What is baptism? Meaning, forms and traditions
Baptism is one of the oldest and most universal practices of Christianity. From the day of Pentecost, when about three thousand people were baptised in Jerusalem, until today, millions of people all over the world have passed through the waters of baptism as a sign of their faith in Jesus Christ. Churches celebrate it in different ways, but almost all consider it a fundamental step in the Christian life.
In this article we explore what the Bible teaches about baptism, its spiritual meaning, the different practices in the Christian traditions and how to prepare for this moment. We do so in an ecumenical spirit, recognising what unites us and respecting our differences.
“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.”
Romans 6:4
The background of baptism
The word baptise comes from the Greek baptizō, meaning to immerse, wash or plunge into water. Ancient Judaism already had rites of purification with water. John the Baptist preached in the wilderness “the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Mark 1:4), and many people came to the Jordan river to be baptised, confessing their sins.
John announced that someone mightier than he would come: “I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost” (Mark 1:8). Thus John’s baptism prepared the way for Jesus.
The baptism of Jesus
Jesus himself was baptised by John in the Jordan. John resisted, saying he needed to be baptised by Jesus, but Jesus answered that it was fitting to fulfil all righteousness. As he came up out of the water, the heavens opened, the Spirit of God descended like a dove and a voice from heaven said: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
In this event the Trinity is revealed: the Father who speaks, the Son who is baptised and the Holy Spirit who descends. Jesus, who was without sin, identified himself with sinful humanity and set an example for his followers. His baptism marked the beginning of his public ministry.
The command to baptise
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave his disciples the Great Commission: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). Baptism is an essential part of the Church’s mission, joined to teaching and discipleship.
At Pentecost, Peter preached and the crowd asked what they should do. He answered: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Throughout the book of Acts we see baptisms of very different people: the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul of Tarsus, the centurion Cornelius and his household, Lydia and her family, the Philippian jailer and his household.
The meaning of baptism
The New Testament presents baptism with a wealth of meanings:
Union with Christ in his death and resurrection. As Romans 6 teaches, baptism symbolises and effects our participation in Christ’s death to sin and in his resurrection to a new life. Going down into the water is like being buried with him; coming up is rising with him.
Washing and forgiveness. Ananias said to Paul: “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Water expresses the cleansing God works in the heart.
New birth. Jesus told Nicodemus: “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Many traditions understand this text in relation to baptism.
Incorporation into the Church. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13). Baptism unites us to God’s family, beyond differences of origin, culture or social status.
Putting on Christ. “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).
Public testimony. Baptism is a visible confession of faith before the community and the world.
Diversity of practice among the churches
Although all Christian churches baptise, there are differences in how baptism is understood and celebrated. Knowing them helps us dialogue respectfully.
Sacrament or ordinance
The Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran and many Reformed churches consider baptism a sacrament, that is, a visible sign through which God communicates his grace. Many Baptist, Pentecostal and free evangelical churches call it an ordinance: an act of obedience and public testimony expressing a faith already received. Both perspectives value baptism deeply.
Infant baptism and believer’s baptism
The Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist and Reformed churches baptise young children of believing families. They understand baptism as a sign of God’s grace that comes before our response, and find support in the baptisms of whole “households” in the book of Acts and in the link with the covenant. In these traditions, faith is confirmed later, for example in confirmation.
Baptist, Pentecostal, Mennonite and many evangelical churches practise believer’s baptism, that is, they baptise those who have personally confessed faith in Christ. They base this on the order seen in many texts: believe, repent and be baptised. In these churches, children are usually presented or dedicated to God.
Immersion, sprinkling and pouring
The mode of baptism also varies. Immersion consists of fully submerging the person in water and is the practice of the Orthodox, Baptist and Pentecostal churches, among others. Pouring consists of pouring water over the head, and sprinkling of sprinkling it. The Catholic and historic Protestant churches often use pouring, although many also allow immersion. The Didache, a very early Christian writing, already permitted pouring water when there was not enough to immerse.
One baptism
Despite these differences, there is broad mutual recognition among many churches of baptism performed with water and in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Paul affirms: “One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:5-6). This verse is fundamental in ecumenical dialogue.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Besides water baptism, the New Testament speaks of baptism in the Holy Spirit, promised by John and fulfilled at Pentecost. Some traditions, especially Pentecostal and charismatic ones, understand it as an experience after conversion that equips for service and is often accompanied by spiritual gifts. Other traditions understand it as part of Christian initiation, received at conversion and baptism. All agree that the Holy Spirit is indispensable for the Christian life.
Who can be baptised?
In general, baptism is open to those who wish to follow Christ and, according to tradition, to the children of believing families. In the case of the Ethiopian eunuch, on seeing water he asked: “What doth hinder me to be baptized?” Philip answered that if he believed with all his heart, he could, and he confessed: “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:36-37). Baptism does not depend on merit, but on God’s grace and on faith.
How to prepare for baptism
Know the Gospel: make sure you understand who Jesus is, what he did for you and what it means to follow him. Talk to a pastor or priest: each church has a preparation process, often with classes or meetings. Examine your heart: baptism involves repentance and a decision to live for God. Invite your loved ones: it is a moment of celebration and testimony. Prepare your testimony: many churches invite you to share briefly how you came to faith. Think about what comes next: baptism is a beginning, not a finish line; keep growing in prayer, the Word and community.
Frequently asked questions about baptism
Do I need to be baptised again when I change church? It depends on the tradition. Many churches recognise baptism performed in another Christian community with water and in the name of the Trinity; others ask for a new baptism if the first was as an infant. The best thing is to talk with the community’s pastors. What if someone believes but dies without being baptised? The example of the thief on the cross shows that salvation is the work of the grace of God, who knows the heart.
Living as the baptised
Martin Luther, in moments of temptation and anguish, used to remind himself: “I am baptised.” The phrase expressed his confidence that he belonged to Christ. Living as the baptised means remembering every day that we have died to sin and risen to new life, that we belong to God’s family and that the Holy Spirit dwells in us.
Prayer
Father, thank you for the gift of baptism, a sign of your grace and of our union with Christ. Thank you that in him we have died to sin and risen to new life. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and help us live every day as your children. Unite your Church in one Lord, one faith and one baptism. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.