Baptism is one of the most significant rites in the Christian faith, symbolizing the believer’s acceptance of Christ, the washing away of sins, and the beginning of a new life in Jesus. However, not all forms of baptism practiced today align with the biblical method established by Christ and the apostles. The Bible teaches that baptism is to be performed by immersion—a full submersion in water—rather than by sprinkling or pouring. This article explores the biblical evidence for baptism by immersion, its meaning, and its continued relevance today.
The Meaning of Baptism: A Burial and Resurrection
The word “baptism” comes from the Greek word βαπτίζω (baptizō), which means “to dip, submerge, or immerse.” It was used in ancient Greek literature to describe the sinking of ships and the dyeing of fabrics, both of which involve complete submersion. The biblical use of the word always implies full immersion in water, never a partial application such as sprinkling or pouring.
Romans 6:3–4 illustrates the deep spiritual meaning of baptism:
“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 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.”
Baptism is a symbolic act of burial and resurrection. Just as Christ died, was buried, and rose again, so the believer is buried under the water (dying to sin) and then raised from the water (to live a new life in Christ). Sprinkling or pouring water on the head does not depict this powerful imagery, making them inadequate substitutes for true baptism.
Jesus Was Baptized by Immersion
The ultimate example for Christian baptism comes from Jesus Christ Himself. In Matthew 3:13–17, Jesus traveled to the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist. John, recognizing Jesus’ sinlessness, initially hesitated, but Jesus insisted:
“Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:15)
Matthew 3:16 further clarifies how Jesus was baptized:
“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.”
The phrase “came up... from the water” suggests that Jesus had first gone down into the water, indicating immersion. If sprinkling or pouring was sufficient, Jesus could have been baptized anywhere, yet He chose to be immersed in a river.
John Baptized Where There Was Plenty of Water
John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Christ, also practiced immersion. John 3:23 states:
“Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there.”
This is significant—John needed “much water” because baptism required full immersion. If sprinkling or pouring were sufficient, a small container of water would have been enough. The fact that John baptized where abundant water was available proves that immersion was the biblical practice.
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch: A Clear Example of Immersion
Another strong biblical example of immersion is found in Acts 8:36–39, where Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch. As they traveled, the eunuch saw water and asked:
“See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36)
Philip affirmed that faith in Christ was necessary, and upon the eunuch’s confession, they proceeded with the baptism:
“So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away.” (Acts 8:38–39)
Notice that both went down into and came up out of the water, confirming that the baptism involved immersion. Again, if sprinkling were an option, there would be no need to go into the water.
The Early Church Practiced Baptism by Immersion
The apostles and the early Christian church continued baptizing by immersion. Historical records confirm that for the first several centuries, baptism was always by full immersion.
For example, the baptisteries found in early church ruins were large pools designed for full submersion. The famous church historian Philip Schaff (1819–1893) wrote:
“Immersion, and not sprinkling, was unquestionably the original, normal form of baptism... The only exception was in the case of the sick, who could not be immersed.” (History of the Christian Church, Vol. II, p. 262).
The Rise of Sprinkling and Pouring
Sprinkling and pouring as substitutes for immersion began centuries after Christ. The Catholic Church gradually introduced these methods for convenience, particularly for the sick and infants. The first official allowance for sprinkling occurred at the Council of Ravenna in A.D. 1311, which permitted it as an alternative to immersion.
However, the Bible never endorses these methods. True baptism requires full immersion as demonstrated by Jesus and the apostles. Anything less is simply not baptism.
Baptism Is a Command
Baptism is not an optional ritual but a command from Jesus. In the Great Commission, Christ instructed His disciples:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
Baptism signifies a new beginning in Christ. It is essential for all believers as an outward testimony of their inward faith. Acts 2:38 emphasizes its necessity:
“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.’”
We Baptize Just Like Jesus Was Baptized!
At Seventh-day Adventist Church Manyangwa, we follow the biblical example by baptizing believers through full immersion, just as Jesus and His disciples did. If you desire to follow Christ and experience true baptism, we invite you to join us.
Baptism is free of charge! If you are ready to take this important step of faith, come and be baptized just as Jesus was!