The Foundation of the Church (Part 2): Teaching About Baptism
Baptism is one of the foundational teachings in the Christian faith. In Hebrews 6:1-2, the writer encourages believers to move forward in maturity, having laid the foundation of repentance, faith, baptisms, resurrection, and eternal judgment. Among these, baptism often raises questions: What kind of baptism is essential for Christians? And why do we practice water baptism today?
Let’s explore what Scripture says about baptism and discover its true meaning.
The Bible Speaks of Many Baptisms
Ephesians 4:4-7 reminds us that there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Yet throughout the Bible, we see references to different kinds of baptisms:
John’s Baptism of Repentance (Acts 19:4)
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8)
Water Baptism (Acts 10:47)
So which of these is the one baptism that every Christian must experience?
The One Baptism: Spiritual Rebirth by the Holy Spirit
Jesus answers this directly in John 3:5-6: “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
The “living water” (John 7:38-39) refers to the Holy Spirit, who brings new life to every believer.
"39The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 But this He said in reference to the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified." John 7:38-39:38
This is the baptism of the Spirit, also called the new birth or regeneration (Titus 3:5-6, Ezekiel 36:26-27).
Born of the flesh = physical birth
Born of the Spirit = spiritual rebirth
This baptism happens when someone truly believes in Christ. Before a believer ever enters the waters of baptism, the Holy Spirit has already changed their heart. In other words:
Thus, the one baptism that saves is spiritual baptism—rebirth by the Spirit of God.
Then Why Practice Water Baptism?
If spiritual baptism is the true baptism, why do we still baptize in water?
The answer: Water baptism is a visible copy of the invisible spiritual reality.
The Bible often speaks of earthly events as shadows pointing to heavenly truths (Hebrews 8:5, 10:1). Water baptism reflects the work of the cross and the Spirit in a believer’s life.
Old Testament Pictures of Baptism
Crossing the Red Sea (1 Corinthians 10:1-2)
Israel left slavery in Egypt, passed through the waters, and entered new life.Noah’s Flood (1 Peter 3:18-21)
The world was judged by water, but God preserved Noah’s family through it, pointing to salvation in Christ.
Both point toward sin, judgment, water, and the new life God provides.
What Baptism Symbolizes
Paul explains in Romans 6:3-4 that baptism unites us with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection:
Baptized into His death – identifying with Christ’s sacrifice.
Buried with Him – leaving behind the old life of sin.
Raised with Him – walking in newness of life.
Water baptism does not cause salvation. The cross and the Spirit save us. But baptism is the God-given symbol of that salvation.
Baptism as an Appeal and Confession
Peter describes baptism as “an appeal to God for a good conscience” (1 Peter 3:21). It is not about washing dirt from the body but about calling on the name of Jesus (Acts 22:16).
On the day of Pentecost, those who received the gospel were baptized immediately (Acts 2:41). Baptism is the believer’s first act of obedience to the gospel—an outward sign of an inward transformation.
In Summary: What is Baptism and Why?
Baptism is both a command and a confession. It is the believer’s way of declaring faith in Christ’s work on the cross and the power of His resurrection.
A command and first act of obedience (Matthew 28:19)
A participation in Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4)
A picture of the washing of sins (Acts 22:16)
An appeal to God from a renewed heart (1 Peter 3:21)
An entrance into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13)
In short: Baptism always points us to the cross and the Spirit, the true sources of salvation.
