Water baptism is by immersion after genuine repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as personal Savior. It symbolizes the death and burial of a sinner into the death and burial of Jesus Christ. Rising out of the watery grave symbolizes His resurrection. Also symbolizing purification, baptism prepares one for the receipt of the Holy Spirit. When one rises from his watery grave, he is to be a new person, led by God's Spirit and conducting his life according to God's way.

Scripture References:

Matthew 3:13-16; 28:19-20; Acts 2:38; 8:12-17; Romans 6:1-7; Colossians 2:12



From the Library: Baptism

Basic Doctrines: Water Baptism

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Baptism is one of the initial acts that a new Christian must experience. This fundamental doctrine gives the right frame of mind for continuing in God's way.


Does Paul Condone Baptism for the Dead (I Corinthians 15:29)?

Bible Questions & Answers

The New Testament Church did not follow this practice, and the apostle Paul did not teach it. This custom was introduced by Marcion, who created his own religion.


Baptism and the Last Day of Unleavened Bread

CGG Weekly by Ronny H. Graham

On the last day of Unleavened Bread, God symbolically baptized Israel in the Red Sea. But they could never see past their physical needs and fleshly desires.


The Wonderful Ordinance of Water Baptism

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Baptism symbolizes a burial and resurrection, or the crucifixion of the carnal self. After a person realizes his ways have been wrong, he should counsel for baptism.


Baptism and Unleavened Bread

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

The pattern of burial and rescue from a watery grave appears often in scripture, indicating that baptism plays an enormous role in God's overall purpose.


Why We Must Put Out Leaven

Article by Earl L. Henn

Why must we put leaven out, yet we do not have to circumcise our baby boys? Is deleavening 'Old Covenant'?


Basic Doctrines: The Laying On of Hands

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Laying on of hands may seem strange to the non-Christian. However, it is one of the church's fundamental doctrines, found in baptism, healing and ordination.


Baptized in the Sea

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Israel experienced a type of baptism in passing through the Red Sea on the last day of Unleavened Bread. Baptism symbolizes death, burial, and resurrection.


For more resources, please see the library topic for Baptism