What are baptism and communion?

If you are new to Christianity, you may have seen Christians being baptised or taking communion and wondered what these things actually mean. You may also have wondered whether you have to be baptised to be saved, whether communion is necessary, or why Christians continue doing these things today.

Baptism and communion are two important practices that Jesus gave to His followers. They are not simply traditions that Christians invented over time. Both point us back to Jesus, His death and resurrection, and what it means to follow Him.

Baptism publicly identifies a person with Christ, while communion reminds believers of what Jesus did for them through His death on the cross.

Neither should be treated as a meaningless religious routine.

They are meant to point our hearts back to Jesus.

Quick Answer: What Are Baptism and Communion?

Baptism is a public expression of faith in Jesus Christ. It represents the believer’s identification with Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection and their decision to follow Him.

Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper, is a practice in which Christians eat bread and drink from a cup in remembrance of Jesus’ body and blood given for us.

Baptism looks particularly toward the beginning of our life as followers of Christ, while communion is something believers continue to participate in as they remember Jesus and proclaim what He has done.

Christians have different beliefs about the details of baptism and communion, including who should be baptised, how baptism should be performed and exactly how Christ is present in communion. However, the importance of both practices comes from Jesus Himself.

What Is Baptism?

Baptism is the practice of being immersed in water, or in some Christian traditions having water poured or sprinkled, as an expression of faith in Jesus Christ.

The New Testament repeatedly connects baptism with repentance, faith and becoming a follower of Jesus.

When someone is baptised, they are publicly identifying themselves with Christ.

It is a way of saying, “I belong to Jesus, I have placed my faith in Him, and I want to follow Him.”

Matthew 28:19–20 — Jesus Commanded His Followers to Baptise

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Jesus included baptism in the Great Commission.

He did not tell His disciples simply to preach the gospel and leave it there. He instructed them to make disciples, baptise them and teach them to follow His commands.

That is why baptism has remained an important part of Christian faith throughout the history of the church.

What Does Baptism Represent?

Baptism represents a person’s identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

Going under the water can picture death and burial, while coming out of the water pictures new life.

This does not mean the water itself magically removes sin.

The picture is about what Jesus has already done for the believer.

Romans 6:3–4 — Baptism Represents New Life in Christ

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

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.”

Baptism is therefore a powerful picture of the Christian life.

The old life of living apart from God has been left behind, and the believer begins a new life in Christ.

Of course, baptism does not mean that a Christian will never sin again.

Following Jesus does not make us instantly perfect.

It means that our direction has changed.

We now belong to Christ and want to live for Him.

Does Baptism Save You?

This is an important question because Christians have different understandings of the relationship between baptism and salvation.

The Bible clearly teaches that salvation comes through Jesus Christ and that we are saved by God’s grace through faith. At the same time, the New Testament also presents baptism as an important act of obedience for those who believe.

Ephesians 2:8–9 — We Are Saved By Grace Through Faith

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Our salvation is God’s gift.

We cannot earn it by being good enough, performing religious ceremonies or doing enough good things.

Jesus is the One who saves us.

Baptism is an important response of obedience to the salvation we have received through faith in Christ. Christians differ on exactly how baptism relates to salvation, but no Christian should treat baptism as a way of earning God’s forgiveness.

Why Should Christians Be Baptised?

Christians should be baptised because Jesus commanded His followers to be baptised.

It is also a public declaration of faith.

A person does not have to be ashamed of belonging to Jesus.

Acts 2:38 — Peter Calls People to Repent and Be Baptised

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

Peter’s message shows how closely repentance, faith and baptism were connected in the early church.

When people believed the gospel, baptism became a visible expression of that decision.

It was not something they treated as an optional religious decoration.

It was an important step in following Jesus.

How Was Baptism Practised in the Early Church?

The book of Acts gives us many examples of people being baptised after hearing and believing the gospel.

One particularly clear example is the Ethiopian eunuch.

Acts 8:36–38 — The Ethiopian Eunuch Was Baptised

“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?

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.

And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”

This passage shows the connection between believing in Christ and baptism.

