Baptism: Rooted in Acts and Reflecting the Gospel

Baptism has always held a central place in the life of the Christian church. Far from being a mere ritual or symbolic tradition, it is deeply connected to the message of the gospel and the history of the early church. When we trace baptism back to its roots in the New Testament, especially in the book of Acts, we see that it was not only practiced by the first believers but also understood as a visible testimony of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Baptism in the Book of Acts

The book of Acts records the birth and growth of the early church. From its opening chapters, baptism is seen as a vital response of faith to the preaching of the gospel. On the Day of Pentecost, when Peter declared the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection, the people were cut to the heart and asked, “What shall we do?” Peter’s reply was clear: “Repent and be baptized every one of you 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). That very day, about three thousand were baptized, marking the beginning of the church’s mission.

As Acts continues, baptism consistently follows belief in Christ. The Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:36–38), Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:18), Cornelius and his household (Acts 10:47–48), Lydia and the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:15, 33)—all demonstrate that baptism was the immediate and expected step of obedience for new believers. In every instance, baptism served as the outward declaration that someone had embraced the message of Christ.

Baptism as a Picture of the Gospel

Beyond the history of its practice, baptism carries deep theological meaning. Scripture presents baptism as a visible symbol of the gospel itself—the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul explains this most clearly in Romans 6:3–4: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”

When a believer is lowered into the water, it represents Christ’s death and burial. Rising from the water symbolizes Christ’s resurrection and the believer’s new life in Him. Thus, baptism is more than just a statement of faith—it is a living picture of the gospel. Every baptism proclaims to the world that salvation comes through Jesus’ finished work on the cross and His victory over the grave.

Baptism as a Testimony

In the book of Acts, baptism was always public. It was a bold testimony to the surrounding world that a person now belonged to Christ. This is still true today. Each baptism declares the good news of the gospel and reminds both the church and the world that Jesus saves sinners, unites them with Himself, and gives them new life.

Conclusion

Baptism is a sacred act that connects us to the earliest days of the church, as seen in the book of Acts. It is not just a tradition, but a declaration that one has died with Christ, been buried with Him, and now lives in the power of His resurrection. In baptism, the church continues to proclaim the same message preached from the very beginning: Jesus Christ is Lord, He has conquered death, and He offers new life to all who believe.