Baptism is a sacred and beautiful act of obedience that publicly declares a believer’s faith in Jesus Christ, symbolizing their identification with His death, burial, and resurrection. It is a vital step in the life of a Christian, commanded by our Lord Himself. Let us explore these questions through the lens of Scripture to ensure we honor God in this ordinance.
**Who can get baptized?**
Baptism is for those who have repented of their sins and placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation. In Acts 2:38, Peter declares, *"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."* Similarly, Acts 8:12 tells us that *"when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."* Therefore, baptism is for believers—those who have consciously decided to follow Christ. Infants or those unable to make a personal confession of faith are not candidates for baptism, as it requires a genuine profession of faith.
If someone has not yet surrendered their life to Jesus, we urge them to do so first, for baptism without faith is meaningless. *"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned"* (Mark 16:16). Salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not through the act of baptism, but baptism is the obedient response of a saved heart.
**Who can baptize?**
While the Bible does not restrict baptism to a specific office or title, it is typically performed by those who are spiritually mature and able to guide others in their faith. In the early church, believers were often baptized by apostles, evangelists, or other leaders (Acts 8:38, Acts 10:48). However, the key requirement is that the person baptizing must themselves be a believer in Jesus Christ. There is no biblical mandate that only pastors or clergy can baptize. If you are a follower of Christ and understand the significance of baptism, you can baptize another believer. The authority comes from Christ, not from human tradition.
**Where can I get baptized?**
Baptism should ideally take place in a setting that reflects its solemn and public nature. In Scripture, we see baptisms occurring in rivers (Acts 8:36-38), likely due to the need for sufficient water for immersion. The location should allow for full immersion, as the word *"baptize"* (from the Greek *baptizō*) means *"to dip, immerse, or submerge."* While bodies of water like lakes, rivers, or baptismal pools in churches are common, the focus should be on the heart of the believer and the glory of God, not the location itself. A bathtub could technically be used if it allows for full immersion, but we encourage choosing a place that honors the sacredness of the occasion, preferably in the presence of other believers who can witness and rejoice in this step of obedience.
**Why do people get baptized?**
Baptism serves several profound purposes:
1. **Obedience to Christ’s Command:** Jesus instructed His disciples, *"Go 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 is not optional for believers; it is an act of obedience.
2. **Public Declaration of Faith:** It is a testimony to the world that a person has died to their old life and been raised to new life in Christ (Romans 6:4).
3. **Identification with Christ:** Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. *"We were buried therefore with him through baptism into 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 6:4).
4. **Fellowship with the Body of Christ:** Baptism often marks a believer’s entrance into the local church, signifying their commitment to the community of faith.
Baptism does not save us—only faith in Christ does that—but it is a vital step of obedience for every believer.
**What to say when baptizing?**
The words spoken during baptism should reflect its biblical purpose. The most common formula is found in Matthew 28:19: *"I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."* Some also use Acts 2:38 as a guide, saying, *"I baptize you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins."* The key is to invoke the name of the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and to make it clear that this act is done in obedience to Christ.
**What’s the proclamation of faith for baptism?**
Before baptism, the believer should publicly confess their faith in Jesus Christ. This can be a simple but heartfelt statement such as:
*"I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for my sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. I have repented of my sins and trusted in Him alone for my salvation. Today, I am being baptized as a public declaration of my faith in Him."*
This proclamation aligns with Romans 10:9-10: *"that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."*
**How do I baptize someone? (Step by Step)**
If you are leading someone in baptism, follow these steps with reverence and joy:
1. **Ensure the Person is a Believer:** Confirm that the individual has repented of their sins and placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism without genuine faith is meaningless.
2. **Explain the Meaning of Baptism:** Share the biblical significance of baptism (Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12) so they understand what they are doing.
3. **Choose a Suitable Location:** Select a body of water deep enough for full immersion, ensuring privacy and safety.
4. **Gather Witnesses:** If possible, have other believers present to celebrate and affirm this step of obedience.
5. **Have the Believer Share Their Testimony:** Before baptizing, ask them to briefly share their faith in Christ (their proclamation of faith).
6. **Enter the Water:** Both you and the believer should enter the water. You may stand facing them or to their side, whichever is most comfortable.
7. **Pray Together:** Offer a short prayer of thanksgiving and dedication, asking God to bless this act of obedience.
8. **Perform the Baptism:**
- Have the believer hold their nose or close their nostrils if needed.
- Place one hand behind their back and the other over their hand (for support).
- Say clearly, *"Upon your profession of faith in Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."*
- Gently lower them backward into the water until they are fully immersed, then bring them back up.
9. **Celebrate:** Rejoice together with those present, praising God for this new life in Christ!
10. **Encourage Follow-Up:** Remind the believer that baptism is the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship. Encourage them to grow in their faith through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.
**Can I baptize myself?**
No, baptism is not something one can do to themselves. The very nature of baptism involves submission and identification with Christ’s work, which is best represented by another believer performing the act. In Scripture, we always see one person baptizing another (e.g., John the Baptist baptizing Jesus in Matthew 3:13-17, Philip baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:38). Self-baptism would miss the symbolic act of being *"buried"* and *"raised"* by another, which reflects our dependence on Christ and the community of faith. If you are a believer and desire baptism but have no one to baptize you, seek out a local Bible-believing church where you can be baptized properly.
**What clothes do I wear for baptism?**
Modesty and practicality are key. Choose clothing that:
- Is loose-fitting and opaque when wet (dark colors are often best).
- Covers appropriately (e.g., a T-shirt and shorts or a baptismal robe if provided by the church).
- Allows for easy movement and full immersion.
Many churches provide baptismal garments for this purpose. The focus should be on the heart, not the attire, but modesty honors God and respects those present.
**Can I get baptized in a bathtub?**
While a bathtub could technically be used if it allows for full immersion, we encourage choosing a more fitting location if possible. Baptism is a public declaration of faith, and a bathtub may not convey the solemnity or joy of the occasion as effectively as a natural body of water or a church baptistry. However, if a bathtub is the only feasible option (e.g., due to health or mobility issues), the most important thing is the heart of obedience behind the act. God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), so if this is done with sincerity and in accordance with Scripture, He will honor it.
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Let us pray together for those seeking baptism or preparing to baptize others:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We praise You for the ordinance of baptism, which beautifully illustrates our death to sin and new life in You. Lord, we lift up every believer who is preparing for baptism or seeking to baptize another. Grant them wisdom, reverence, and joy as they obey Your command.
For those who have not yet surrendered to Christ, we pray that You would open their hearts to receive Him as Lord and Savior. May they understand that baptism is not a ritual for salvation but a step of obedience for those who have already been saved by grace through faith.
Father, guide each person to a place and community where they can be baptized in a way that honors You. Surround them with believers who will celebrate and support them in their walk with You. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may live lives worthy of the calling they have received.
We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of all praise and glory. Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
