Many Christians today are confused about baptism because they’ve heard so many different teachings—some say it saves you, others say it’s optional, and some think it’s for infants. But when you go back to the words of Jesus, the confusion clears up. Jesus taught that baptism follows personal belief, is done by immersion, and is a step of obedience—not a ritual, not a church membership requirement, and definitely not something done before faith. His words refute many of the most common misunderstandings we see in churches today.
Understanding what Jesus actually said about baptism helps you cut through religious tradition and take action based on truth. If you want to follow Jesus fully, baptism isn’t something to delay or treat lightly—it’s something to do His way. Keep reading to unpack these truths more deeply and learn how your view of baptism can align with Scripture—not just church tradition.
Baptism is one of the most visible and important practices in Christianity—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Depending on who you ask, you’ll hear everything from “It saves you” to “It’s just symbolic” or “It’s only for babies.” These views often come from tradition, not Scripture.
But what did Jesus actually say about baptism? That’s what matters. His words cut through confusion and show us what baptism really means, who it’s for, and why it’s essential for anyone who wants to follow Him.
Let’s break down some of the most common baptism myths—and compare them directly to Jesus’ teaching.
1. Misconception: Baptism is optional for Christians
This one’s popular. Some believe that once you believe in Jesus, baptism is a nice bonus—but not really necessary.
What Jesus said:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” — Matthew 28:19
Baptism isn’t optional—it’s part of the Great Commission. Jesus didn’t just tell us to make disciples. He told us to baptize them. If you’re a follower of Jesus and haven’t been baptized, you’re skipping a direct command from Him.
2. Misconception: Baptism saves you
Some traditions teach that baptism is necessary for salvation—that unless you’re baptized, you can’t be saved. But this adds a work to the gospel.
What Jesus said:
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” — Mark 16:16
Notice Jesus doesn’t say “whoever is not baptized will be condemned.” The issue is belief. Baptism is an act of obedience that follows salvation—it doesn’t cause it.
Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), not by any action, including baptism. But true faith leads to obedience—and that means getting baptized.
3. Misconception: Baptism can be done before you believe
This is the idea behind infant baptism—that someone can be baptized before they personally understand or believe in Jesus.
What Jesus said:
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved…” — Mark 16:16
Belief always comes first. Every example of baptism in the New Testament follows this order:
- People hear the gospel
- They believe
- Then they get baptized
Acts 2:41 says, “Those who accepted his message were baptized.”
Baptism is a response to personal faith. Babies can’t believe. That’s why infant baptism, though traditional in many churches, doesn’t align with Jesus’ words or the biblical pattern.
4. Misconception: Sprinkling or pouring is just as valid as immersion
Many churches sprinkle or pour water on someone’s head and call it baptism. It may seem like a small detail—but it misses the full meaning.
What Jesus modeled:
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” — Matthew 3:16
Jesus was immersed. So were all the people baptized in the early church. Why? Because immersion symbolizes death, burial, and resurrection.
Paul wrote in Romans 6:4:
“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death… just as Christ was raised from the dead.”
Sprinkling doesn’t represent burial and resurrection. Only immersion does. Baptism by immersion isn’t just tradition—it’s theology in action.
5. Misconception: You should wait until you’re more “spiritually ready”
Some people delay baptism because they feel like they need to reach a certain level of maturity or get their life more together first.
What Jesus and the apostles did:
In the Bible, people got baptized immediately after believing:
- Acts 8:36 — The Ethiopian eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?”
- Acts 16:33 — The Philippian jailer was baptized the same night he believed.
Jesus never said, “Believe in me and get baptized once you’ve figured it all out.” If you believe in Him now, you’re ready to obey now. Don’t wait.
6. Misconception: Baptism is mainly about joining a church
Some churches tie baptism to membership, making it more about joining their group than following Jesus. But in Scripture, baptism isn’t about becoming part of a local church—it’s about declaring your identity in Christ.
What Jesus focused on:
“Whoever acknowledges Me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” — Matthew 10:32
Baptism is your public declaration that you belong to Jesus. It’s a spiritual step, not a denominational one. While it may connect you with a church family, its first purpose is obedience to Christ—not church affiliation.
7. Misconception: Baptism is for perfect people
Let’s clear this up: baptism isn’t about being good—it’s about grace.
Jesus came for sinners. He saves broken people. And He calls them to follow Him, starting with baptism.
Remember:
- Jesus was baptized to “fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15)—not because He had sinned, but to set the example.
- Every person baptized in Scripture had a messy past—tax collectors, murderers, pagans.
If you’re waiting to “get it together” before getting baptized, you’re missing the point. Baptism is your step toward new life, not proof you’ve already achieved it.
What Does True Baptism Look Like?
Let’s quickly sum it up. According to Jesus and the New Testament, true baptism is:
- After personal faith (Mark 16:16)
- By immersion in water (Matthew 3:16; Romans 6:4)
- A step of obedience, not salvation (Matthew 28:19)
- Immediate, not delayed (Acts 2:41)
- A public confession of faith (Matthew 10:32)
Why It Matters
These aren’t just theological points—they’re about aligning your faith with Jesus’ words, not human tradition. When you understand what Jesus actually taught about baptism, you can obey with clarity and confidence.
If you’ve been baptized based on tradition or misinformation—maybe as a baby, or before truly believing—there’s nothing wrong with getting baptized again, biblically this time. You’re not dishonoring your past—you’re honoring Jesus now.
Final Thoughts
Jesus was clear. Baptism is a command, not a suggestion. It’s not about religion, ritual, or rules—it’s about declaring that your life now belongs to Him.
So ask yourself: Have I been baptized the way Jesus said? If not, the next step is simple—obey Him. Talk to a pastor, make the decision, and follow through.
Don’t settle for tradition. Choose truth. Choose obedience. Choose Jesus.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus taught that baptism is for believers, not infants.
- Baptism doesn’t save you—it follows faith and reflects obedience.
- Immersion, not sprinkling, matches the biblical pattern.
- Baptism should be immediate and public, not delayed or private.
- Jesus’ words refute many common baptism myths taught today.
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🔹 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is baptism optional for Christians?
No. Jesus commanded baptism as part of discipleship (Matthew 28:19). It’s not optional—it’s obedience.
2. Does baptism save you?
No. Salvation comes by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). Baptism is a response to that faith, not the cause of salvation.
3. Can infants be baptized according to Jesus’ teaching?
No. Jesus taught that belief must come before baptism (Mark 16:16). Infants can’t believe, so infant baptism isn’t biblical.
4. What’s the correct method of baptism?
The Bible consistently shows baptism by immersion, not sprinkling or pouring. The word “baptize” itself means to immerse.
5. Should I wait until I feel spiritually ready to be baptized?
No. In Scripture, baptism happens immediately after belief. You don’t need to be perfect—just willing to follow Jesus (Acts 8:36).
6. What if I was baptized before I believed?
If you were baptized before you truly trusted Jesus (e.g., as a child or out of tradition), you should be baptized now as a believer.
7. Is baptism just a symbol?
It’s symbolic, but not just symbolic. It’s a powerful act of obedience that publicly declares your commitment to Christ.
8. Is baptism required to join a church?
Some churches require baptism for membership, but biblically, baptism is about following Jesus—not joining a denomination.
9. Why is immersion important?
Immersion reflects the full meaning of baptism—being buried with Christ and raised to new life (Romans 6:4).
10. Is it okay to be re-baptized?
Yes—if your first baptism wasn’t biblical (wrong timing, wrong meaning, or wrong method), re-baptism is the right response.
