In Christianity, there are two practices Jesus commanded His followers to continue: baptism and communion (also called the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist). These aren’t just traditions—they are powerful reminders of what Christ has done for us and invitations to live in deeper relationship with Him.

What Is Baptism?

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith. It symbolizes being washed clean from sin and beginning a new life in Christ.

When someone is baptized, they are publicly declaring:

• I believe in Jesus as my Savior.
• I’ve repented of my sins.
• I want to follow Him with my life.

The act of going under the water represents dying to our old life, and coming up out of the water represents being raised to new life in Christ.

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too may live a new life.” – Romans 6:4

Baptism doesn’t save us—Jesus does. But baptism is an important step of obedience that shows our faith and commitment.

What Is Communion?

Communion is a practice Jesus started with His disciples the night before His crucifixion. During a meal, He took bread and wine and gave them new meaning:

• The bread represents His body, broken for us on the cross.
• The cup represents His blood, poured out for the forgiveness of sins.

“Do this in remembrance of me.” – Luke 22:19

When Christians take communion, it’s not just about eating bread or drinking juice. It’s about remembering Jesus’ sacrifice, giving thanks for His love, and renewing our commitment to follow Him. Communion also unites believers as one body in Christ.

Why Do These Matter?

Both baptism and communion are about identity and relationship:

• Baptism marks the beginning of our journey with Christ.
• Communion sustains us as we continue that journey.

They remind us that salvation is God’s gift, not our achievement. They also connect us to something bigger—the global family of believers who have practiced these same acts for thousands of years.

Final Encouragement

Baptism and communion are simple, yet profound. They’re not rituals to check off a list, but living symbols of God’s love. Baptism shows the world you belong to Christ. Communion reminds you that His sacrifice is enough and His presence is real.

Takeaway: These practices draw us closer to God and to each other, pointing us back to the heart of our faith—Jesus Himself.

Still Have a Question?

If you didn’t find your answer here, don’t worry — you’re not alone. You can send your question directly through the Ask a Bible Question page and I’ll do my best to respond with guidance from God’s Word.

You can also leave your questions on my YouTube channel where I regularly share Bible verses, encouragement, and answers to common questions.

The post What are baptism and communion? appeared first on Bible with Belle.

Many people ask:

• What is baptism?
• Why should Christians be baptized?
• What does baptism symbolize?
• Is baptism important?

The Bible teaches that baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ.

It is an outward expression of an inward change that has already taken place through faith in Christ. Baptism symbolizes a believer’s identification with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.

While Christians may differ on some details regarding baptism, scripture clearly presents it as an important act of obedience for believers.

What To Do Right Now

• Trust in Jesus Christ for salvation
• Learn what the Bible teaches about baptism
• Follow Christ’s example of obedience
• Speak with a trusted pastor or church leader if you have questions
• Continue growing in your relationship with God

Baptism does not save you, but it is an important step of obedience for those who have placed their faith in Christ

What the Bible Says About Baptism

Baptism is taught throughout the New Testament.

After Jesus rose from the dead, He commanded His followers to make disciples and baptize believers.

Matthew 28:19 says:

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

Baptism became a regular part of the Christian life as people trusted in Christ and publicly identified themselves as His followers.

Jesus Was Baptized

One of the clearest reasons baptism matters is because Jesus Himself was baptized.

Matthew 3:16 says:

“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water…”

Jesus did not need forgiveness because He was without sin.

However, His baptism provided an example for those who would follow Him.

When believers are baptized, they follow the example Christ set.

Baptism Symbolizes New Life

The Bible teaches that baptism is a picture of what happens when someone places their faith in Jesus.

Romans 6:4 says:

“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead… even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Going into the water symbolizes death to the old life of sin.

Coming out of the water symbolizes new life in Christ.

Baptism Is a Public Declaration of Faith

Baptism allows believers to publicly identify themselves as followers of Jesus Christ.

Throughout the book of Acts, people who believed the Gospel were baptized as an outward demonstration of their faith.

