Should I Get Baptised? A Guide for New Christians

"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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19–20, ESV)

The short answer: If you have put your trust in Jesus and have never been baptised, speak with a church leader about taking that step. In the New Testament, people who believed were baptised, usually soon afterwards. Baptism is Jesus' command, a picture of your union with Him in His death and resurrection, and a public confession that you belong to Him. If you were baptised as an infant, tell your church leader. Christians differ on whether you should be baptised after a personal profession of faith.

If you have recently become a Christian, someone has probably asked you, "Have you been baptised?" You may not be sure what baptism means, whether you need it, or what happens on the day. Over twenty years of pastoring in different countries, I have baptised people in church baptisteries, rivers, swimming pools and the sea. The setting has varied. The joy has not.

This guide explains what the Bible teaches about baptism, answers the questions new Christians ask most, and ends with questions to talk through with a church leader before you are baptised.

What Is Baptism?

The word baptise comes from the Greek verb baptizō, which can mean to dip, immerse or wash, depending on context. Christian baptism is a washing with water, done in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that marks a person's entry into the life of Christ and His church.

Paul describes its meaning in Romans 6: "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4, ESV). Going under the water pictures dying and being buried with Christ. Coming up pictures rising with Him to a new life.

He also writes, "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27, ESV). Baptism is like putting on new clothes that show whom you belong to.

Why Should a New Christian Be Baptised?

Jesus commanded it

Jesus' last instructions to His disciples included baptism (Matthew 28:19). It is not an optional extra for especially committed Christians. It is part of becoming a disciple.

Jesus Himself was baptised by John in the Jordan, and as He came up from the water the Spirit descended and the Father spoke His approval (Matthew 3:13–17). We follow the One who went before us.

The early church practised it straight away

In the book of Acts, baptism followed faith quickly. At Pentecost, "those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls" (Acts 2:41, ESV). When the Ethiopian official believed, he saw water by the road and asked, "See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?" (Acts 8:36, ESV). Philip baptised him there and then. The Philippian jailer and his household were baptised the same night they believed (Acts 16:33).

Many churches today ask new believers to take a short preparation class first, and that is wise. But the New Testament does not picture baptism as something to put off for years until you feel more spiritual.

It is a public confession

Baptism is usually done in front of other believers. It says to them, and to the watching world: "I belong to Jesus now." Many people find that it strengthens their own faith too.

Does Baptism Save You?

This is an important question, and Christians answer it in different ways.

Most evangelical and Pentecostal churches teach that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9), and that baptism is an act of obedience and an outward sign of that salvation, not the thing that saves. They point to the man on the cross, whom Jesus promised paradise as he was dying (Luke 23:43).

Other traditions, including Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran and some Restoration churches, teach that God works through baptism to give the grace of new birth or forgiveness. They point to verses such as Acts 22:16, "Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name," and 1 Peter 3:21, which says that baptism "now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (ESV).

Whatever your church teaches, notice what both sides agree on: baptism matters, it is commanded, and its power comes from Christ, not from the water. If you have trusted Christ, you do not need to fear that God is waiting to reject you until you are baptised. And you should not treat baptism as unimportant either. Ask your pastor what your church teaches and why.

I Was Baptised as a Baby. Do I Need to Be Baptised Again?

Christians disagree here too, and it is worth knowing why.

Many churches baptise infants, including Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian and Methodist churches, but not all for the same reason. Some, such as Presbyterian churches, emphasise baptism as a sign and seal of God's covenant promise to believers and their children. Others, such as Catholic and Orthodox churches, emphasise the grace of new birth given in baptism. In those churches, someone baptised as a baby usually does not receive baptism again. Instead, they confirm their faith publicly.

Churches that practise believer's baptism, including Baptist and most Pentecostal and many independent churches, teach that baptism should follow personal faith. In those churches, someone baptised as a baby is usually invited to be baptised as a believer.

If this is your situation, do not let it become a source of anxiety. Talk honestly with your pastor about what your church teaches and what the Bible says, and make your decision with a clear conscience.

