Baptism has been a subject of a lot of discussion among sincere believers. Some see it as simply a symbol of faith, while others understand it as being an essential part of responding to the gospel. But have you ever asked, “What does Scripture actually teach?” When we carefully look at God’s Word, we see baptism isn’t just a ceremony or an optional outward expression—it’s an act of obedient faith through which God works to unite us with Christ.
Let’s start with what baptism is. The word itself comes from the Greek term baptízō, meaning to immerse, to dip, to submerge. It was used in everyday Greek to describe plunging something completely under water—like a cloth being dipped into dye. That’s why, in Scripture, baptism is always described as an immersion, not a sprinkling or mere symbolic act. Paul explains that baptism represents a burial and resurrection: “We were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead... even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). So, baptism, then, is not only a picture of the gospel—it’s where we participate in it.
Why It Matters
Jesus Himself made baptism a command—not a suggestion. In the Great Commission, He told His apostles, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them...” (Matthew 28:19). In Mark’s account, Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). Notice the order: belief and baptism go hand in hand. The early church took this seriously. On the day of Pentecost, when the crowd asked Peter what they must do, he replied, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). That’s about as clear as Scripture can get.
Baptism is also where we put on Christ. Galatians 3:27 says, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” It’s the moment of transition from being in sin to being in Christ. Peter, too, draws the connection plainly: “Baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but the appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). Baptism isn’t about physical water—it’s about a spiritual transaction between the believer and God.
Common Misunderstandings
Some very well-meaning people argue that baptism can’t be necessary because salvation is “by faith alone.” And that’s true—salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). But genuine faith is always active—it responds in obedience. Just as Noah’s faith led him to build the ark (Hebrews 11:7) and Abraham’s faith led him to obey God’s command (James 2:21–24), saving faith leads us to obey Christ’s command to be baptized. Baptism doesn’t earn salvation—it’s how faith submits to the grace God offers.
Others say the thief on the cross proves baptism isn’t necessary. But that man lived and died before Jesus’ death and resurrection, under the old covenant. The gospel’s baptism (into Christ’s death and resurrection) hadn’t yet been established. After the resurrection, though, every conversion in recorded in Acts includes baptism—and it is never as an afterthought, but as the expected, immediate response to the gospel (see Acts 8:35–38; 9:18; 10:47–48; 16:31–33; 22:16).
The Heart of It All
Ultimately, baptism is about surrender. It’s where faith meets grace. It’s not just going through water—it’s being united with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection. To minimize baptism is to misunderstand how God has chosen to apply His saving work to our lives.
When Priscilla and Aquila found Apollos preaching accurately about Jesus but knowing “only the baptism of John” (Acts 18:25–26), they lovingly explained “the way of God more accurately.” Many believers today, like Apollos, are sincere and passionate but may not have been taught the full picture. The good news is that God’s Word makes it beautifully clear: baptism is not a ritual—it’s a moment of obedient faith where we die to sin and rise to new life in Christ.
But Wait . . . What About the Sinner’s Prayer?
Many sincere people today have been taught to “pray Jesus into their heart” or to “say the sinner’s prayer” to be saved. While this practice is common in modern evangelical culture, it does not appear in Scripture—not even once. There is no command to pray a salvation prayer, no example of anyone doing so, and no passage that teaches salvation comes by praying a specific prayer.
What we do see in Scripture is a consistent pattern of how people responded to the gospel:
- They heard the message (Romans 10:17). They believed it (Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12).
- They repented (Acts 2:38; 17:30).
- They confessed Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9–10; Acts 8:37).
- They were baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38; 8:36–38; 22:16; Galatians 3:27).
This is the pattern repeated over and over in the book of Acts. Not once do we see an apostle telling someone, “Repeat after me” or “Invite Jesus into your heart.”
Where Did the Idea Come From?
The sinner’s prayer arose in the last few centuries as part of revival movements. Well-intentioned preachers wanted a simple, immediate way for people to respond emotionally to a sermon. Over time, the prayer became seen by many as the way to receive salvation—despite having no biblical foundation.
But Doesn't Romans 10:9–13 Teach a Salvation Prayer?
Some point to Romans 10:9–13, especially “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved,” as support for the sinner’s prayer. But in Scripture, “calling on the Lord’s name” is not praying a formula—it means appealing to God in faithful obedience. That’s exactly how Ananias explained it to Saul: “And now why do you wait? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.” (Acts 22:16)
Paul called on the Lord’s name by submitting to baptism—not by saying a prayer.
What Does the Bible Actually Teach About Becoming a Christian?
Every conversion in Acts includes baptism at the moment a person’s sins are forgiven. The early Christians took Jesus’ words seriously: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.” (Mark 16:16)
The sinner’s prayer, by contrast, is never mentioned.
A Kind and Honest Conclusion
Many people who have said a sinner’s prayer were acting out of sincere hearts, wanting desperately to follow Jesus. Their sincerity should be honored, not attacked. But like Apollos in Acts 18, many believers simply haven’t been taught “the way of God more accurately.”
The Scripture’s message is simple, beautiful, and consistent: We are saved by God’s grace through obedient faith—not by reciting a prayer.