The Adult Baptism Course

While Christian baptism is a New Testament ordinance, the Old Testament contains powerful foreshadowings. The flood and Noah's ark are described as a type of baptism — Peter writes that 'the waters of the flood symbolize baptism that now saves you' (1 Peter 3:20–21), where eight people were saved through water. The crossing of the Red Sea is another type: Israel passed through the waters under Moses' leadership, leaving bondage behind (1 Corinthians 10:1–2 says they were 'baptized into Moses'). The ceremonial washings (mikveh) of the Old Testament law, in which people were immersed for ritual purification, also foreshadow the cleansing pictured in baptism. These Old Testament types show that God has long used water as a symbol of deliverance, purification, and new beginnings — all fulfilled in Christ and expressed in Christian baptism.

Jesus' baptism by John in the Jordan River is a cornerstone event. Though He had no sin to repent of, Jesus insisted on being baptized, saying, 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness' (Matthew 3:15). In His baptism, Jesus identified with sinful humanity, endorsed John's ministry, and set the pattern for all who would follow Him. The moment revealed the Trinity: the Son coming up out of the water, the Spirit descending like a dove, and the Father's voice declaring, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased' (Matthew 3:16–17). Jesus' baptism also foreshadowed His death and resurrection — His 'baptism' of suffering (Luke 12:50). For the believer, following Christ in baptism is an act of conformity to the Master who Himself walked this path.

Baptists baptize by immersion — the complete submerging of the believer under water and raising them up. This conviction rests on three pillars. First, the meaning of the Greek word 'baptizo,' which means 'to dip, plunge, or immerse.' Second, the symbolism: only immersion fully pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). Third, the New Testament descriptions: Jesus 'went up out of the water' (Matthew 3:16); the Ethiopian eunuch and Philip 'went down into the water' and 'came up out of the water' (Acts 8:38–39); John was baptizing at Aenon 'because there was plenty of water' (John 3:23). While Baptists respect other traditions, they hold immersion as the mode that most faithfully reflects both the word's meaning and the ordinance's symbolism. Immersion is not merely a preference — it is the visible proclamation of the gospel itself.

Baptism is anchored in Christ's Great Commission: '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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you' (Matthew 28:19–20). This commission gives baptism a central place in the church's mission. The command to baptize is given in the Trinitarian name — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — reflecting the fullness of God's identity and the believer's union with the Triune God. Baptism is not an afterthought; it is part of the disciple-making mandate. The early church faithfully carried out this command: at Pentecost (Acts 2:41), with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:38), with Cornelius's household (Acts 10:47–48), with Lydia (Acts 16:14–15), and with the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:33). In every case, baptism followed conversion and marked the beginning of the disciple's new life in the church.

In Baptist polity, baptism is the doorway to church membership. Because baptism is the public profession of faith and the believer's identification with Christ and His body, Baptists require baptism as a prerequisite for membership and participation in the Lord's Supper. This reflects the New Testament understanding that baptism and the local church are inseparably linked — those who were baptized were 'added' to the church (Acts 2:41). Baptism identifies the believer with the universal body of Christ, and membership in a local Baptist church is the believer's commitment to a specific gospel community under godly leadership (Hebrews 13:17). Baptist churches are congregational in governance — members have a role in the church's decisions — so membership is both a privilege and a responsibility. The baptized believer commits to worship, serve, give, and submit to the church's care and discipline, fulfilling the 'one another' commands of the New Testament.

Several questions often arise. Should I be re-baptized? Baptists generally baptize once, but many recognize re-baptism when a person was baptized before a genuine conversion (e.g., as an infant or before true faith) and now wishes to obey Christ as a believer. What if I was baptized in another tradition? Most Baptist churches accept a prior baptism if it was believer's baptism by immersion following a credible profession of faith, regardless of denomination. What about baptism by sprinkling or pouring? Baptist churches typically ask those baptized by other modes to be baptized by immersion as a matter of conscience and obedience to the biblical pattern. Do I need to be baptized to take communion? In most Baptist churches, baptism precedes participation in the Lord's Supper, as both ordinances belong to the gathered church. What if I fear the water? Pastors are patient and will work with you to ensure the experience is reverent and peaceful — the obedience matters more than the comfort. In all things, baptism is about following Christ in simple, joyful obedience.