Section 3: Water Baptism

Before Jesus returned to heaven, He told His followers:

“Therefore 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

Throughout the book of Acts, people heard the message about Jesus, believed in Him, and were baptized.

The word baptize means to immerse or submerge.

Being lowered beneath the water represents dying and being buried with Christ. Rising out of the water represents being raised with Christ and living alive in Him.

Scripture says:

“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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 6:3–4

As you go beneath the water, you are saying that your former life has died with Christ. As you rise from the water, you are saying that you have risen with Christ and your life now belongs to Him.

Water baptism does not save you or add to what Jesus accomplished on the cross. It is for anyone who has placed faith in Jesus Christ and chosen to follow Him. You are baptized because He has already saved you.

Baptism is not required to be a public confession. It does not require a church building, stage, congregation, or audience.

A believer can be baptized in a river, ocean, swimming pool, lake, bathtub, church baptistry, or anywhere there is enough water for immersion.

Another follower of Jesus can baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. You will be briefly lowered beneath the water and then raised back up.

If you have received Jesus but have not been baptized, speak with a pastor, ministry leader, or mature believer who understands water baptism. Tell them: “I have received Jesus, and I want to be baptized.” Choose a suitable place and take this step of obedience.