What is Believer's Baptism?

One of the first steps when someone becomes a Christian is to be publicly baptized—an act that often means standing up and sharing your faith in front of others.

So what exactly is believer’s baptism, and why is it so important? Let’s look at six key characteristics that help us understand it more fully.

1. Baptism Is a Church Ordinance

Baptism is one of the two primary ordinances Jesus gave the local church (the other being Communion). Ordinances are symbolic ceremonies believers practice in worship, responding to God’s grace.

Among evangelicals, the most common method is full immersion—being briefly placed under water to symbolise Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. It’s widely recognised as the most biblically faithful expression of baptism.

2. Baptism Was Commanded by Jesus

Before ascending to heaven, Jesus told His disciples: “Go 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 Himself was baptised at the beginning of His ministry (Matthew 3:13–17; Mark 1:9). When we are baptised, we are following His command and His example. 

3. Baptism Does Not Save

It’s important to be clear: baptism is not salvific—it does not save a person. Salvation comes only through faith in Christ.

But baptism matters because it is a step of obedience. It shows that a believer takes their faith seriously and is unashamed of the gospel. It’s a visible declaration of what God has already done inside.

As Paul wrote: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16)

4. Baptism Is Not Spiritually Transformative

Baptism doesn’t magically change the heart, but it is a symbol of what has already happened. Just as circumcision once marked belonging to God’s people in the Old Testament, baptism now publicly identifies a person with Christ.

Paul wrote: “…you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands… having been buried with him in baptism…” (Colossians 2:11–12)

5. Baptism Is for Everyone in Christ

Baptism is not just for a select group—it is an act of unification for all believers.

Paul said in 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.”

Baptism demonstrates that the gospel is for all people—from an understanding young person to the senior citizen, from the wealthy to the poor.

6. Baptism Symbolises the Gospel

Baptism paints a picture of what Jesus did for us: His death and burial – going down into the water.

His resurrection – rising up out of the water.

As Romans 6:4 says: “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death… in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too might walk in newness of life.”

It’s a vivid way of “preaching” the gospel with action rather than words.

So What Does This Mean?

There’s no shortage of biblical teaching showing the importance of baptism. The real question is: have you taken this step of obedience?

If you’ve trusted Christ but never been baptised, it’s time to follow Him publicly. Baptism is an opportunity to celebrate what God has done in your life in front of your friends, family, and church.

As one pastor put it: “…the willingness to humble ourselves in this way honours God as Lord of our life.”

✝️ Final Thought: Baptism doesn’t save you—but it declares you're saved. It’s a bold step of obedience that points others to Jesus and glorifies God.

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Prison Chaplain (Sessional) and Leader @SFGH Church