What does immersion accomplish? Or, in more technical terms, what is the purpose and result(s) of New Testament immersion?
One often hears something along these lines: “Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change; it is a public declaration of one’s commitment to Christ.” Depending on what a person means to communicate, the statement could say too little or too much. At the very least, the language comes from humans and not from Scripture. So, what does the Bible say immersion accomplishes?
Immersion makes disciples. Jesus told the apostles to “make disciples” by 1. Baptizing [immersing], and 2. Teaching (Matthew 28:19–20).
Immersion saves. Mark 16:16 says, “Whoever believes and is baptized [immersed] will be saved.” 1 Peter 3:21 says, “Baptism [Immersion], which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus.”
Some in the religious world deny this truth because they feel it means we are saved “by works,” which Paul elsewhere denies (cf. Ephesians 2:8–9). Consider, however, these truths. While immersion may be called a “work,” it is an act of humble submission to God; it is, as Peter says, a request one makes to God. Further, the power of immersion is not in the person, but in God, who washes and renews the person (cf. Titus 3:5). In other words, immersion does not earn salvation. It is the God-design way by which a person asks God to save (cf. Acts 22:16). Ironically, those who deny the necessity of immersion often teach an entirely man made method of asking for salvation.
Immersion is for the forgiveness of sins. John the Immerser taught an immersion of “repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4). In so doing, he prepared the way for the immersion to come in Jesus. Matthew 26:28 says, “this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” In Romans 6:1–5, we learn that we participate in Jesus’ death when we are immersed. Therefore, Peter preached at Pentecost, “Repent and be baptized [immersed] every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38).
Immersion places a person in Christ, and in His body, the church. Galatians 3:27 says, “For as many of you as were baptized [immersed] into Christ has put on Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “For in one Spirit we were all baptized [immersed] into one body.” New Testament immersion does not place a person into a man made church or solely into a local congregation. It places a person into Christ and the one church He promised to build (Matthew 16:18).
Despite the Bible’s clear teaching on this subject, too many have been deceived or misled about what New Testament immersion accomplishes. Many claim to be Christians without ever having been immersed. What is a Christian but a disciple, someone who has been saved, his or her sins forgiven, and who belongs to Christ and His church? The New Testament plainly teaches that God has given immersion as the means by which He accomplishes these precious results.
Clay Leonard