Many people view baptism as a religious tradition, but Jesus taught something very different. In the Bible, baptism is a response to personal faith, not a ritual passed down or done out of habit. It’s a public, symbolic act that shows you’ve died to your old life and are now living for Christ. Unlike many traditions—like infant baptism or sprinkling—Jesus modeled and commanded full immersion after belief, making it a meaningful step of obedience, not just a religious formality.
Understanding the difference between Jesus’ teaching and man-made traditions can reshape how you see your faith. True baptism isn’t about checking a box—it’s about declaring your commitment to Jesus and stepping fully into the life He’s called you to live. Keep reading for a deeper dive into what the Bible really says about baptism, how traditions have shifted the focus, and why getting it right still matters today.
Baptism is one of the most recognized Christian practices around the world. You’ve probably seen it done in different ways—babies sprinkled in church, adults immersed in rivers, or people baptized as a tradition with no real explanation. But here’s the big question: What did Jesus actually say about baptism—and how does that compare to religious traditions?
Let’s cut through the confusion and go straight to Scripture. You’ll learn what true baptism is, what it’s not, and why it matters for your faith today.
What Is Baptism, Really?
Let’s start with a clear definition. Biblically, baptism is a public, outward expression of a personal, inward faith in Jesus Christ. It’s not just a ritual. It’s a declaration: “I believe in Jesus, and I’m following Him.”
In Romans 6:4, Paul explains it like this:
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too may live a new life.”
So baptism symbolizes:
- Death to your old life
- Burial of your sin
- Resurrection into new life with Christ
It’s not just getting wet. It’s making a statement that your life now belongs to Jesus.
What Did Jesus Say About Baptism?
Jesus didn’t leave baptism open to interpretation. He commanded it.
Matthew 28:19 (The Great Commission):
“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.”
Jesus links baptism directly to becoming a disciple. It’s one of the first steps of obedience after deciding to follow Him. He also modeled it Himself:
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.” — Matthew 3:13
Jesus didn’t need forgiveness—He was sinless. But He chose to be baptized to fulfill righteousness (Matthew 3:15) and to show us the way.
Where Religious Traditions Go Wrong
Over time, human traditions started shaping how people view baptism. Some added steps. Some watered it down. Some made it a ritual without meaning.
Let’s look at 3 common traditions and how they compare to Scripture.
1. Infant Baptism
Many were baptized as babies, often in Catholic or mainline Protestant churches. But here’s the problem: babies can’t believe.
Biblically, belief always comes before baptism.
- Acts 2:41: “Those who accepted his message were baptized…”
- Acts 8:12: “When they believed Philip… they were baptized…”
There’s zero example in the Bible of someone being baptized before placing their own faith in Christ.
Does that mean infant baptism is useless? Not necessarily—it may have meant something to your family. But it’s not biblical baptism. If you’ve since come to faith personally, you should be baptized as a believer.
2. Baptism as Tradition, Not Faith
In some churches, people get baptized just because it’s what everyone does. Maybe it’s required to join the church or part of a confirmation class. But baptism without personal faith is just religious ceremony.
Jesus didn’t command baptism as a box to check. He meant it to be a heartfelt response to salvation.
“People honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” — Matthew 15:8-9
True baptism is never about rules. It’s about relationship.
3. Sprinkling vs. Immersion
In the New Testament, baptism was always done by immersion. The Greek word “baptizo” literally means “to immerse” or “to dip.”
- Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:16: “He went up out of the water”).
- The Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 was baptized in a body of water.
Sprinkling may be convenient or symbolic, but it doesn’t reflect the biblical picture of death, burial, and resurrection. If you were sprinkled but now understand what baptism really represents, consider being immersed as a public, biblical step of obedience.
5 Marks of True, Biblical Baptism
If you want to get baptism right—Jesus’ way, not tradition’s—here’s what it looks like:
1. It follows personal faith in Jesus.
You choose to believe. You’re not born into it.
2. It’s a step of obedience.
You’re not saved by baptism, but saved people get baptized.
3. It’s by immersion.
Symbolizing death, burial, and resurrection with Christ.
4. It’s public.
Baptism is your chance to say, “I belong to Jesus.”
5. It’s part of discipleship.
Not just a one-time event—it marks the start of a new life with Christ.
Why It Matters Today
This isn’t just theological nitpicking. Here’s why getting baptism right matters:
- Clarity: You’ll understand what your faith really means.
- Obedience: You’re doing what Jesus told His followers to do.
- Boldness: You’re publicly standing with Christ in a world that often rejects Him.
- Freedom: You’re breaking free from dead religion and stepping into real relationship.
If you’ve trusted Jesus but never been baptized the biblical way, what’s holding you back?
What If You Got It Wrong Before?
Maybe you were baptized as a baby. Maybe you were baptized before truly believing. Maybe you were just going along with tradition.
The good news? It’s not too late. Baptism isn’t about what you did in the past—it’s about where you stand today.
“Now why delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.” — Acts 22:16
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. If you know Jesus and haven’t followed Him in baptism, now’s the time.
Final Thoughts: Jesus Over Religion
Religious traditions come and go. But Jesus’ words never change. He commands baptism not to burden you—but to bless you. It’s a bold, freeing, joyful act of obedience that says, “I’m all in with Jesus.”
Forget the rituals. Forget the pressure. Focus on what Jesus actually taught.
True baptism is about faith, surrender, and a new life in Christ.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus commanded baptism as part of discipleship (Matthew 28:19).
- True baptism follows personal faith, not tradition or birth.
- Immersion is the biblical method, symbolizing new life.
- Baptism is public, meaningful, and powerful—not just religious routine.
- If you haven’t been baptized the way Jesus intended, there’s no better time than now.
10 FAQs for “Jesus vs. Religious Traditions: True Baptism Explained
1. What’s the difference between Jesus’ teaching on baptism and religious tradition?
Jesus taught baptism as a personal response to faith, typically by full immersion. Many traditions, like infant baptism or sprinkling, developed later and aren’t supported by the biblical pattern.
2. Is infant baptism biblical?
No. In the Bible, baptism always follows personal belief in Jesus. Infants can’t make that decision, so their baptism isn’t the same as the believer’s baptism described in Scripture.
3. Does baptism save you?
No. You’re saved by grace through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9). Baptism is a public declaration of that faith—not a requirement for salvation.
4. What does true baptism symbolize?
It symbolizes dying to your old life, being buried with Christ, and rising into new life—just like Jesus’ death and resurrection (Romans 6:4).
5. Is sprinkling or pouring water a valid form of baptism?
Biblically, baptism was done by immersion. The Greek word “baptizo” means “to immerse.” Immersion best represents the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
6. Can I be re-baptized if my first one wasn’t biblical?
Yes. If your first baptism happened before true faith or was more about tradition than conviction, you should be baptized again as a believing disciple of Jesus.
7. Why is public baptism important?
Baptism is a public declaration of faith. It shows others that you’ve chosen to follow Jesus and belong to His family.
8. Did Jesus get baptized? Why?
Yes, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, not because He needed cleansing, but to fulfill righteousness and set the example for us (Matthew 3:13-17).
9. What should I do if I want to be baptized the biblical way?
Talk to a pastor or church leader. Share your testimony of faith and ask to be baptized by immersion as a step of obedience to Jesus.
10. Why does baptism still matter today?
Because Jesus commanded it. It’s a powerful, visible way to obey Him and identify with His death, burial, and resurrection. It’s not outdated—it’s essential.
