What Is Water Baptism?
At Antioch Salt Lake City, we believe water baptism is a powerful and essential step in the life of every believer. Whether you're new to faith or seeking clarity on what baptism means, this post will walk you through the what, why, and how.
Before we learn more about water baptism, let’s look at the three distinct types of baptisms we find in Scripture. Each one is a vital step of obedience and growth, and while different, they work together to help us live fully for Jesus.
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Committing your life to Jesus and becoming a witness for Him.
"Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead… we too might walk in newness of life." — Romans 6:3-4
"For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." — Galatians 3:27
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Publicly declaring your faith and decision to follow Jesus.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit…” — Matthew 28:19-20
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” — Acts 2:38
“The eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?’ ...Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” — Acts 8:36-38
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Being filled, led, and empowered by the Spirit in an ongoing way.
“For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit… you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” — Acts 1:5, 8
“Do not get drunk with wine... but be filled with the Spirit.” (Note the ongoing, continual nature of this command.) — Ephesians 5:18
“How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” — Luke 11:13
What is baptism in water and where do we see it in the Bible?
Baptism is a public celebration of surrendering our lives to Jesus!
Baptism in water is the public, outward expression of your personal decision to follow Jesus. It’s an act of obedience and declaration that you are now a disciple of Jesus, dead to your old life and raised into new life in Him.
Jesus was baptized
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” — Matthew 3:13–17
His followers baptized new believers
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. — Acts 2:37–41
Jesus commanded His disciples to baptize others
“Go therefore 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
What does baptism represent?
Baptism represents:
Our union with Christ in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:3–5).
The washing away of sin (Acts 22:16).
A public declaration of faith (Acts 2:41).
As Romans 6:4 says: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... we too may live a new life.”
Is baptism required for salvation?
No. Baptism does not save you—only faith in Jesus does. But baptism is not optional for the follower of Jesus. It is a command and a vital step of obedience.
Why should I get baptized and what happens?
You should get baptized because:
Jesus was baptized and calls you to do the same.
It’s a step of obedience and alignment with His lordship.
It marks your new identity in Christ.
It’s a powerful spiritual milestone that often brings breakthrough and joy.
In Scripture, we see baptism done by full immersion in water. That’s what we practice—based on Jesus’ example and the meaning of the word “baptize,” which means “to immerse.”
While water itself isn’t magic, being baptized is a holy, supernatural moment. Many people experience:
Freedom from sin patterns
Greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
A deepened sense of identity in Christ
What if I was baptized as a baby? Should I be baptized again?
Yes. Baptism in the Bible always follows a personal decision to trust in Jesus. If you were baptized as a baby, we encourage you to be baptized again as a believer’s baptism—an intentional act of faith and obedience.
When should I be baptized?
As soon as possible after deciding to follow Jesus! Baptism is one of the first acts of obedience in the Christian life. Don’t wait to “have it all together.” Come as you are and obey Jesus now.
The Power of a Baptized Life
Here’s the bottom line: baptism is not the finish line of your faith—it’s the starting line! It’s the first step into a life of surrender, obedience, and power in the Holy Spirit.
When a believer goes under the water and comes back up again, it is symbolic of dying to their old self and coming alive in Christ.
Jesus, through this act of surrender, has real power to break sin, shame, fear, and self. And it opens the door to a new life filled with faith, freedom, and the Spirit of God.
Ready to Be Baptized?
Baptism is more than just a moment—it’s a marker of surrender. Surrender means letting go of our own desires and embracing the changes Jesus wants to bring—in our mindset, our surroundings, even in the people we walk with. And God isn’t asking for surrender to punish us. He’s inviting us into something better. His purpose for your life is far greater than anything you could imagine for yourself. When we give Him full control, we find true freedom, lasting peace, and spiritual wholeness.
If you’re ready to say yes to Jesus and take this step of obedience, we’re here for you. Don’t wait—step into the water and into new life!
If you’ve made the decision to follow Jesus but haven’t yet been baptized, we want to help you take that step. We would love to celebrate with you and walk you through it!
Let your baptism be the beginning of a baptized life—fully surrendered, Spirit-filled, and walking in resurrection power!