Does It Matter How I Am Baptised?

Most churches that practise believer's baptism baptise by immersion, putting the whole body under the water, because it best pictures burial and resurrection (Romans 6:4). Other churches baptise by pouring or sprinkling. Both approaches are practised by sincere Christians who love the Bible.

What matters most is that baptism is done in obedience to Christ, with faith in Him. Your church will explain how it practises baptism and why.

Water Baptism and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

If you attend a Pentecostal or charismatic church, you may hear about two baptisms. Water baptism is the act described in this article. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a work of God that Pentecostal churches teach is often distinct from conversion, empowering believers for witness and service (Acts 1:8; 2:4).

In Acts, the order varied. In Samaria, people were baptised in water and later received the Spirit (Acts 8:14–17). In Cornelius' house, people received the Spirit first and were then baptised in water (Acts 10:44–48). Churches teach about the baptism in the Holy Spirit in different ways, so ask your pastor what your church believes. For now, know that water baptism is a step of obedience you can take as soon as your church is ready to baptise you.

Am I Ready to Be Baptised?

You do not need to understand everything about the Christian faith. You do not need to have stopped struggling with sin. The Ethiopian official had only just heard the gospel.

You are ready to talk to your church about baptism if:

• You have turned from sin and put your trust in Jesus as your Saviour and Lord.
• You understand, in simple terms, what baptism means.
• You want to follow Jesus and belong to His church.

If you are unsure whether you have really trusted Christ, read how to know you are saved when you still have doubts, and talk with your pastor.

Questions to Discuss With a Church Leader Before Baptism

Take these questions to your pastor or a leader at your church. Most churches will be glad you asked.

1. What does our church believe baptism means?
2. How does our church baptise (immersion, pouring or sprinkling), and why?
3. Is there a preparation class or conversation before baptism?
4. I was baptised as a child. What does our church teach about that?
5. Will I be asked to share my story or answer questions on the day?
6. What does our church teach about the baptism in the Holy Spirit?
7. Does baptism connect with becoming a member of this church?
8. Can I invite family and friends, including people who are not Christians?
9. What should I wear and bring?
10. What should my next steps be after baptism?

What Happens on the Day?

Every church is different, but most baptisms include a short time of worship, a reading from Scripture, and a moment where the person being baptised confirms their faith. Some churches invite you to share a short story of how you came to Christ. Then the pastor baptises you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Bring a change of clothes and a towel if you will be immersed. If it is safe and appropriate, invite people who matter to you. If being seen or identified could put you at risk, speak privately with a church leader about the timing, the setting, and whether the service will be recorded or streamed. Many people say their baptism is one of the days they remember most clearly for the rest of their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be baptised to be a Christian?

You become a Christian by trusting in Christ, and churches differ on how closely baptism is tied to that moment. Most Christian churches practise water baptism in obedience to Jesus' command. If you have trusted Christ and have not been baptised, talk to your church about taking that step.

How soon after becoming a Christian should I be baptised?

In the New Testament, baptism usually followed soon after faith. Many churches today offer a short preparation class first. There is no need to wait years until you feel ready; ask your church when the next baptism is.

Can I be baptised if my family is against it?

This can be painful. Talk with your pastor about your situation. If being baptised publicly could put you at risk, your church can help you think through the timing and the setting. See also when your family opposes your faith.

Can I be baptised again if I fell away and came back?

Most churches do not repeat baptism for someone who was baptised as a believer and later returned to God. Baptism marks the beginning of your life in Christ; coming back is a time for repentance and renewal. Ask your pastor how your church handles this.

Going Deeper

• If you are in your first weeks of faith, my guide to your first 30 days as a Christian will help you take the next steps.
• The Begin: New Life in Christ course includes a lesson on belonging to Christ's church.

A Prayer Before Baptism

Lord Jesus, thank You for dying and rising for me. Thank You that I belong to You. As I prepare to be baptised, help me understand what it means to be buried with You and raised to new life. Give me courage to confess You before others. Fill me with Your Spirit, and help me walk in newness of life from this day on. Amen.