Baptism 101
How to Get Baptized
Getting baptized, explained based on the Bible: who it’s for, when to do it, what it means, and the exact steps to take.
Who, When
& What
Baptism doesn’t save you. Faith in Jesus does. Baptism is the outward sign of the change that already happened inside.
WHO
Believers
People who have already put their faith in Jesus (Acts 2:41). You believe first, then you get baptized as an outward sign of the change inside (Acts 8:36-37).
Read the verses
Acts 2:41Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.
Acts 8:12But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning God’s Kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 8:36, 38As they went on the way, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Behold, here is water. What is keeping me from being baptized?” ... He commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.
Acts 18:8Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house. Many of the Corinthians, when they heard, believed and were baptized.
Galatians 3:26-27For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
WHEN
After You’re Saved
As your first public step of obedience (Acts 2:38).
Read the verses
Acts 2:38Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 28:19-20“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Acts 10:47-48“Can anyone forbid the water, that these who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we should not be baptized?” He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 16:33He took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household.
Acts 22:16“Now why do you wait? Get up, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
WHAT
Death & New Life
Going under the water pictures dying to your old self; coming up pictures being raised to new life in Christ (Colossians 2:12). It identifies you with His death and resurrection (Romans 6:4).
Read the verses
Colossians 2:12having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Romans 6:3-4Or don’t you know that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:6knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin.
2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.
Before baptism, put your
faith in Jesus Christ
Not sure if you have? Start here. The free guide walks you through it step by step, as a PDF or a video.
How to Put Your Faith in JesusStep by
Step
Two ways to do it: through a local church (recommended), or anywhere with a believer to baptize you.
Option 1: At Church
Search Local Churches
Open Google and search “churches near me” or “[your town] + Bible-believing church,” then make a list of 5 to 8 within a 20-minute drive.
Check Their Beliefs
Visit each church website and read their “What We Believe” or “Statement of Faith” page to confirm they teach the Bible and practice baptism.
Narrow Your List
Pick your top 3 churches based on doctrine, distance, and service times, and write down their phone numbers and email addresses.
Call Each Church & Ask Questions
Phone each of your top 3 during office hours and say you are a believer who wants to be baptized. Ask these, then choose your favorite based on the answers:
- How soon can I be baptized and what is the earliest available date?
- Does baptism require a class, interview, or membership first?
- What does baptism mean to you? (to confirm it lines up with Scripture)
- What should I wear and bring on the day?
- Can family and friends attend and watch?
- Do you baptize by immersion or sprinkling?
- Is there any cost or paperwork involved?
Schedule Your Baptism
Confirm the exact date and time in writing (text or email), add it to your calendar, and invite family or friends to attend.
Option 2: Anywhere
Get Into Water
Step into a large body of water you can be fully submerged in.
Pledge Allegiance to Jesus Christ
Follow this script with your baptizer. Mean what you say.
Baptizer: Do you renounce the sins of your past, the ways of this world, anything dark and demonic you have ever been connected to, and pledge to follow Jesus Christ?
You: Yes.
Baptizer: And who is Jesus Christ to you?
You: My Lord and Savior.
Baptizer: And based on that public proclamation, I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Get Baptized
Let the baptizer lean you back and fully submerge your body in the water.
Need a church to get baptized at? Here’s how to find a good local church.
Free 1:1 Call
Have questions about Jesus? Let’s talk.
- New to faith and not sure where to start
- Grew up in church but not sure you actually have faith
- Have honest questions about Christianity
- Want to hear the gospel explained one on one
100% free. You’ll talk with a Christian who’s been trained to walk you through it.
