Many modern churches teach different versions of baptism—some baptize infants, others sprinkle water, and some treat it as a church membership formality. But when you look at Jesus’ teaching and the examples in the New Testament, baptism is always a personal, immediate response to faith, done by full immersion. It symbolizes dying to your old life and rising to new life in Christ. Jesus not only commanded it but modeled it, showing us that baptism is a matter of obedience, not tradition.
Understanding how Jesus’ view of baptism contrasts with modern denominational practices helps you align your faith with Scripture, not just habit or heritage. It’s not about judging others—it’s about making sure your walk with Jesus reflects what He actually said. Keep reading for a deeper dive into what real, biblical baptism looks like and how to take that step for yourself.
Baptism is one of the most widely practiced rituals in Christianity, but depending on where you go—Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Pentecostal—you’ll hear different things about how, why, and when to be baptized. Here’s the truth: not all views line up with what Jesus actually taught.
If you’re trying to make sense of what real, biblical baptism is, you need to start with Jesus—not tradition, not church rules, not even your personal experiences. Let’s walk through what Jesus said, how His teaching compares with modern denominational practices, and what it means for your own faith.
What Did Jesus Actually Teach About Baptism?
Jesus didn’t leave baptism open to interpretation. It wasn’t optional for His followers.
1. Jesus commanded it.
“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 (ESV)
This is the Great Commission. Notice the order: make disciples → baptize them → teach them. Baptism is tied directly to being a disciple—not a side ritual, not a church tradition. It’s foundational.
2. Jesus modeled it.
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.” — Matthew 3:13
Jesus didn’t need forgiveness, but He was baptized to “fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). He showed us that baptism is about obedience and identification—not cleansing from sin in His case, but setting the example for us.
Key Features of Jesus’ Teaching on Baptism
Let’s highlight what Jesus—and the New Testament—shows us about baptism:
- It follows personal belief (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:41).
- It’s by immersion, symbolizing death and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4).
- It’s public, declaring faith openly (Acts 8:38–39).
- It’s immediate, not something to delay (Acts 16:33).
Now let’s compare that with what’s taught in many modern denominations.
5 Ways Modern Denominations Differ From Jesus’ Teaching
1. Infant Baptism vs. Believer’s Baptism
Jesus taught that baptism follows faith. You choose to follow Him, then you get baptized.
But many denominations, like Catholics, Lutherans, Episcopalians, and some Presbyterians, baptize infants. The problem? Infants can’t repent or believe. Every biblical example of baptism follows a personal decision to trust Jesus.
“Those who accepted his message were baptized…” — Acts 2:41
Infant baptism might be meaningful for families, but it doesn’t reflect biblical baptism. If you were baptized as a baby, and now you’ve truly put your faith in Jesus, you should be baptized as a believer.
2. Sprinkling or Pouring vs. Immersion
The word “baptize” (Greek: baptizo) literally means “to immerse” or “to submerge.” The biblical model is clear:
- Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River.
- Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch went down into the water (Acts 8:38).
- Paul describes baptism as being buried with Christ (Romans 6:4).
Many denominations, however—including Catholics, Anglicans, and some Methodists—use sprinkling or pouring. It’s easier and more convenient, but it doesn’t reflect the symbolic meaning of burial and resurrection.
3. Delayed Baptism vs. Immediate Baptism
In the New Testament, baptism happened fast—often the same day someone believed.
- The Ethiopian eunuch asked, “What prevents me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36)
- The jailer in Acts 16 was baptized that night, right after believing.
Today, some churches delay baptism for weeks, months, or even years—sometimes requiring classes, age requirements, or church membership first.
But Jesus never said to wait. If you believe, you’re ready. Don’t delay obedience.
4. Baptism as a Church Requirement vs. a Personal Response
In many churches, baptism is seen as a requirement for joining the church or going through certain rites. It becomes more about membership than relationship with Jesus.
But Jesus taught that baptism is a response to faith, not a religious formality.
