Baptism

Baptism is a central distinctive for Christians, especially those in Baptist churches. According to the Bible, baptism is an outward sign of an inward change, a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Baptists believe that baptism should only be administered to those who have personally professed faith in Christ (believer’s baptism), not to infants or those unable to make such a confession (Acts 2:41; Acts 8:36-38).

Baptists practice baptism by full immersion in water, symbolizing the believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12). This act does not save a person but is an act of obedience following salvation, demonstrating repentance and new life in Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).