Baptism Explained: Water, Spirit, Salvation & Your Next Step of Obedience

What is baptism really—and why does it matter so much for Christians today? In this video, we break down the biblical meaning of baptism in a clear and practical way. You’ll learn the difference between Spirit baptism and water baptism, why salvation must come first, and what baptism truly represents in the life of a believer. We also explore what genuine salvation looks like, why Jesus commands believers to be baptized, and how baptism serves as a powerful public testimony of faith. If you’ve ever wondered what you should do before being baptized or what actually happens during a biblical water baptism, this video walks you through each step. Whether you’re a new believer, considering baptism, or simply wanting a deeper understanding of Scripture, this message will help you see baptism as more than a ritual—it’s an act of obedience, identification with Christ, and a declaration that your life now belongs to Him. If you’ve trusted in Christ but haven’t been baptized yet, this could be your next step of faith.

William Neal Craig, Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Candidate in Theology and Apologetics, Liberty University, John W. Rawlings School of Divinity

2/10/20263 min read

a person in a mask
a person in a mask

Understanding Baptism: What It Means and Why It Matters

Baptism is one of the most meaningful steps in the Christian life. It is more than a church tradition or religious ceremony—it is a visible expression of an inward spiritual reality. To understand baptism properly, we need to explore the difference between water baptism and Spirit baptism, the role of salvation, and what baptism means for believers today.

Water Baptism vs. Spirit Baptism

The Bible speaks of baptism in more than one sense, and it is important to distinguish between the two primary types.

Spirit Baptism

Spirit baptism is a spiritual work of God that happens at the moment of salvation. When a person truly believes in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within them and places them into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). This is not something a person performs; it is something God does.

Spirit baptism:

  • Happens the moment a person is saved

  • Is invisible and spiritual

  • Unites the believer with Christ and His Church

Water Baptism

Water baptism, on the other hand, is an outward act performed after salvation. It is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ and a picture of what has already happened spiritually.

Water baptism:

  • Takes place after salvation

  • Is a physical act using water

  • Symbolizes death to sin and new life in Christ

Water baptism does not save a person. Instead, it demonstrates that a person has already been saved.

Salvation Comes First

Before someone is baptized, they must first experience genuine salvation. Baptism without faith is simply getting wet—it has no spiritual value.

What Does Genuine Salvation Look Like?

True salvation involves:

  • Repentance – A change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from a life of rebellion against God

  • Faith in Jesus Christ – Trusting that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for your sins, and that He rose again

  • Personal trust – Relying on Christ alone, not good works, religion, or personal effort

Salvation is not earned. It is a gift of God’s grace received through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). Once a person is saved, baptism becomes the next step of obedience.

Why Should a Believer Be Baptized?

Baptism is important because Jesus commanded it (Matthew 28:19). It is one of the first acts of obedience in the Christian life.

What Baptism Means for the Christian Today

Water baptism is a powerful symbol:

  • Identification with Christ – Going under the water represents being buried with Christ; coming out represents rising to new life (Romans 6:3–4)

  • Public testimony – It shows others that you belong to Jesus

  • A step of obedience – It demonstrates a willingness to follow Christ

    Baptism does not make someone a Christian, but it shows that they already are one.

What Should Christians Do Before Being Baptized?

Before water baptism, a believer should:

  1. Be sure of their salvation – They should clearly understand the gospel and their personal faith in Christ

  2. Examine their heart – Baptism is not about perfection, but about a genuine desire to follow Jesus

  3. Understand the meaning of baptism – They should know it is a symbol, not a means of salvation

  4. Be willing to live for Christ – Baptism marks the beginning of a public Christian walk

The Process of Water Baptism

While specific practices may vary slightly between churches, the biblical pattern is clear: baptism is by immersion.

Typical Steps in Water Baptism

  1. Confession of faith – The person publicly declares their belief in Jesus Christ

  2. Entering the water – The believer stands in the water with the one performing the baptism

  3. Immersion – The person is gently lowered under the water, symbolizing burial with Christ

  4. Rising from the water – The believer is lifted back up, symbolizing resurrection to a new life

This act is a living witness to the gospel: Jesus died, was buried, and rose again, and the believer now shares in that new life.

Final Thoughts

Baptism is a joyful and significant step along the Christian path. While water Baptism itself does not save, it boldly proclaims that we have been saved. It is an act of obedience. It is a public testimony and a vivid display of the gospel’s transforming power.

If you have trusted in Christ but have never been baptized, this may be your next step of faith.