Baptism Should Transform You. Have You Really Been Baptized?

Introduction

Baptism is a very common Christian term, but few understand what it is really all about and as a result few get the full transformational benefits it can provide.

I have come to appreciate Baptism as a powerful and transformative process, and what you get out of it depends entirely on your understanding of what you are doing and why you are doing it. For example, if you see water Baptism as an initiation ritual you must go through to become a member of a church, it will do nothing for you other than get you wet. Executing each step of the process with understanding, intention and commitment will result in a truly transformational change, it will release you from your past and unleash God’s full potential into your life.

There is a lot of baggage with the term Baptism, a lot of pre-conceived notions, and a lot of mis-information. God’s Word is the truth, and the truth will set us free.  I will offer a full scripture approach to set you on solid ground and help you get full value from your Baptism experience.  Follow along with an open mind as we pursue Baptism: What, Why, Who, How, When? And then answer some frequently asked questions

Baptism:

Baptism is an essential process in the Christian life. Many view it as merely a ritual serving as an outward expression of their faith, but when executed properly baptism brings a powerful life changing spiritual transformation.

Let’s start with some definitions and some expectations:

Baptism is a big focus in scripture; The new testament mentions the topic of baptism 92 times.

Just before Jesus ascends to heaven, He commands his follower to go make disciples of all nations and baptize them.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Matthew 28:19

What is Baptism:

The Greek word used in the bible is baptizó, which means to submerge, or immerse.

In Greek literature, Baptizo implied a complete and overwhelming initiation into something new by full submersion.

A simple example: A cucumber is baptized (fully submerged) in a vinegar solution for a period of time long enough that it transforms completely into a pickle. If you look closely at a pickle, you can tell it was once a cucumber, but it has been completely transformed by the chemical process and it has earned a new name. A cucumber becomes a pickle through baptism in vinegar.

A modern example: ”Baptism by fire” into a new job; If you get assigned a big new job, you have to learn and tackle so many new and different tasks under pressure you cannot possibly do it continuing to use your old ways. You have to find a new way to deal with this situation and you became a new person as a result, you are changed by the process. You become baptized by fire into your new job.

What does this mean in a religious sense?  Baptism implies full submersion of your spirit, soul and body,  and you should expect transformation as a result. You will not be the same after you go through it.

Baptism in the bible, What and Why?

Ok, so Baptism is a big deal and we should be changed by the process. What exactly does the bible say about baptism.

There are actually three baptism processes described in the bible. This is a point of great debate on this topic but if you dig into The Word and really pay attention, you will find this to be true. I will describe the three and offer a couple of key verses to help you see them and see how each of them works.

1. Baptism by the Holy Spirit with Jesus Blood into the Body Of Christ – The Holy Spirit adopts the believer into and under the sacrificial Blood of Jesus. This happens automatically and supernaturally at the moment of true heartfelt confession and acceptance of Jesus as your Lord. As a result of this process, the person is registered as a believer and becomes an official member of the Body of Christ.

“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:13

2. Baptism by a Disciple with Water into Repentance – A proficient disciple will walk a believer through a conscious decision to a) Turn from sin and nail their old sinful nature to the cross with Jesus, b) Become dead to sin by burying their old life in the grave with Jesus as they are submerged in water, and then c) Be raised into new life with Christ, washed of your sins, as you raise up out of the water.

“And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” Acts 22:16

3. Baptism with the Spirit into Power for New Life – Jesus imparts the Holy Spirit to empower the believer for a transformed life. We are called to yield ourselves and be led by the spirit rather than continue to be led by the flesh. The Holy Spirit and the power that raised Jesus form the dead is available to any believer, All we need to do is ask.

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Each of these three baptism processes involves full immersion and transformation but in a different way, and each plays a vital role in the life of an effective believer. The first immerses your spirit and happens automatically when you first believe, the second immerses your body and soul and is facilitated by a disciple who helps you shed your past and unlock your future, and the third immerses your spirit, soul and body and happens when you are ready to yield yourself to Jesus and let Him do some serious work through you. As we go into more detail, I am hopeful you will see how each works individually, and how they all connect together as a chain to bring the Kingdom of God into place on earth as it is in heaven.

