Do Believers Have to Be Baptized?
Matthew BellShare
Baptism is a topic that raises many questions among Christians. Is it required for salvation? Is it just a symbolic act? Should every believer be baptized? The Bible provides clear guidance on the importance and purpose of baptism in the life of a believer.
In this blog, we will explore what Scripture says about baptism, its significance, and whether it is a requirement for all believers.
What Is Baptism?
Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation, symbolizing the believer’s death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ.
Key Verse:
"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." – Romans 6:4
Baptism visually represents what happens spiritually when a person puts their faith in Jesus—they die to their old self and are raised in Christ.
Did Jesus Command Baptism?
Yes! Jesus not only modeled baptism by being baptized Himself but also commanded His followers to baptize new believers.
Key Verse:
"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." – Matthew 28:19
Jesus included baptism as part of the Great Commission, showing its significance in the life of a disciple.
Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
The Bible makes it clear that salvation comes by grace through faith alone—not through works, including baptism. However, baptism is still an important act of obedience.
Key Verse:
"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
If baptism were necessary for salvation, then salvation would be based on a work, rather than the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. The thief on the cross was promised paradise by Jesus without being baptized (Luke 23:42-43).
That being said, baptism is not optional in the sense that it is a step of obedience. A true believer who has the opportunity should follow through with baptism as an act of submission to Christ.
What About Infant Baptism?
The Bible does not explicitly command infant baptism. Instead, baptism is shown as a response to personal faith in Jesus.
Key Verse:
"Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." – Acts 2:41
Throughout Scripture, baptism follows a person’s decision to believe in Christ. Because infants cannot yet make a profession of faith, many Christian traditions believe baptism should occur after a person has chosen to follow Jesus.
Why Should Believers Be Baptized?
Even though baptism is not what saves us, it is still an important step of obedience and public declaration of faith. Here are a few reasons why believers should be baptized:
- Jesus was baptized as an example for us (Matthew 3:16-17).
- It is an act of obedience to Christ’s command (Matthew 28:19).
- It publicly identifies us with Jesus (Galatians 3:27).
- It symbolizes our death to sin and new life in Christ (Romans 6:4).
Baptism is an act of faith, showing that we belong to Christ and are committed to following Him.
Conclusion
Do believers have to be baptized? Baptism is not required for salvation, but it is an essential step of obedience for every Christian. While we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, baptism is a biblical command that publicly identifies us as followers of Christ.
If you are a believer and have not yet been baptized, consider taking this next step in your walk with God. It is a beautiful and powerful declaration of your new life in Christ!