Baptism: A Biblical Call to Full Immersion and Personal Decision
Baptism is a significant ordinance in the life of a believer, representing a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. However, confusion arises when different traditions interpret baptism in ways that depart from the clear teaching of Scripture. At Grace Baptist Church, we uphold the biblical truth that baptism is by full immersion and that the decision to be baptized is made by an individual as an act of faith—not something done on behalf of an infant. Let us examine these truths through the lens of God’s Word.
Baptism by Full Immersion: The Biblical Pattern
The New Testament consistently presents baptism as an act of full immersion in water. The Greek word for baptism, baptizō (βαπτίζω), literally means “to immerse, submerge, or dip”—not sprinkle or pour. The biblical accounts of baptism confirm this meaning.
1. Jesus’ Own Baptism – An Example for Us
“After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and settling on Him.” (Matthew 3:16)
Jesus’ baptism by John was clearly an immersion, as He came up out of the water. If sprinkling were sufficient, Jesus would not have needed to enter the Jordan River.
2. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch – Going Down Into the Water
“And he ordered that the chariot stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing.” (Acts 8:38-39)
The Ethiopian eunuch was baptized in water, not by sprinkling, as both he and Philip went down into the water and came back up. This again supports immersion.
3. Baptism as a Symbol of Death, Burial, and Resurrection
“Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
Baptism symbolizes being buried with Christ and rising again—which can only be fully represented by immersion, not sprinkling.
Baptism as a Personal Decision of Faith
Biblical baptism is not a ritual performed upon infants but rather a conscious step of obedience by those who have placed their faith in Christ. Throughout the New Testament, baptism always follows belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
1. The Great Commission – Baptism Follows Teaching and Belief
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Jesus commands disciples to be baptized—those who have been taught and have chosen to follow Him.
2. Peter’s Sermon at Pentecost – Baptism After Repentance
“Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'” (Acts 2:38)
Baptism follows repentance, which requires an individual’s understanding and response to the gospel.
3. Baptism of the Philippian Jailer and His Household
“And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household. And he brought them into his house and set food before them, and was overjoyed, since he had become a believer in God together with his whole household.” (Acts 16:33-34)
Some argue that this passage supports infant baptism, but the text states that the jailer and his household were baptized after becoming believers. Infants cannot express personal belief.
4. A Response to the Gospel – “What Prevents Me from Being Baptized?”
“And Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.'” (Acts 8:37)
The Ethiopian eunuch sought baptism, and Philip responded that it was only for those who believe with all their heart—a requirement infants cannot fulfill.
Why Infant Baptism Is Not Biblical
Nowhere in Scripture is infant baptism commanded or practiced. Baptism is always preceded by faith and repentance. While some churches baptize infants as a covenant sign, this practice lacks biblical foundation. Instead, we see examples of parents dedicating their children to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:27-28, Luke 2:22) but not baptizing them.
What About Household Baptisms?
Some point to the instances where whole households were baptized (Acts 16:15, Acts 16:31-34), but these passages do not state that infants were included—only that those baptized had come to faith.
Conclusion: A Call to Biblical Baptism
Baptism is a beautiful, biblical ordinance that publicly declares our faith in Christ. The pattern given in Scripture is clear:
1. Baptism is by full immersion – symbolizing our union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
2. Baptism is a personal decision – only those who have repented and believed in Jesus Christ should be baptized.
3. Infant baptism is not biblical – baptism is for believers, not for those who cannot yet understand and respond to the gospel.
If you have trusted Christ as your Savior but have never been baptized by immersion, we encourage you to take this step of obedience. It is a public testimony of the work God has done in your life and a declaration of your faith in Him.