What Does The Bible Say About Baptism?
God's word makes it crystal clear—baptism isn't just about getting dunked in water or following a religious ritual. There's a deeper, spiritual reality at work! Water baptism is a powerful symbol, a public declaration that you believe in Jesus and want the world to know. But the real deal, the baptism that saves, is spiritual baptism—being united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection by faith. That's what the gospel is all about!
Romans 6:3-4 says when we're baptized into Jesus, we're baptized into His death. That means our old, sinful self dies with Him, and we rise up brand new, clothed in His righteousness. It's not about the water washing dirt off your body—it's about the blood of Jesus washing away every last sin, forever! 1 Peter 3:21 says, "not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God."
Look at the thief on the cross—he never got water baptized, never did a single religious work, but Jesus told him, "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise." Why? Because he believed! That's the gospel: faith in Jesus' finished work, not our own efforts or rituals. Water baptism is a beautiful symbol, but it's faith in Christ's sacrifice that saves and gives us a new heart, a clean conscience, and eternal life.
So, baptism ties to the gospel because it points to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus—the very heart of the good news! When you believe, you're spiritually baptized, washed, and made new. That's the miracle of the gospel!
