What Does the Bible Say About Baptism — In Biblical Context
Baptism is an outward act of obedience symbolizing a believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus commanded it and was baptized Himself.
Baptism is an outward act of obedience symbolizing a believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus commanded it and was baptized Himself.
"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." — Romans 6:4 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Baptism is one of the most widely practiced Christian ordinances. Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan (Matthew 3:13-17), and He commanded His followers to baptize disciples (Matthew 28:19). In the early church, baptism followed conversion (Acts 2:38, 8:36-38, 16:33). Romans 6:3-4 explains the symbolism: going under the water represents dying and being buried with Christ; coming up represents rising to new life. While Christians differ on the mode (immersion, sprinkling) and subjects (believers only vs. infants), all agree that baptism is an important public declaration of faith and obedience to Christ's command.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Romans 6:4, sits inside Romans 6. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
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