What Happens in Baptism?

May 5, 2026

Last week, we saw that baptism is a response of faith in Christ that is intimately tied to our salvation. This week, we will see a number of very profound things that happen at the moment of baptism.

First, baptism is the point in time at which, through faith, a person comes into Christ. As the apostle Paul wrote, “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?” (Romans 6:3 NASB95. See also Galatians 3:26-27) Notice that baptism is “into Christ.” It is of utmost importance that we be “in Christ” because it is only in Him that we find spiritual blessings from God—blessings like forgiveness and redemption (Ephesians 1:7).  Baptism is the God-ordained response of faith that transfers a person into Jesus where these glorious blessings are found.

Second, baptism is the moment at which, through faith in Christ, we die to our old selves and become a new creation.  “Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4) In baptism, we die with Jesus, are buried with Him, and are raised up again. This is beautifully symbolized in the act of baptism. But baptism is not merely symbolic. By the power of God, these profound spiritual changes are actually happening to the one being baptized.

Third, baptism is the moment at which, through faith, we are freed from the power of sin. Paul continues, “Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin” (Romans 6:6-7) Sin is a powerful force that reigns over people. Baptism is the moment that we die with Jesus so that we can be freed from sin’s horrible grasp.

Fourth, baptism is the moment at which, through faith in Christ, our sins are forgiven. “Now why do you delay, Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name” (Acts 22:16). These words were spoken to Saul of Tarsus (who became the apostle Paul). Saul had seen a vision of Jesus on the road to Damascus, and in that moment, he was powerfully convicted of the truth.  Saul was so struck by His encounter with Jesus that he didn’t eat or drink for 3 days. Yet, despite his newfound belief in Jesus, Saul was still in his sins. It was only through baptism that his sins could be washed away.

Finally, baptism is the moment at which, through faith in Christ, one receives the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As Peter told the crowd in Acts chapter 2, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). If we do not have the Spirit, we are not children of God (Romans 8:9). When does the Spirit come? At baptism. In that moment we become forgiven children of God.

And there is more we could discuss. For example, baptism is the point in time at which we die to the law so that we can live to Christ (Romans 7:4). It is also the moment at which we are added to Jesus’ church (Acts 2:41). But the question for each of us is, have you been baptized into Jesus? If not, why do you delay?

—Scott Colvin

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Baptism: A Response of Faith

April 28, 2026

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB95).

We are saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. We must never forget this precious fact. There was nothing we could have done to earn our way to God. No amount of good works could have saved us. Our salvation is entirely through God’s grace—His undeserved, unmerited favor.  That grace is accessed through a true faith in Jesus Christ that expresses itself in trusting obedience and allegiance to Him.

What about baptism? Is it connected in any way to our salvation?  Many in the religious world answer with an emphatic, “No!” But the scriptures clearly and consistently link baptism to our salvation. These scriptures must be taken very seriously.  For example, we read:

“Repent and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). There is no salvation without forgiveness of sins. There is no salvation without the Spirit’s indwelling (Romans 8:9).

“Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4). Baptism is “into Christ.” There is no salvation without being in Him, where every spiritual blessing is found.  There is no salvation without sharing in Christ’s death and resurrection.  These marvelous things happen in baptism.

“Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21).  The apostle Peter leaves us with no doubt. Baptism is directly tied to salvation.

There are many more scriptures that teach us of the important connection of baptism to salvation. To name a few: Mark 16:15-16; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:1-11; Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 2:11-12. See also all the conversion examples in the book of Acts.

Therefore, if we are saved through faith in Jesus, and yet we see clearly that baptism is necessary for salvation, we must conclude that baptism is a part of faith. It is faith responding to God’s promise of salvation in Christ. It is not a work that we do to earn salvation. No, in baptism, God is doing the work of saving the penitent believer (Colossians 2:12). Faith is how we are saved and baptism is when we are saved through our faith in Christ.  

Have you been baptized into Jesus? If you believe in Him and wish to live for Him, why do you delay? “Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name” (Acts 22:16) 

—Scott Colvin

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Baptism and Faith

August 23, 2024

There is much confusion in the religious world about baptism.  This should not be the case.  The scriptures are very clear about the nature and purpose of baptism.  We only need to listen carefully to God and trust His word over our own preconceived ideas and systematic theologies. 

The word of God is clear that baptism is intimately tied to one’s salvation.  In Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, when the people were pierced to the heart and asked, “What shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” (Acts 2:38-39 NASB95) What is the purpose of baptism?  It is for the forgiveness of sins.  Can anyone be saved before their sins are forgiven?  No, for our sins separate us from God.  The wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23)

Are there other passages that teach that baptism is for the forgiveness of sins?  There certainly are.  When Paul was converted, He was told by Ananias, “Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.” (Acts 22:16 NASB95) In this statement we see once again the connection between baptism and cleansing from sin, and there is no salvation without that cleansing.  Jesus also connected baptism with salvation before He ascended back to the Father when He said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.  He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16 NASB95) It is clear; the one who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved! There are multiple passages which plainly state the same thing.  Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins and is therefore a necessary part of our salvation. 

So, why all the confusion?  Why all of the confident assertions—despite the plain witness of scripture—that baptism has nothing to do with salvation?  In my estimation it is because many have failed to realize that baptism is an act of faith and is not a work (in the sense of earning something from God).  Many reject the plain teaching of scripture about baptism because they believe that baptism is “a work” and salvation is by faith, not works.  It is true, we are saved by grace through faith, as a gift of God and not by works. (Ephesians 2:8-9) But baptism is an act of faith, not a work!  Just as repentance is an act of faith in response to the message preached, and just as confession of Christ as Lord is an act of faith in response to the message preached, so also baptism is an act of faith in response to the message preached.  It is nearly universally recognized that repentance and confession of Jesus as Lord are acts of faith necessary for salvation.  Baptism is no different.  It is a part of faith!  In fact, to separate baptism from faith—to make it simply an empty religious ritual—would render baptism meaningless and powerless.  We are saved by faith in the work of Christ.  Baptism is an expression of faith in His work and the moment in time at which God, in seeing our faith in Christ, grants us forgiveness and salvation! 

—Scott Colvin

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