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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Born of Water and the Spirit

August 12, 2025

In John chapter 3, Jesus said to Nicodemus, “…Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5 NASB95) What does it mean to be born of water and the Spirit?

First, let us notice the absolute need to be born again—from above.  No one will be able to enter God’s kingdom without this radical change, this complete transformation from above.  But how can a person be born again?  That was exactly the question that Nicodemus asked.  Jesus’ answer: One is born again of water and the Spirit.  But what does that mean?

To understand Jesus’ words, we need to consider the historical context.  What would have come to Nicodemus’ mind when he heard “water and the Spirit”?  At that time, John the Baptist was going around the region baptizing multitudes of people in water—an event that would have been the talk of all of Israel.  Jesus Himself was baptized by John.  When He came up out of the water, the heavens were torn open, and the Spirit of God came down upon Jesus as God announced to all that Jesus is His beloved Son.  These things created quite a stir among the religious leaders and all of the people.  Water and Spirit would have been on the minds of everyone, including Nicodemus.

Furthermore, we have other scriptures that show us what being born of water and the Spirit means.  Water and Spirit show up together in other passages.  For example, think of Acts 2:38, which says, “Peter said to them, ‘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 NASB95) Baptism and the Spirit appear together here. Or how about Paul’s words to Titus: “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,” (Titus 3:5 NASB95) Here we have washing and the Holy Spirit appearing together.  Or what about these words, where the Spirit and baptism occur together again: “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:13 NASB95)

So, what do we learn?  One is born again of water and the Spirit when they are baptized into Christ.  That is the time at which the new birth happens, by the power and working of God.  We come up out of the water as a new person, born again from above.  Fundamentally changed by God.  Of course, all of this is made possible by Jesus, the One who was lifted up on the cross for all to look to in faith for salvation.  Baptism is an expression of that faith in Jesus, and the time at which, by God’s grace, we are made new by the Holy Spirit.  Have you been born again?  If so, are you still walking in the new life God has granted you?   

—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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What is the Gift of the Holy Spirit?

January 9, 2024

There is a very important promise given to those who were baptized in Acts chapter two, where we read, “Peter said to them, ‘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 NAS95)But what is meant by “the gift of the Holy Spirit”?

Some have said that the gift of the Holy Spirit is a gift that the Spirit gives to the one who is baptized.  Earlier in Acts 2, the apostles, by the power of the Spirit, spoke in tongues so that all of those gathered in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost could hear the message of the gospel in their own language.  And so, it is concluded by some, that “the gift of the Holy Spirit” is the gift of tongue speaking. This gift, it is claimed, was bestowed upon those who were baptized that day by the laying on of the apostle’s hands after they were baptized. 

Others have said that the gift of the Holy Spirit is the Spirit Himself.  In other words, God gave the Spirit as a gift to indwell the believer at the moment of their baptism.

Which of these is the correct interpretation?  Let’s look at some related passages and strive to let the Bible interpret itself.  Paul wrote to the church at Rome, “However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.” (Romans 8:9 NAS95) Note carefully from this passage that the Spirit’s indwelling makes us children of God.  If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ (the Holy Spirit) he is not a child of God.  Or consider this verse, “Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Galatians 4:6 NAS95)Do you see here that the Spirit’s indwelling and sonship go together?  Because we are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts.  If we did not have His Spirit in our heart, it would mean that we are not His son or daughter.

Because of this, we must conclude that “the gift of the Holy Spirit” in Acts 2:38 is the Spirit Himself coming into our hearts.  If that is not the case, then those who were baptized on that day did not become children of God at the moment they were baptized.  Why?  Because no indwelling equals no sonship.  Could it be that they received the indwelling of the Spirit before they were baptized?  No, because that would indicate that they became children of God before they were baptized, and that the Spirit came to indwell them before their sins were forgiven. 

The gift of the Holy Spirit’s is the Spirit Himself who was given to dwell in our hearts.  Each one of us received Him at the moment we were baptized into Christ.  Praise God for His wonderful gift!

—Scott Colvin

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The Consequences of the Spirit’s Indwelling

January 5, 2024

Despite the many passages of scripture that teach us that the Holy Spirit dwells within each one of God’s children, there are some today who deny this truth.  They are denying more than they realize.  The indwelling of the Spirit is intimately tied to many other spiritual truths that are absolutely critical for each of us in Christ.  Listen to the words of Paul in Romans chapter 8: “However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:9-11 NASB95)

Notice first of all that in this passage Paul affirms three times that the Spirit of God dwells in you.  The Spirit of God came to dwell within each one of us when we were baptized into Christ.  His indwelling presence was God’s gift to each one of us (Acts 2:38).  Notice also that because the Spirit is in us, Christ is in us.  The Spirit is a divine member of the Trinity, and so both Jesus and the Father dwell in us through the Spirit. (John 14:16-23, 1 John 3:24)

What are the consequences of this wonderful truth?  First, because the Spirit of God dwells in us, we are no longer in the flesh but in the Spirit.  Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.  They have a mindset that will lead to death.  But those who are in the Spirit and who set their minds on the Spirit will find life and peace. (Romans 8:5-8) Second, the indwelling Spirit assures us that we truly do belong to God, but if we do not have His Spirit in us, then the simple truth is we do not belong to Him.  Third, the indwelling Spirit makes us alive in our inner being.  Without the Spirit’s presence, we would be spiritually dead, yet because of His indwelling presence, we have been made alive.  Finally, we see that it is the Spirit who will give life not only to our spirits, but also to our mortal bodies.  The Spirit’s ongoing work of transformation within our hearts will one day culminate in a glorious resurrection of our bodies.  But if the Spirit does not dwell within us, there will be no resurrection to life. (John 5:28-29)

The indwelling of the Spirit is a profound spiritual reality that we need to believe in and trust.  To argue that the Spirit doesn’t really dwell in us today is to argue that we cannot please God, that we do not belong to God, that we’re still dead in our sins, and that we will not be raised bodily with Jesus.  But the truth is, He does dwell within us!  And because of this, we have a great hope for life with God, both now and for all eternity.

—Scott Colvin

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