What Is the Meaning of Baptism — Meaning Explained

Jesus commanded baptism: '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). He Himself was baptized by John 'to fulfil all righteousness' (Matthew 3:15). Romans 6:3-4 explains the symbolism: 'Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead, even so we also should walk in newness of life.' Going under water symbolizes dying to the old life; rising from water symbolizes resurrection to new life. Baptism does not save — the thief on the cross was saved without it (Luke 23:43). But it is an act of obedience and public confession. Peter calls it 'the answer of a good conscience toward God' (1 Peter 3:21). In Acts, baptism consistently follows faith: the 3,000 at Pentecost (Acts 2:41), the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:38), Cornelius' household (Acts 10:48), and the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:33).