Baptism, significance of

The NT uses a variety of images to explain the meaning of baptism, such as dying and rising with Christ, sharing in his death and being cleansed from sin.

Baptism is a symbol of the death of Jesus Christ

Luke 12:50 Jesus Christ described his death as a baptism or a flood overwhelming him. See also Psalm 42:7, Psalm 69:1–2, Psalm 88:7; Mark 10:38–39

But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!

Baptism is a symbol of the burial of Jesus Christ

Romans 6:3–4 Immersion in water symbolises how the old sinful life is buried with Christ. Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:5

Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.

Baptism is a symbol of being saved from the flood

1 Peter 3:21 The flood/baptism symbolises both judgment (the death of sinners and the death of Jesus Christ) and salvation (those in the ark and those in Christ passing safely through judgment). See also Genesis 7:6–7

And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also — not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God — through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Baptism is the gospel equivalent of circumcision

Colossians 2:11–12 The “circumcision in Christ” may refer either to his death on the cross or to baptism. See also Deuteronomy 10:16

In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands. And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.

Baptism recalls the exodus

1 Corinthians 10:1–2 In and through the exodus experience Israel was united with and obedient to Moses, as Jesus Christ's people are to him. See also Exodus 14:19–24

I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.

Baptism symbolises washing from sin

Acts 22:16 Baptism is an outward sign of cleansing from sin and from a defiled life and conscience. See also 1 Corinthians 6:11; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21

And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on His name.’

Baptism is a symbol of putting on Christ

Galatians 3:27 Baptism is seen as putting on Christ, as one might put on a coat or garment, and thus be “clothed with Christ”.

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Baptism as a symbol of unity

Ephesians 4:5 See also 1 Corinthians 12:13

one Lord, one faith, one baptism;