Why Baptism Matters: A Symbol of Grace and Obedience

Why Baptism Matters: A Symbol of Grace and Obedience

As part of our ongoing Apostles’ Creed series, we’re pausing this week to talk about something that isn’t technically in the Creed—but is foundational to our faith: baptism. It’s one of those topics that can cause confusion and even division among churches. Some baptize only infants, others only adults. Some churches argue over how it should be done—by sprinkling, pouring, or full immersion.

At Bethany Church and within the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC), we practice both infant and adult baptism. But we also understand that many questions swirl around the practice:

• Does baptism save you?
• Can you be baptized more than once?
• What if you don’t remember your baptism?
• Which method of baptism is “correct”?

These are big questions, and a single sermon—or blog post—can’t cover everything. But we hope to bring some clarity by going back to Scripture, where we see baptism not as a point of confusion, but as a beautiful response to God’s saving work.

A Story from Acts 8

In Acts 8, the apostle Philip is led by the Holy Spirit to leave a revival in Samaria and head south into the desert. There, he meets an Ethiopian eunuch—a high official in the Queen’s court—who is reading Isaiah 53, the great prophecy about the suffering servant. Philip explains that this passage is about Jesus, and the eunuch believes the good news.
As they travel, they come upon some water. The eunuch says, “Look, here is water. What prevents me from being baptized?” And so Philip baptizes him on the spot.
This story shows us something powerful: baptism is the natural next step after believing in Jesus. It’s a pattern repeated all throughout Acts—Acts 2, Acts 9, Acts 10, Acts 16. Again and again, people believe in Jesus and then are baptized as a public confession of that belief.

What Is Baptism?

At its core, baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace. It’s a symbolic act—a public declaration that says, “I belong to Jesus.” As the EPC Book of Order puts it, it’s a way of proclaiming to the world what God has already done in your heart.

Romans 6 paints this vivid picture:

“All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death... so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too might walk in newness of life.”

When we go under the water (especially in immersion), it symbolizes being buried with Christ. Coming up out of the water represents rising with Him to a new life. But it’s important to remember: baptism itself doesn’t save you. It points to the reality of salvation, but it’s not the cause of it.

What Saves Us?
Some churches teach that baptism is necessary for salvation. But Scripture is clear: salvation comes by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8–9, Titus 3:5, Romans 3:22). Consider the thief on the cross—Jesus told him, “Today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43), even though he was never baptized.

Yes, baptism is important. But it’s not a requirement for salvation—it’s a response to salvation.

Why Be Baptized, Then?
If baptism doesn’t save us, why do it at all? Two reasons:

1. Because Jesus commands it. In the Great Commission, Jesus tells us to go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18–20). Obeying Jesus means taking this step of public faith.
2. Because it declares our allegiance to Christ. Baptism says to the world, “I belong to Jesus. I’m all in.” It’s not a statement of loyalty to a church or denomination—it’s a declaration that your life is anchored in Christ.

That’s why we baptize publicly, within the context of worship. It’s a celebration, yes, but also a sacred moment. We should avoid treating it as a mere ritual or emotional event. It is holy.

One Baptism, One Faith
At Bethany, we hold that baptism happens once. You don’t need to be re-baptized because God’s work in your life doesn’t need a “do-over.” Whether you were baptized as an infant or as an adult, God is sovereign and knows who are His. As Paul says in Ephesians 4:5, “There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”

And in 1 Corinthians 12:13, we’re reminded that all believers—no matter our background—are baptized into one body by the same Spirit. That unity in Christ is what defines us and shapes the way we treat each other, especially in a world that wants to divide us.

What About Infant Baptism?
So how do we reconcile this pattern of believer’s baptism with the practice of infant baptism? At Bethany Church and within the EPC, we embrace both. While we affirm that baptism doesn’t save, we also recognize that infant baptism is a covenantal sign—much like circumcision was in the Old Testament—that marks a child as part of the covenant community of faith. It’s not a declaration of that child’s personal belief, but of God’s promise and the commitment of the church and family to raise the child in the faith. Then, when that child grows up and claims faith for themselves, we celebrate that personal profession through confirmation—not a second baptism, but a fulfillment of the first.

So, What About You?
If you’ve believed in Jesus but have never been baptized, it’s time to ask: why not? Maybe you didn’t know it mattered. Maybe you’ve put it off. Maybe you were waiting for the “right” moment. Whatever the case, the opportunity is now. If you believe, then let your faith be known—publicly.

As Jesus said in Matthew 10:32:

“Everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I also will acknowledge before My Father who is in heaven.”

Baptism doesn’t save you. But it does proclaim that you have been saved. It is your moment to stand up and say, “I am with Jesus.” If you haven’t taken that step yet, we’d love to walk with you as you do.