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you…” — Acts 2:38
You don’t get baptized to join a denomination. You get baptized to obey Jesus and identify with Him. It’s personal, not institutional.
5. Baptism for Salvation vs. Baptism Because of Salvation
Some denominations, especially in Catholicism and Church of Christ circles, teach that baptism is required for salvation. But Scripture is clear: we are saved by grace through faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8–9).
That said, baptism still matters. It’s not how you’re saved—it’s because you’re saved that you obey Jesus and get baptized.
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” — Mark 16:16
Notice the emphasis is on belief. Baptism is an act of obedience that should follow true faith—not a substitute for it.
What Should You Do If You Were Baptized Differently?
If your baptism doesn’t line up with what Jesus taught—maybe it was before you truly believed, maybe it was a sprinkling, maybe it was just a tradition—you can still follow Jesus’ example now.
There’s nothing shameful about being baptized again for the right reasons. It’s not “redoing” your faith. It’s responding in obedience to Jesus.
“Now why delay? Get up and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name.” — Acts 22:16
Why This Matters for You
This isn’t about denominations or judging people. It’s about putting Jesus first. If you’re serious about following Him, you need to follow His Word—not just religious habits.
Here’s why this matters:
- Clarity: You’ll know your baptism reflects biblical truth.
- Obedience: You’re doing what Jesus commands.
- Testimony: Your baptism becomes a public declaration of real faith.
- Confidence: You won’t wonder, “Did I really do this God’s way?”
Final Thoughts: Follow Jesus, Not Just Tradition
Jesus didn’t come to start a religion. He came to save people and call them to follow Him. Baptism is a key part of that journey. If you’ve been baptized in a way that doesn’t line up with what Jesus taught, take a step of faith and do it His way.
Don’t let tradition replace truth. Don’t let comfort replace obedience. Choose to follow Jesus fully—even in baptism.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus taught that baptism follows personal faith and is done by immersion.
- Many modern denominations teach or practice baptism in ways that contradict Scripture.
- Biblical baptism is a response to salvation—not a requirement for it.
- If your baptism doesn’t reflect Jesus’ teaching, it’s not too late to make it right.
- Obey Jesus, not just tradition. True disciples follow His example.
10 FAQs for “How Jesus’ Teachings on Baptism Differ from Modern Denominations
1. What did Jesus teach about baptism?
Jesus taught that baptism should follow personal belief in Him, be done by immersion, and serve as a public declaration of faith (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16).
2. Is infant baptism biblical?
No. Every example of baptism in the Bible follows a person’s conscious decision to trust in Jesus. Infants aren’t capable of making that decision.
3. What does baptism symbolize?
Baptism represents dying to your old life, being buried with Christ, and rising to new life—mirroring Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:4).
4. Is baptism necessary for salvation?
No. You’re saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Baptism is a step of obedience that follows salvation—not a requirement for it.
5. Why do some churches sprinkle or pour water instead of immersing?
Many churches do it out of tradition or convenience. But biblically, baptism was done by immersion, which better reflects the meaning of death and resurrection.
6. Can I be baptized again if I was baptized as a baby?
Yes. If you’ve come to personal faith in Jesus and want to obey Him, being baptized as a believer is biblical and meaningful.
7. Why is immersion important in baptism?
The Greek word “baptizo” means to immerse or submerge. Immersion reflects the full symbolism of being buried and raised with Christ.
8. How soon should I be baptized after believing?
In the New Testament, baptism often happened immediately after someone believed (Acts 2:41, Acts 8:36). There’s no biblical reason to delay it.
9. Do I need to be baptized to join a church?
Some churches require it for membership, but biblically, baptism is about obedience to Jesus, not joining an institution.
10. What if I’ve already been baptized, but not the way Jesus taught?
If your previous baptism wasn’t based on personal faith or didn’t reflect biblical immersion, it’s okay—and biblical—to be baptized again in obedience to Christ.
