The Christian faith doesn’t have a large number of formal rituals, but it does have two that are considered essential in the life of the believer. One of those is baptism. But what is it? Let’s find out together.

While denominations and traditions may have different nuances to how and when they choose to baptize, Christian baptism is shown in Scripture as the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in Jesus Christ, our crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ. 

Baptism is essential for the Christian life, but it does not create that new life. It is a testimony to the believer’s faith in the final resurrection of the dead. And if you have put your faith in Christ, then the appropriate response is to be baptized as a declaration of faith.