The Three Baptisms in a bit more detail

#1: Baptism by the Holy Spirit with Blood

Who:
This baptism occurs automatically when a person humbles themselves and confesses Jesus as Lord of their life. It is the work of the Holy Spirit who, through the atoning power of Jesus’ blood, adopts the believer into God’s family.

What:
At the moment of confession, very specific things happen:

a) The believer’s spirit is born again, refreshed, set anew

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3)

b) The believer’s heart is transformed. The cold hardened heart is replaced with a heart of flesh, compassion for others, and a love for doing what is right for God.

“I will give you a new heart and a new spirit I will put within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” Ezekiel 36:26

c) The believers is adopted into the Family of God, they are registered in the book of life, and they become a member of the Body of Christ.

“For you did not receive a spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’” (Romans 8:15)

“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…” (1 Corinthians 12:13)

“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” (1 Corinthians 12:27)

d) The believer is brought under the cover of the cleansing and redeeming blood of Jesus. Jesus intercedes for them, they are forgiven, and The Father sees them innocent and holy through Jesus blood

“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

“And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight.” (Colossians 1:21-22)

Why:
This spiritual act is vital because it secures salvation and brings about a fundamental change in the believer’s identity. The blood of Jesus not only cleanses sin but also establishes the covenant relationship with God.

“unless you are born again, you will not see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3)

How:
It is an instantaneous work of the Holy Spirit that occurs at the moment of genuine confession of faith in Jesus as Lord. There is no human ritual required to activate this spiritual baptism—it is God’s gracious act.

“…if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”  (Romans 10:9-10)

When:
This baptism takes place immediately upon confession, marking the believer’s entry into God’s family. This is the act that is performed by Grace when triggered by our Faith. You know it has happened when you notice a shift in your heart. You are more compassionate towards others, you are more interested in learning about God and becoming more righteous. Your conscience wakes up and you start to notice when you do things that are not pleasing to God.  ie: you start to care.

#2: Baptism with Water into Repentance Of Sin

Who:
A disciple or a church leader administers water baptism. This act is performed on those who have chosen to turn away from sin and publicly declare their new life in Christ.

What:
Water baptism brings a believer into fellowship with the humble suffering, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the believer works through the process steps they crucify their sinful nature on the cross with Jesus, bury their old self and all their baggage in the grave with Jesus, and are raised into new life with His resurrection.

“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:27)

“…How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:2-4

Why:
Jesus Himself provided the model for baptism. He was baptized by John the Baptist as an adult, and later, along with His disciples, baptized thousands in water. This act is not merely symbolic; it represents a deliberate choice to:

• • Join in fellowship with the humility and suffering of Christ.
  • Crucify our sinful nature and nail our sinful ways to Jesus’ cross.
  • Bury our old self and its consequences in the grave with Jesus.
  • Be raised into a new life mirroring Jesus’ resurrection.

By understanding and intentionally participating in water baptism, a believer publicly renounces self-centeredness and embraces a transformed life.

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

How:
Water baptism is executed by full immersion, which visually represents the believer’s death to sin and resurrection to new life. For it to be fully effective, It must be performed with full understanding of how we are coming into fellowship with Jesus’s suffering sacrifice and with a heartfelt commitment to change as a result.

Crucifying the Sinful Nature:

We are making a conscious decision to cut off our old ways and nail our sinful nature to the cross with Jesus. This act symbolizes the death of the old self that was distracted and enslaved by sin.

“For we know that our old self was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with…” (Romans 6:6)

Burying the Past:

In water baptism, the old self goes down into the water to be buried in the tomb with Jesus.  Our old body of work and the consequences of our past sins are buried, allowing the believer to cut ties with the past and be released from the guilt, shame and condemnation from past sins.

Resurrection to New Life:

Just as Christ was raised from the dead, believers are raised to a new life of righteousness and empowerment. The past has been washed, cleansed and behind us. We are led forward by Jesus into new life.

“…that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)

Understanding and Intentionality:
The full value of water baptism is only realized when the believer understands its significance. It requires an intentional shedding of self-centeredness and a deliberate commitment to crucify sinful ways, bury the past, and embrace the new life offered in Christ.

When:
This baptism is administered after a person’s confession of faith. It is typically performed when the individual is old enough to understand the commitment, which is why the most effective churches advocate for baptism as a conscious adult soon after accepting Jesus.

