Baptism in the New Testament: How, Who, and Why

Biblical baptism is an immersion or burial …

Romans 6:3-4 (NKJV) 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Colossians 2:12 (NKJV) 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

The Greek word baptizo means to immerse, dip or plunge. It is used in modern Greek to say that a ship “sinks” at sea.

So, baptism in the New Testament is not a sprinkling or pouring.

In water …

Acts 8:38 (NKJV) 38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.

So, baptism in the New Testament is not just an inward, invisible, change in the heart.

For those old enough to sin, believe, and repent …

Acts 2:37-38 (NKJV) 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

So, baptism in the New Testament is not for infants.

Who are convicted of sin and have decided to die to sin …

Romans 6:1-2 (NKJV) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?

So, baptism in the New Testament requires a death; it is not merely an external ritual.

Who know that salvation is a gift of God’s grace by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ …

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Titus 3:5 (NKJV) 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

So, baptism in the New Testament does not earn salvation; it expresses faith to receive salvation.

For the purpose of receiving the forgiveness of sins and being saved.

Acts 2:38 “For the forgiveness of sins.” See also Mark 1:4; Matthew 26:28	Mark 16:16 “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved.”
Romans 6:3-4 “into Jesus Christ, His death.”	1 Peter 3:21 “baptism now saves you.”
Galatians 3:27 to be “clothed with Christ.”	Acts 22:16 to “wash away your sins.”

So, baptism in the New Testament is not for those who are already saved by some other means.

There is no New Testament example of a person receiving salvation by “accepting Christ into their heart” or by offering the “Sinner’s Prayer.”