When people hear the word baptism, they often think of water. Some imagine rivers and immersion, others picture sprinkling in church. Many link it to a formula, whether in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit, or in the name of Jesus. Arguments have continued for centuries. Is one form more valid than the other? Is baptism necessary for salvation? And if so, which kind? These questions have divided Christians. Yet the heart of baptism is not about water or ritual, but about Christ. Unless He is formed in us, no outward act has lasting meaning.
The Confusion in the Church #
The New Testament records different practices of baptism. Some cling to the words of Jesus in Matthew:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20 AMP)
Others insist on the examples from Acts where baptism took place in the name of Jesus:
“Peter said to them, ‘Repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways, accept and follow Jesus as the Messiah], and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ because of the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” (Acts 2:38 AMP)
Still others point to Paul’s words:
“For Christ did not send me as an apostle to baptize, but to preach the good news of salvation…” (1 Corinthians 1:17 AMP)
This variety of texts shows why arguments have continued. Water, formula, ritual, all seem important. But if we stop at these, we miss the substance. Scripture itself tells us these outward forms are only shadows.
Shadows and Substance #
Paul writes in Colossians:
“Such things are only a shadow of what is to come; and they have only symbolic value. But the substance [the reality of what is foreshadowed] belongs to Christ.” (Colossians 2:17 AMP)
Water baptism, rituals, and even religious ceremonies were always pointing to something greater. The Greek word “baptizo” means “to immerse, to place into.” It carries the idea of being put fully into something. True baptism, then, is not about water first. It is about being placed into Christ.
Without Him, baptism is reduced to a ceremony. With Him, baptism becomes a reality. He is the substance.
Baptism into Death #
Paul explains this most clearly in Romans:
“Or are you ignorant of the fact that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” (Romans 6:3 AMP)
The baptism we need is not simply into water, but into His death. The Greek phrase “palaios anthropos” means “old man,” the worn-out humanity in Adam. That old man was crucified with Christ. Baptism declares that end. It is not about reforming Adam, but about burying him.
This gives hope in daily life. When guilt rises, when sin feels strong, when shame whispers, remember: that old man is dead. You have been baptised into Christ’s death. The power of sin was broken at the Cross. You do not need to live under it anymore.
Baptism into Life #
But baptism is never only about death. Paul continues:
“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:27 AMP)
To be baptised into Christ means to be clothed with Him. His life becomes your covering. His identity becomes your own. Think of Israel passing through the Red Sea. Egypt’s armies were destroyed, but Israel walked through into freedom. Baptism marks that crossing. Death behind, life ahead.
This reality strengthens us in trials. When problems press in, when storms come, we remember we are clothed with Christ. Our lives are hidden in Him. He is our strength when weakness surrounds us.
Baptism in the Old Testament Shadows #
The Old Testament provides many pictures of baptism. Noah’s flood judged a corrupt world, but lifted the ark. The waters were both death and salvation. The Red Sea drowned Pharaoh’s army but brought Israel to liberty. These were not mere stories; they were signs pointing to Christ. Judgment and salvation meet in Him.
Just as the ark was the only safe place, Christ is the true Ark. Just as Israel left Egypt behind, baptism into Christ leaves Adam behind. These shadows show us that baptism is not about water alone but about union with Him.
Baptism of the Spirit #
Jesus Himself promised a baptism greater than John’s. John baptised with water, but Jesus baptised with the Spirit.
“John answered them all by saying, ‘As for me, I baptize you [only] with water; but One who is mightier [more powerful, more noble] than I is coming… He will baptize you [who truly repent] with the Holy Spirit and with fire.’” (Luke 3:16 AMP)
The Spirit is not an addition to baptism. He is the heart of it. To be baptised in the Spirit is to be immersed in God’s life. This is what equips us to live beyond Adam, beyond flesh, beyond human effort. The Greek word “pneuma” means breath or wind. As God once breathed into Adam, now Christ breathes His Spirit into us. That is baptism indeed.
This matters in the face of stress and trials. When anxiety rises, when grief overwhelms, we lean on the Spirit within. He is not just beside us; He is in us, giving strength, peace, and guidance.
Baptism into Suffering #
Jesus also spoke of another baptism:
“Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism of suffering with which I am baptized?” (Mark 10:38 AMP)
Here, baptism points to suffering. Union with Christ means sharing His cross. For many believers across history, baptism was followed by persecution. Even today, in parts of the world, baptism is a costly declaration. It says: I belong to Christ, no matter what it costs.
This challenges us when life feels hard. Baptism reminds us we are joined to Him in death and suffering, but also in resurrection and glory. The cross is never the end; resurrection always follows.
Practical Meaning for Us #
So what baptism do we need? Outward forms have value, but the essential baptism is into Christ Himself. That is what Romans and Galatians declare. Baptism is not first about water, formula, or ritual. It is about dying with Him and rising in Him.
This helps us in ordinary struggles. When temptation comes, remember you are dead to sin. When fear grips, remember you are alive in Christ. When death looms, remember resurrection life is already at work in you. Baptism is not a past ceremony; it is a present reality.
Think of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. He went down into the water with Philip, but he came up rejoicing because something greater had happened. His heart had been joined to Christ. Water was only the sign. Christ was the reality.
Summary #
- Baptism without Christ is only ritual. Baptism into Christ is life.
- The old man in Adam dies; the new man in Christ rises.
- Water, Spirit, suffering, all point to union with Him.
- Baptism is not a past event but an ongoing reality lived daily.
In Christ,
Godwin.