The man believed that Jesus was the Son of God, and he wanted to be baptised.

It also gives us a picture of baptism involving going down into the water.

What Is Communion?

Communion is the practice of remembering Jesus’ death by eating bread and drinking from a cup.

It is also called the Lord’s Supper.

Jesus introduced this practice with His disciples shortly before His crucifixion.

Luke 22:19–20 — Jesus Instituted the Lord’s Supper

“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”

Jesus took something ordinary—a meal—and gave it a much deeper meaning.

The bread points believers toward His body.

The cup points toward His blood.

Together, they remind us of the sacrifice Jesus was about to make on the cross.

Why Do Christians Take Communion?

Christians take communion primarily to remember Jesus and what He did for us.

It is easy for us to become distracted by everyday life.

We can become focused on work, money, family problems, responsibilities and everything else happening around us.

Communion gives Christians an opportunity to stop and remember.

Jesus died for us.

He gave Himself for us.

His sacrifice is at the centre of our faith.

1 Corinthians 11:24–26 — Communion Remembers Jesus’ Death

“And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”

Communion is therefore not simply about eating bread and drinking a beverage.

It is an act of remembrance.

It reminds us that Jesus gave His life for us and that His death is the foundation of the gospel.

Is Communion Just a Symbol?

Christians have different beliefs about exactly what happens spiritually during communion.

Some Christians understand the bread and cup primarily as symbols that point us toward Christ’s body and blood. Others believe Christ is truly present in a special way during communion.

There are also different understandings of how Jesus’ words, “This is my body” and “This is my blood,” should be interpreted.

Rather than trying to settle every denominational difference here, the important thing to recognise is that communion is meant to direct our attention toward Jesus and His sacrifice.

1 Corinthians 10:16 — Communion Is a Participation in Christ

“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?”

Paul’s language shows that communion is more than an ordinary meal.

It is a significant act of Christian worship and fellowship that points believers toward Christ.

Why Does Paul Warn Christians to Examine Themselves Before Communion?

Communion should not become something we do thoughtlessly.

Paul gave the Corinthians a serious warning because some believers were taking part in the Lord’s Supper in a selfish and disrespectful way.

1 Corinthians 11:27–29 — Examine Yourself Before Communion

“Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”

This does not mean that only Christians who have achieved a perfect life are worthy to take communion.

If that were the standard, nobody could take it.

Christians come to communion because they need Jesus.

The warning is about approaching the Lord’s Supper carelessly, selfishly or without recognising what it represents.

Communion should encourage us to examine our hearts, repent of sin and remember the grace we have received through Christ.

Does Communion Forgive Your Sins?

Christians should be careful not to think of communion as a way of earning forgiveness.

The Bible teaches that forgiveness comes through Jesus’ sacrifice.

1 John 1:9 — God Forgives Those Who Confess Their Sins

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Communion reminds us of the sacrifice Jesus made for our sins.

It points us back to the cross.

It does not mean that the bread and cup become a replacement for faith and repentance.

Jesus is the One we depend upon for forgiveness.

What Is the Difference Between Baptism and Communion?

Although both practices point us toward Jesus, they have different purposes.

Baptism is generally associated with publicly identifying with Christ and beginning the Christian life.

Communion is something Christians continue to practise as they remember Jesus’ sacrifice.

Baptism pictures death and resurrection with Christ.

Communion remembers His body and blood given for us.

Baptism publicly declares, “I belong to Christ.”

Communion reminds us, “Christ gave Himself for me.”

Both practices keep our attention on Jesus rather than on ourselves.

Do You Have to Be Baptised to Be a Christian?

The Bible clearly presents baptism as an important act of obedience, and Christians should not dismiss it as unimportant.

At the same time, the Bible also gives us an example that shows salvation is not earned through baptism.

When Jesus was crucified, one of the criminals beside Him placed his faith in Him.

Jesus promised that the man would be with Him in paradise, even though the man had no opportunity to be baptised.

Luke 23:42–43 — The Criminal Trusted Jesus

“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

The criminal could not perform a religious ceremony to earn salvation.

