The topic of baptism often raises many questions. With so much confusion, the best way to find the truth is to look at God’s Word. Instead of analyzing individual ideas or relying on religious tradition, one can see what the Scripture actually teaches.
A clear example of baptism is found in Acts chapter eight, where Philip meets an Ethiopian eunuch who had Bible questions. This passage gives us a real-life example of biblical baptism and answers common questions on the topic. I would like to share this story with you, and I am confident that by answering four basic questions, you will better understand what GOD says about being baptized.
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
Acts 8:36-37 “…as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 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.”
The Ethiopian eunuch was eager to be baptized, but Philip made it clear—salvation comes first. While anyone can be baptized, Scripture teaches that it is only for those who have first admitted they are a sinner, believed that Jesus died and rose again for them, and called on Him to save them. Only then can baptism serve as a testimony of that saving faith. It is not a means of salvation but rather a public declaration of a believer’s faith in Christ. Baptism follows salvation as a visible testimony of the new life already received through Christ.
WHEN SHOULD ONE BE BAPTIZED?
Acts 8:38 “And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”
After the Ethiopian eunuch was saved, he did not hesitate to be baptized. This passage demonstrates the biblical pattern—baptism follows salvation. It is the first step of obedience for a new believer, publicly identifying with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Just as a journey begins with a single step, the Christian life should begin with baptism. This step demonstrates a heart willing to follow God’s direction.
WHAT METHOD OF BAPTISM IS BIBLICAL?
Acts 8:38-39 “And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.”
This passage clearly illustrates that the biblical method of baptism is immersion. Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch went down into the water, and he was submerged before coming up out of the water. This act symbolizes Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
While many religious traditions have introduced different methods of baptism, Scripture consistently teaches that true, biblical baptism is by full immersion, as demonstrated by Christ Himself in the book of Matthew. This is the only method that accurately represents the gospel and is pleasing to God.
WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
Romans 6:3-4 says, “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 by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
It is a PICTURE
Baptism is a visual representation of the gospel, illustrating the believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
- Standing in the water symbolizes the cross, where Christ died for our sins.
- Being immersed represents burial, signifying death to the old life.
- Coming up out of the water illustrates Christ’s resurrection, symbolizing a believer’s new life in Him.
Through baptism, a believer publicly declares their faith in Christ and commitment to follow Him.
It is OBEDIENCE
God repeatedly emphasizes the importance of baptism. Jesus not only commanded baptism in Matthew 28, but He also demonstrated it through His own baptism. Just as Christ obeyed the Father, every saved person should desire to follow God’s command and publicly identify as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
