Baptism by immersion is a practice rooted in the Bible, symbolizing faith and new life in Christ. Today, we’ll learn what Scripture says about this important act of obedience.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Our Testimony
What Does The Bible Say About Baptism By Immersion
Matthew 3:16
And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him.
This verse depicts the act of baptism by immersion, as Jesus is seen going up from the water after being baptized by John. It highlights the significance of this form of baptism as a visible demonstration of one’s commitment to God.
Baptism by immersion represents the cleansing and renewal of the believer’s soul, as they are fully submerged in water and emerge symbolically cleansed and born again in Christ.
Acts 8:38-39
And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.
This passage portrays the Ethiopian eunuch being baptized by Philip after their encounter on the road. The fact that they both went down into the water implies baptism by immersion.
Baptism by immersion allows for a powerful visual representation of the believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. It symbolizes the washing away of sins and the believer’s new life in Christ.
Romans 6:4
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
This verse emphasizes the metaphor of baptism as a burial, reinforcing the idea of immersion as the mode of baptism. Just as Christ was buried and raised to new life, believers are symbolically buried through baptism by immersion and raised to a new life in Him.
Baptism by immersion serves as a public declaration of faith and a tangible depiction of the believer’s union with Christ’s death and resurrection.
Colossians 2:12
Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
This verse highlights the connection between baptism and being buried with Christ. Through baptism by immersion, believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, experiencing the transformative power of God.
Baptism by immersion is a profound expression of faith and a visible testimony to the work of God, displaying His resurrection power in the life of the believer.
Acts 2:38
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
In this verse, Peter calls for repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. Baptism by immersion is the means through which believers receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
By fully immersing in water during baptism, believers outwardly demonstrate their repentance and submission to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Acts 22:16
And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.
This verse emphasizes the connection between baptism, cleansing from sins, and the call to call on the name of the Lord. Baptism by immersion serves as a significant step in the process of receiving forgiveness and salvation.
Through baptism, believers symbolize and experience the washing away of their sins, marking a new beginning in their relationship with God.
Mark 1:9-10
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
This passage highlights Jesus’ baptism by John in the Jordan River, indicating that Jesus also underwent baptism by immersion. By doing so, Jesus provided an example for His followers to follow.
Through baptism by immersion, believers align themselves with Jesus’ actions, symbolizing their commitment and obedience to God.
Acts 10:47-48
“Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
This verse portrays Peter commanding the Gentiles who had received the Holy Spirit to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. It signifies their inclusion into the community of believers through the act of baptism by immersion.
Baptism by immersion is an outward expression of the inward transformation that occurs when individuals receive the Holy Spirit and accept Jesus as their Savior.
Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
In the Great Commission, Jesus instructs His disciples to baptize believers in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptism by immersion is an essential component of making disciples and carrying out the mission of spreading the gospel.
Through baptism, new believers publicly declare their allegiance to the triune God and commit to learning and obeying all that Jesus has taught.
Galatians 3:27
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
This verse emphasizes the union between believers and Christ through baptism. By being baptized into Christ, believers spiritually and symbolically clothe themselves with Christ, identifying with Him and His righteousness.
Baptism by immersion signifies an intimate connection with Christ, representing the believer’s desire to be transformed and covered by the character and nature of Christ.
Matthew 3:13-15
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.
This passage depicts Jesus’ interaction with John the Baptist when He came to be baptized. Though John recognized Jesus’ superiority, Jesus insisted on being baptized to fulfill all righteousness.
By being baptized by immersion, Jesus demonstrates His obedience to God’s plan and sets an example for His followers to follow in obeying God’s commands.
Romans 6:3
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
This verse highlights the spiritual significance of baptism by immersion. Through baptism, believers are not only baptized into Christ but also into His death, signifying the death of their old selves and sin.
Baptism by immersion serves as a powerful declaration that the believer has died to their old way of life and has been united with Christ in His death and resurrection.
1 Peter 3:21
Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This verse speaks to the spiritual significance of baptism as a means of salvation and a demonstration of faith. Baptism by immersion is not merely an outward cleansing but a sincere appeal to God for a clean conscience.
Through baptism, believers express their trust in the redemptive work of Jesus and their desire to live in accordance with His resurrection power.
Ephesians 4:5
one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
This verse emphasizes the oneness and unity among believers in Christ. Though different Christian denominations may practice baptism in varying ways, there remains one true baptism that unifies all believers.
Baptism by immersion is a powerful symbol of unity, representing the shared faith and commitment to Jesus Christ that believers hold regardless of denominational differences.
Acts 16:33
And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.
In this verse, the Philippian jailer and his household were baptized immediately after their conversion to Christianity. The urgency and immediacy of their baptism suggest baptism by immersion.
Baptism by immersion requires little to no delay, enabling new believers to publicly demonstrate their faith and commitment to Christ promptly.
Romans 6:5
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
This verse emphasizes the spiritual union between believers and Christ, both in His death and resurrection. Through baptism by immersion, believers symbolize their participation in the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Baptism serves as a powerful reminder of the believer’s future hope of eternal life and the assurance of their resurrection with Christ.
Acts 10:48
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
In this verse, Peter commands the Gentiles who received the Holy Spirit to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Baptism by immersion is the means by which believers are identified with and publicly declare their faith in Jesus.
Baptism serves as a significant step in the process of discipleship, symbolizing the believer’s commitment to follow Jesus and live according to His teachings.
Acts 18:8
Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.
In this verse, it is mentioned that Crispus and his entire household were baptized after they believed in the Lord. Baptism by immersion is often associated with a public profession of faith and the initiation into the Christian community.
Through baptism, believers publicly identify themselves as followers of Jesus Christ and commit to living a life dedicated to Him.
1 Corinthians 12:13
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
This verse highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in the baptism of believers. Through baptism by immersion, believers are not only united with Christ but also become a part of His body, the church, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Baptism symbolizes the spiritual reality of believers being joined together in one body, regardless of their cultural or social background.
Acts 16:15
And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
This verse portrays the baptism of Lydia and her household as a response to her faith in the Lord. Baptism by immersion is an outward expression of an inward commitment to live faithfully for Jesus.
Baptism serves as a testimony to others, demonstrating individual devotion to God and a desire to follow Him wholeheartedly.
Acts 9:18
And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;
This verse depicts the immediate response of Saul (later known as Paul) to his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. After experiencing a miraculous transformation and receiving his sight, Saul was baptized.
Baptism by immersion symbolizes the believer’s transformation and their identification with Jesus, just as Saul’s baptism symbolized his new life and commission as an apostle.
Acts 22:16
And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.
In this verse, Ananias encourages Saul to be baptized as a means of having his sins washed away. Baptism by immersion represents the cleansing and forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus Christ.
Baptism is a significant step in the believer’s journey of salvation and serves as a powerful symbol of repentance and new life in Christ.