He simply turned to Jesus in faith.

Jesus saved him.

This does not make baptism unimportant.

It shows us that our salvation ultimately rests in Christ, not in our ability to perform a particular ritual.

Should Someone Be Baptised More Than Once?

The Bible presents baptism as the beginning of a person’s public identification with Christ rather than something that needs to be repeated every time a Christian sins.

If someone has already been genuinely baptised as a believer, they do not need to keep being baptised whenever they struggle or fall into sin.

Christians still confess sin and repent throughout their lives.

But baptism points back to our identification with Christ.

Romans 6:10–11 — We Belong to Christ

“For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Our relationship with God does not depend on repeatedly performing the same ceremony.

It depends on Jesus.

Should Babies Be Baptised?

Christians disagree about infant baptism.

Some Christian traditions baptise infants because they understand baptism as a sign of God’s covenant and the inclusion of children within the Christian community.

Other Christians believe baptism should follow a person’s own profession of faith and therefore baptise people when they are old enough to personally believe and confess Christ.

The New Testament records many baptisms connected with people hearing the gospel and responding in faith.

Acts 16:31–33 — The Philippian Jailer and His Household Were Baptised

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.”

Christians interpret passages about household baptisms differently, particularly regarding whether children were included.

Because Scripture does not give one explicit command saying that every infant must or must not be baptised, Christians have reached different conclusions.

What Scripture clearly teaches is that faith in Christ is central to salvation.

Can You Take Communion at Home?

Christians sometimes wonder whether communion has to happen inside a church building.

The New Testament shows believers sharing meals and gathering together in homes, and the Lord’s Supper was originally connected with a meal.

Acts 2:46–47 — Believers Met Together and Shared Meals

“And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

Different churches have different practices surrounding communion.

Some only serve it during formal church gatherings, while others allow communion in smaller groups or homes.

The important thing is that Christians remember Jesus and approach the Lord’s Supper with reverence and faith rather than treating it as an ordinary snack.

Do Baptism and Communion Make Someone a Christian?

No religious ceremony can replace genuine faith in Jesus.

A person can be baptised without truly trusting Christ.

A person can take communion every week without having surrendered their life to God.

Christianity is not about performing the right rituals while our hearts remain far from God.

Romans 10:9–10 — Salvation Involves Faith in Christ

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Faith is at the centre.

Baptism and communion are important expressions of that faith, but neither should become a substitute for knowing Jesus.

Why Are Baptism and Communion Important?

Baptism and communion matter because Jesus gave them to His followers.

They also help Christians remember truths that we can easily forget.

Baptism reminds us that we belong to Christ and have been called to live a new life.

Communion reminds us that Jesus gave His life for us.

Both point away from ourselves and back toward Him.

Galatians 2:20 — Christ Is at the Centre of the Christian Life

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

That is really what both practices are about.

Jesus loved us.

Jesus gave Himself for us.

And our lives now belong to Him.

What Are Baptism and Communion?

Baptism and communion are two important practices that Jesus gave to His followers.

Baptism is a public expression of faith in Jesus and represents our identification with His death, burial and resurrection. It is an act of obedience that publicly declares that we belong to Christ.

Communion is a practice of remembering Jesus’ death through bread and the cup. It reminds Christians of His body given for us and His blood shed for the forgiveness of sins.

Neither practice should become an empty religious routine.

Baptism should remind us that we have entered a new life with Christ.

Communion should bring our hearts back to the cross and remind us of the incredible price Jesus paid for our salvation.

And both should ultimately point us toward the same person.

Jesus.

1 Corinthians 11:26 — Remember What Jesus Has Done

“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”

Every time Christians participate in communion, they remember that Jesus died and that He is coming again.

Every time a believer is baptised, they publicly identify themselves with the One who died and rose again.

These practices do not replace faith.

They express it.

And at the centre of both is the same beautiful truth: Jesus gave Himself for us, and He calls us to follow Him.nting us back to the heart of our faith—Jesus Himself.

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