.
Apostolic baptism is immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, following the teaching of the apostles in the Book of Acts.
The apostles connected baptism to remission of sins, salvation, and union with Christ (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21; Romans 6:3–4).
If you were not baptized by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ, Acts 19:1–5 shows that believers were rebaptized according to the apostolic pattern.
Biblical baptism is:
Full immersion in water
In the name of Jesus Christ
For the forgiveness of sins
A response of repentance and faith
Participation in Christ’s death and resurrection
This is the pattern taught and practiced by the early church.
If you would like to:
Learn more about baptism
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