Baptism does not make someone a Christian.

Rather, it publicly demonstrates that a person has already trusted Christ.

Baptism and Salvation

The Bible clearly teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:8–9 says:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith… Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

No amount of:

• good works
• religious rituals
• church attendance
• or personal effort

can earn salvation.

Salvation is God’s gift received through faith in Jesus Christ. While baptism is extremely important, it is not what saves a person. Salvation comes through faith in Christ alone.

Baptism Is an Act of Obedience

After salvation, believers are called to obey Christ.

Baptism is one of the first acts of obedience in the Christian life.

Choosing baptism demonstrates:

• faith
• obedience
• commitment
• and identification with Christ.

It is not about earning God’s love.

It is about responding to God’s grace.

How to Approach Baptism Biblically (Practical Steps)

1. Trust in Jesus Christ

Faith comes before baptism.

What to do:

• Believe the Gospel
• Trust Christ as your Saviour
• Place your faith in Him

Salvation comes through faith

2. Follow Christ’s example

Jesus was baptized.

What to do:

• Study Christ’s example
• Obey His commands
• Follow Him faithfully

Baptism is an act of obedience

3. Understand what baptism means

Baptism has important symbolism.

What to do:

• Learn what scripture teaches
• Understand its purpose
• Ask questions if needed

Understanding strengthens faith

4. Publicly identify with Christ

Baptism is a testimony.

What to do:

• Share your faith
• Stand firm in Christ
• Live for God’s glory

Baptism publicly identifies you with Jesus

5. Continue growing spiritually

Baptism is a beginning, not an ending.

What to do:

• Read scripture
• Pray regularly
• Stay connected to other believers

Spiritual growth continues after baptism

Bible Verses About Baptism (KJV)

Jesus’ Baptism

Matthew 3:16

“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water…”

Jesus set an example for believers

Mark 1:9

“Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.”

Christ willingly submitted to baptism

The Command to Baptize

Matthew 28:19

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them…”

Jesus commanded believers to baptize disciples

Acts 2:38

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ…”

Baptism was an important response to faith

Baptism and New Life

Romans 6:4

“We also should walk in newness of life.”

Baptism symbolizes new life in Christ

Colossians 2:12

“Buried with him in baptism…”

Baptism points to our union with Christ

Public Faith

Acts 8:36–38

“See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?”

The Ethiopian eunuch publicly demonstrated his faith

Acts 16:33

“And was baptized, he and all his, straightway.”

New believers were baptized as an act of obedience

Salvation Through Faith

Ephesians 2:8–9

“For by grace are ye saved through faith…”

Salvation is God’s gift

John 3:16

“Whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Eternal life comes through faith in Jesus Christ

Baptism Is a Testimony of Faith

Baptism is one of the clearest ways a believer publicly declares:

“I belong to Jesus Christ.”

It does not make someone perfect or remove every struggle. Nor does not guarantee an easy life.

Instead, baptism is a public testimony that a person has trusted Christ and desires to follow Him.

It points people to the saving work of Jesus and reminds believers of the new life they have received through Him.

Final Thought

The Bible teaches that baptism is an important act of obedience for every believer.

It symbolizes:

• faith in Christ
• new life
• forgiveness
• and identification with Jesus’ death and resurrection.

You do not need to:

• earn salvation through religious works
• trust in ceremonies to save you
• or be perfect before following Christ.

You need to:

• trust Jesus Christ
• believe the Gospel
• follow Him in obedience
• and continue growing in faith.

Over time, something begins to happen.

Faith grows stronger
Confidence in Christ increases
Spiritual maturity develops
Your testimony becomes clearer

And instead of keeping your faith private…
you begin boldly identifying yourself with the Saviour who died and rose again for you.

Still Have a Question?

You can send it through the Ask a Bible Question page, and I’ll respond with guidance from God’s Word.

You can also leave your questions on my YouTube channel, where I share clear, practical encouragement, and answers to common questions.

The post Bible Verses about Baptism appeared first on Bible with Belle.