Baptism does not save the soul — it declares the Savior.

The doctrine of baptism teaches that water baptism is the believer’s public identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is not a part of salvation, but a picture of salvation. Every true believer, after being saved by faith in Christ, should be baptized by full immersion in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

This vital truth is part of our Statement of Faith and is foundational to the practice of every local, New Testament church.

Acts 2:41
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

1. Baptism Follows Salvation

The doctrine of baptism makes it clear that baptism always follows personal faith in Jesus Christ. It is never a means to salvation but a testimony of it.

Acts 8:36–37
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Salvation must come first. Baptism is an act of obedience, not a ritual of regeneration. Those who teach baptismal salvation deny the Gospel of grace. The doctrine of baptism rejects this false teaching and upholds faith alone in Christ alone.

2. Baptism Is by Full Immersion

The doctrine of baptism affirms that scriptural baptism is always by complete immersion in water — symbolizing the believer’s death to sin, burial with Christ, and resurrection to new life.

Romans 6:3–4
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

John 3:23
And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

Sprinkling or pouring distorts the biblical picture of burial and resurrection. Immersion alone honors the symbolism that God designed. The doctrine of baptism stands firm on this scriptural method.

3. Baptism Is for Believers Only

Infant baptism, as practiced by many denominations, has no scriptural basis. Baptism is for those who have personally believed the Gospel.

Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Notice that belief always precedes baptism. A baby cannot believe; therefore, infant baptism is unscriptural and meaningless. The doctrine of baptism insists that only born-again believers are candidates for baptism.

4. Baptism Identifies the Believer with Christ

Baptism is a public profession — a declaration that one has died with Christ, been buried with Him, and risen again to walk in newness of life. It is the outward sign of an inward faith.

Galatians 3:27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Colossians 2:12
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

The doctrine of baptism reminds believers that this ordinance is both symbolic and significant — not for washing away sin, but for identifying with the Savior.

5. Baptism Is an Act of Obedience

Jesus Himself was baptized, not because He needed repentance, but to “fulfill all righteousness.” His example shows that baptism is an act of obedience to the will of God.

Matthew 3:16–17
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

To follow Christ means to follow His example. Baptism does not make a person more saved — it simply declares what God has already done. The doctrine of baptism teaches that obedience in baptism is the believer’s first public step of faith.

Application and Affirmation

The doctrine of baptism calls believers to obey God and publicly identify with Jesus Christ. It is a joyful, visible testimony that salvation has already taken place in the heart.

Acts 9:18
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Affirmation:

The doctrine of baptism teaches that baptism follows salvation, not precedes it.
It must be by full immersion, symbolizing death, burial, and resurrection.
It is for believers only — not infants or unbelievers.
It identifies the believer with Christ and His church.
It is an act of obedience, not a means of grace.

The Doctrine of Baptism