How to Be Baptized?
How to Be Baptized? Believer's baptism is the public immersion of a confessing Christian in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — an outward symbol of inward union with Christ in His death and resurrection.
Key verse: Matthew 28:19 (KJV)
Believer's baptism is the public immersion of a confessing Christian in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — an outward symbol of inward union with Christ in His death and resurrection.
Believer's baptism is the public immersion of a confessing Christian in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — an outward symbol of inward union with Christ in His death and resurrection.
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." — Matthew 28:19 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Baptism follows belief. Every New Testament example — the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8), Cornelius's household (Acts 10), the Philippian jailer (Acts 16) — shows the same order: hear the gospel, believe, be baptized. It is the first act of public obedience for the new Christian, not a means of salvation but a witness to it.\n\nThe Greek word baptizo means to immerse, dip, or plunge. Romans 6:4 explains the symbolism: going under the water pictures burial with Christ; coming up pictures resurrection to new life. For this reason most New Testament churches practise immersion, though the believer's faith — not the mode — is what makes baptism meaningful.\n\nTalk to the pastor of a faithful local church. He will hear your testimony, instruct you in the meaning of the ordinance, and arrange a public baptism in the gathered congregation. The day need not be elaborate; the simplicity of Acts 8 — water, faith, command, obedience — is the pattern.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Baptism?
What the Bible teaches about baptism, its meaning, and its importance for believers.
Key Scripture References
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
"And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."
"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Meaning of Baptism?
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith — a public declaration of identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
How to Find a Good Church?
A good church preaches the whole counsel of Scripture, administers baptism and the Lord's Supper, practises loving discipline, equips believers for ministry, and pursues the Great Commission.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Should Infants Be Baptized?
Theology & Doctrine
Should Infants Be Baptized?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is the Doctrine of Election?
Theology & Doctrine
2 Timothy 3:16-17 — Meaning & Devotional
Scripture
Acts 2:38 — Meaning & Devotional
Salvation & Redemption
Acts 2:42 Commentary
In-depth study • Early Church Life
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “How to Be Baptized?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.