We’ve all seen the baptism fail videos—someone slipping in the baptistry, a pastor dunking a little too enthusiastically, or a misstep that sends everyone laughing. But the biggest “baptism fail” isn’t a funny accident—it’s misunderstanding baptism altogether.
Some see it as just a tradition. Others believe it’s what saves them. Many don’t think it matters. But what if we’re missing something deeper?
Romans 6:3-5 shows us that baptism isn’t just about water—it’s about immersion into something much greater. The word baptizó means “to immerse,” and every biblical example—from Jesus in the Jordan to the Ethiopian eunuch—shows baptism by full submersion. But why does that matter? Because baptism is more than a symbol. It’s a declaration.
When you go under the water, you’re identifying with Jesus’ death. It’s a way of saying, “My old life—my sin, my self-rule, my way of doing things apart from Christ—is dead and buried.” But you don’t stay under. Coming up out of the water is a picture of resurrection—just as Jesus was raised, you too have been raised to a new life in Him.
That new life changes everything. For the young professional, it means your worth isn’t tied to success. For the retiree, it means God still has a purpose for you. For the single mom, it means you’re never alone. For the teenager, it means you don’t have to chase approval. For the person struggling with depression, it means you are not defined by your struggle. Baptism is a bold statement: “I belong to Jesus.”
But baptism isn’t what saves you. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it clear—salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation, like a wedding ring. The ring doesn’t make you married, but it tells the world you belong to someone. Baptism works the same way—it’s a public declaration that your life belongs to Christ.
So, what’s your next step? If you believe in Jesus but haven’t been baptized, what’s stopping you? Baptism isn’t just a tradition—it’s a step of obedience. If you have been baptized, are you living in the newness of life it represents? If you were baptized but never truly knew Jesus, don’t trust in baptism—trust in Christ.
Baptism is more than a moment. It’s a proclamation that your old life is over and your new life in Christ has begun. So, are you ready to take the plunge? 💧
