What Is Baptism?

Baptism is one of the concepts often encountered but frequently wondered about in relation to Christianity. This page explains, neutrally, what the word baptism means, where it appears in the Bible and what it symbolizes. Because the details of the practice vary among different Christian traditions, no particular practice is advocated here; the aim is to make the basic concepts clear. Afterward you can begin reading the relevant chapters here for free.

What does baptism mean?

The word "baptism" comes from the Greek "baptizo" (to immerse in water, to wash). At its core it is a symbolic sign of cleansing and a new beginning, performed with water. In the Christian tradition, baptism is understood as a rite symbolizing a person's entry into the community of faith and their step into a new life.

Where does baptism appear in the Bible?

Baptism holds an important place in the New Testament. At the beginning of the four Gospels, John (also called John the Baptist) calls people to repentance and baptizes them with water; the baptism of Jesus by him is also recounted (for example Matthew 3, Mark 1). The book of Acts contains many examples of how baptism was practiced in the early church.

What does baptism symbolize?

Baptism is generally understood to symbolize three things: cleansing from the past, the start of a new life and entry into the community of faith. The use of water makes this idea of cleansing and renewal visible. While these symbolic meanings are commonly shared across traditions, the form of the practice may vary.

Baptism in different traditions

The way baptism is practiced differs among Christian traditions. Some traditions baptize infants, others those of an age to express their own faith; the use of water may be by immersion, pouring or sprinkling. These differences concern the detail of the practice, not the basic symbolic meaning. This guide does not recommend any particular practice; it only introduces the topic.

Where do I read the chapters about baptism?

You can easily reach the accounts about baptism on this site. For John's baptism and the baptism of Jesus, look at the first chapters of Matthew and Mark, and for examples of baptism in the early church, the book of Acts. You can read all these books chapter by chapter, free and ad-free.

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Guides

What does baptism mean?

Baptism comes from a Greek word meaning "to immerse in water, to wash." It is a rite performed with water that symbolizes cleansing and a new beginning.

Where does baptism appear in the Bible?

Baptism appears in the New Testament. At the start of the four Gospels, Yahya (John) baptizes people with water and the baptism of Jesus is recounted (Matthew 3, Mark 1); Acts conveys examples from the early church.

What does baptism symbolize?

Baptism generally symbolizes cleansing, the start of a new life and entry into the community of faith. The use of water makes this idea of cleansing and renewal visible.

Is baptism practiced the same in every Christian tradition?

No. Although the basic symbolic meaning is shared, the practice may vary: some traditions baptize infants, others adults; water may be used by immersion, pouring or sprinkling.

Can I read the chapters about baptism online?

Yes. On this site you can read the books where baptism appears — such as Matthew, Mark and Acts — chapter by chapter, free and ad-free.