The Symbolism of Water Baptism

Water baptism is symbolic of our identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. 

Romans 6:4-5

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. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection. 

Water baptism is symbolic for what has already happened in the spirit for the new believer. The author of Romans describes baptism as being in the “likeness of His death” and in the “likeness of His resurrection”. Water baptism represents us dying to our old life and being born-again, as well as being resurrected with newness of life through the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 3:21

There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

Peter describes baptism as an antitype. The word “antitype” is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as “Something that is represented by a symbol”. Understanding that water-baptism is symbolic is very important because there are those who believe that water-baptism is necessary for salvation. But this idea is biblically incorrect. In the above passage, Peter states that baptism does not remove the filth of sin from the flesh, but rather it is the answer to a good conscience toward God. When we were born-again our conscience was made clean and alive. Baptism is our response to our redeemed conscience toward God.

The process of water baptism itself, does not save us. Baptism follows our salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith, it’s not from anything we have done but is the free gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). So for example, if someone gets born-again but dies before they get a chance to be water baptised, they will still go to Heaven. An example of this would be the criminal that hanged on the cross next to Jesus. It is clear that he was repentant in his final hours and Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). There was no expectation for him to first be water-baptised in order to be saved. Water baptism is something we do in obedience to the command of our King Jesus because of our love for Him. 

To recap, baptism is essential and ties in with our salvation. However, the act of baptism itself does not save us. Nor is it a requirement for the new birth experience. The below scripture makes this even more clear.

Acts 10:46-48

46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

The household of Cornelius were saved and filled with the Holy Spirit before they were water baptised! This passage shows us a couple of key things. Firstly, it confirms that salvation comes before water-baptism. Secondly, it shows us that there is no method in what comes first, whether it’s the baptism of the Holy Spirit or baptism in water. Some people can be baptised in the Holy Spirit before being baptised in water, but it can also work the other way around. Please note that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is distinct from, yet subsequent to, the born-again new-birth experience. For all our Deep Divers, we will be covering the subject of baptism of the Holy Spirit in another module during this course.

Ephesians 4:5 

one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

After going through this teaching on baptism you may realise that you haven't been baptised according to the Word of God. Perhaps you participated in an ‘infant baptism’ or a ‘christening’ and you’re now aware that you need to fulfil all righteousness and be baptised properly. I would encourage you to let our team know, or let your local Church know, and get booked in for the next baptism ASAP. 

If you have already been baptised properly then you do not need to do it again. The Bible says in Ephesians 4:5 that there is one baptism. If you’ve had a bad day, or a season of weakness, that does not mean you need to be baptised again.

However, if you have been baptised but then later walked away from God to return to a lifestyle of habitual sin and rebellion, then you may consider being baptised again. It should be a sincere commitment where you’ve decided there’s no turning back, you will whole heartedly follow Jesus all the days of your life. If you feel this is you, we encourage you to speak to one of our team, or a leader from your Church. 

Finally, water baptism in most cases should be an outward, public confession and ceremony. What an incredible opportunity to invite your family and friends to celebrate this momentous occasion with you. It’s a great way to show people who are in your sphere of influence that you are unashamed of your new found faith. The Gospel of Mark places a strong emphasis on water baptism in the great commission. I believe this is partly because Christianity was outlawed under Roman law at the time of its writing. For the early Christians, any public declaration of faith in Jesus meant potential loss of Roman citizenship (therefore losing their ability to work, buy and sell) or even the potential loss of their lives. So, when people became Christian they knew it was all in. They had to be willing to give up everything for Jesus. They were taught not to fear and to not be ashamed. Public baptism was a risk, but Christians were called to be willing to lay it all down for Jesus. Today, we must have the same heart, no matter what. Water baptism is a huge statement and a very exciting time for every new believer and the Church of God. 

Compulsory Activation

1. Water baptism is essential to what? Our salvation or our discipleship? Please share your answer in the comments below!

Recommended Activations

1. Make it your prayer and your quest over the next 9 months to lead at least one person to Jesus and see them water baptised. For all Deep Divers our team will check back from time to time to see how you are going with this. Please share your progress below in the comments!