#3: Baptism with the Spirit into Power for the New Life

Who:
Jesus baptizes the believer with the Holy Spirit when we are committed enough to submit ourselves to Him and ask. This is not performed by a human agent but is the sovereign work of Christ when one invites Him in to lead their life.

What:
Baptism with the Holy Spirit imparts spiritual power, equipping the believer for effective ministry and a victorious life in Christ. The presence of the Holy Spirit empowers the individual to overcome sin and live according to God’s will, doing the good works He has placed before him. You can distinguish this baptism from the prior 2 if you pay attention, you see Jesus receiving the Holy Spirit immediately after His Water Baptism, You see the disciples receive the Holy Spirit in the upper room at pentacost and begin speaking in tongues. Each of us can receive the Holy Spirit and its power when we are ready to ask and yield to it.

“For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:5)

“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.” (Matthew 3:16)

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:1-4

Why:
Empowerment by the Holy Spirit is essential for living out the Christian faith. It brings spiritual gifts, deepens one’s relationship with God, and enables the believer to witness and serve effectively.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me…” (Acts 1:8)

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all”.        (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

How:
This baptism occurs when Jesus is invited in to lead the believer’s life. The Holy Spirit may manifest in different ways in different people, yet its primary role is to transform and empower.

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him? (Luke 11:13)

When:
This can happen any time, but most times the participant is on a developmental journey and becomes ready to ask for the Holy Spirit sometime soon after water baptism. If the participant is hungry for growth and is ready, it can happen immediately following water baptism as it did with Jesus,  other times, as with me, it was a distinct experience that followed several months after. The Holy Spirit is available to every believer who is ready for Jesus to come and dwell in them and lead them into His calling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why Baptism as an Adult?

Answer:

Adult baptism ensures that the individual makes a conscious, informed decision to follow Christ. It is a public testimony of personal repentance, faith, and commitment to a new way of life. Baptism as an adult signifies that one has understood the gravity of sin, the need for redemption, and the transformational power of Christ’s resurrection.

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38)

Q: Why Full Immersion?

Answer:

Full immersion in water powerfully symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It visually represents the believer’s complete break with the old self and full emergence into a renewed life in Christ. Partial immersion or sprinkling does not capture this dramatic transition as effectively.

“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead… even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)

Q: How About Infant Christening?

Answer:

Infant Christening is often practiced as a sign of the parents’ intention and commitment to raise the child in the faith. However, it is not equivalent to the believer’s personal act of repentance and conscious decision required for true baptism. While it symbolizes a hopeful dedication, the full value of baptism is realized only when an individual can understand and accept Christ personally.

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38)

Q: Can a person be baptized more than once?

Answer:

Water baptism is usually viewed as a one-time public declaration of faith. The Holy Spirit Baptism into the body of Christ is a one-time good deal. But you are welcome to undergo baptism by water as often as you like to purge more and more of your past as you come to realize how mired you were in ungodly beliefs ad wish to be renewed.

Q: What is the significance of the baptism with the Holy Spirit?

Answer:

Baptism with the Spirit brings empowerment for daily Christian living, equips believers with spiritual gifts, and marks the beginning of a deep, transformative relationship with God.

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8 NKJV)

Q: How are these baptisms interconnected?

Answer:

They represent sequential aspects of salvation and spiritual transformation. The Holy Spirit’s work (baptism with blood) adopts the believer into God’s family; Water baptism brings you into fellowship with Jesus suffering so we can gain the benefit of His sacrificial work in our life, and baptism with the Holy Spirit empowers the believer for a victorious new life.

Conclusion

Baptism in its three forms is a profound application of faith bringing humility, repentance and transformation. Through the instantaneous work of the Holy Spirit—with the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood—a believer is adopted into God’s family for eternity. Water baptism, when undertaken with full immersion and understanding, brings us into fellowship with Jesus and His deliberate choices to become sinless and to suffer for the sake of others. Finally, the baptism with the Spirit provides the power and gifts necessary for living a victorious Christian life. Each aspect of baptism reinforces the believer’s identity in Christ and underscores the importance of a conscious, transformative commitment to following Jesus.

My hope is that this post helps folks understand what is going on with the Baptism process, encourages you, and serves as a guide for those seeking to understand the deep significance of baptism in their spiritual journey.