October 30, 2026 | http://www.GospelofJesusChrist.blog | River Wilde
In my own personal experience, I was baptized at the age of 8. One of the reasons for my baptism was so that I could become a member of the church that baptized me.
In comparison, there is another religion that feels it necessary to baptize a baby soon after it is born.
But, what did Jesus teach about Baptism when He was on the earth? What was the purpose? When should it be done in a person’s life? Who can perform a baptism? If a person is not baptized, can they still go to heaven?
The scriptures are very telling in answering these questions, which has given me cause to be rebaptized, due to now learning the proper reason for baptism that Jesus taught.
Let’s start with Jesus’s example of why He was baptized.
Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, not because He needed forgiveness of sins, but to fulfill all righteousness, demonstrate obedience to God the Father, and begin His public ministry.
1. Jesus Was Baptized to Fulfill All Righteousness
Matthew 3:13–15 (KJV)
13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
Jesus was completely without sin. He did not need to repent or be cleansed from sin. His baptism was an act of obedience to the Father’s will.
2. Jesus Was Baptized to Set an Example
1 Peter 2:21–22 (KJV)
21. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22. Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
Jesus demonstrated the importance of obedience to God. His baptism also provides an example for believers to follow.
So, did Jesus teach the reason that a person needs to be baptized?
Yes – It is An Outward Confirmation That a Person Has Been Born Again (KJV)
When a person is truly Born Again, they have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, repented of their sins, and received the gift of eternal life through God’s grace.
Water baptism is a beautiful outward expression of that inward spiritual transformation. It is a public declaration that the person has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour and desires to follow Him in obedience.
Baptism does not cause a person to be Born Again, nor does it complete their salvation. Rather, it serves as an outward testimony of the salvation they have already received through faith in Jesus Christ. When a believer goes beneath the water, it symbolizes being buried with Christ, leaving behind their old life of sin. When they rise from the water, it symbolizes their new life in Jesus Christ.
Romans 6:4 (KJV)
“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.“
Jesus commanded His followers to be baptized.
Matthew 28:19–20 (KJV)
19. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20. 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.”
This makes baptism an important act of obedience and a testimony of their faith. Baptism is a way for a believer to openly acknowledge what God has already accomplished in their heart.
It is important to understand that baptism is not infallible proof that someone has been Born Again, because only God truly knows the heart. A changed life and continuing faith in Christ provide further evidence of genuine spiritual rebirth.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Being Born Again Makes Us Members of Christ’s Body, or what is sometimes referred to in scripture as “Christ’s Church.”
1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV)
“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”
This passage describes the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing believers into the body of Christ.
Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
“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 comes through God’s grace, not through water baptism or church membership.
So, back to my personal experience at age 8. I was not even close to being “Born Again” at the age of 8! As I’ve mentioned before, this church didn’t even teach how a person can become born again! So, how could I even know the process, especially at the age of 8?I didn’t know this teaching of Jesus Christ on how a person becomes Born Again until just a few years ago.
Because of this, I have a tremendous desire to fulfill the teachings of Jesus Christ in being baptized as an outward conformation that I have truly become born again.
Doesn’t my first baptism count?
I’m not one to check off boxes, whether it counts or not. I know that I was not baptized for the proper reason, and I would like to show my obedience in doing it the correct way. I am in a different place spiritually right now, and I would like to “celebrate” by participating in this sacred ordinance in a way that Jesus taught…the RIGHT way this time.
Who can Perform a Baptism?
According to the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, there is no explicit requirement that a person must be an ordained minister, pastor, priest, or church official to perform a baptism.
The Bible shows that baptism was performed by followers of Jesus Christ who were carrying out His command.
1. Jesus Commanded His Disciples to Baptize
Matthew 28:19–20 (KJV)
“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 gave this command to His disciples. He did not specify that only ordained ministers could perform baptisms.
2. Philip Baptized the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:36–38 (KJV)
“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.”
Philip was an evangelist (Acts 21:8). The passage emphasizes the eunuch’s faith in Jesus Christ rather than a special priestly authority.
3. Ananias Baptized Saul (Paul)
Acts 9:17–18 (KJV)
“And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.”
Ananias is described as a disciple in Acts 9:10. Scripture does not identify him as an ordained priest or apostle.
4. Paul Explained That Baptism Was Not Dependent Upon a Particular Person
1 Corinthians 1:14–17 (KJV)
“I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.”
Paul emphasized the Gospel of Jesus Christ rather than the identity of the person performing the baptism.
5. Does a Person Need Special Priesthood Authority to Baptize?
The KJV does not teach that a person must possess a special priesthood office, receive a particular priesthood ordination, or belong to a specific religious organization to perform a valid Christian baptism.
This means that a faithful Christian believer could perform a baptism. Individual churches may have their own requirements about who administers it.
Isn’t this interesting. A church may indicate strict procedure, but that was never taught by Jesus Christ Himself.
An important distinction: The authority to baptize comes from Jesus Christ’s command. The person performing the baptism Does Not Have the Power to Save Someone. The power of salvation comes directly through Jesus Christ.
Where can a person be baptized? (This is important for those people living in countries that prohibit or regulate Christian Teachings).
According to the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, a person can be baptized anywhere there is sufficient water to perform the baptism. The Bible does not require baptism to take place inside a church building, a temple, or any other designated religious location. This can even be done in a person’s bathtub if needed.
Baptism Wherever Water Is Available
Acts 8:36–38 (KJV)
“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.”
Notice that Philip did not require the Ethiopian eunuch to travel to a church or a special religious location. When they found water, Philip baptized him after his confession of faith in Jesus Christ.
Can a Person Be Baptized in a Bathtub, Swimming Pool, Lake, or River?
Yes. The KJV does not prohibit baptism in any of these locations.
- Bathtub: Acceptable if there is sufficient water for immersion.
- Swimming pool: Acceptable.
- Lake: Acceptable.
- River: Acceptable, as demonstrated by Jesus’ baptism.
- Baptismal pool inside a church: Acceptable, but not required.
John 3:23 (KJV)
“And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.”
This passage supports the practice of baptism by immersion, in a body of water that is adequate.
What is the Baptism Prayer that needs to be said to Baptize Someone?
According to the King James Version of the Bible, Jesus did not give us a specific baptism prayer that must be recited. However, He did give clear instructions about baptizing believers.
Jesus gave us some words to use when baptizing someone
Matthew 28:19 (KJV)
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
These are the words Jesus instructed His disciples to use in baptism.
A simple biblical baptism declaration
When baptizing someone, you can say:
SUGGESTED, or EXAMPLE of WORDS FOR BAPTISM
“(Name) Upon your profession of faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, and because you have believed in Him and have been born again, I now baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”
Can a Person get to Heaven WITHOUT Being Baptized?
This topic has been very interesting for me to have studied. The gospel of Jesus Christ is so simple and makes so much sense when you put it all together.
Again, we must remember. The ONLY qualification for us to go to heaven is to become Born Again, and having this new Spiritual rebirth. We are allowed to go to heaven ENTIRELY based upon what Jesus Christ did for us through His atoning sacrifice, and us accepting that atonement through our faith.
With that being understood, NOTHING Else is required for Heaven!
According to the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, a person does not have to be baptized in water to go to Heaven. Salvation is a free gift from God, received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not through baptism, church membership, or good works (Ephesians 2:8–9).
An important “testimony” of this teaching happened with the thief on the cross. Jesus promised the thief on the cross that he would be with Him in Paradise, even though the thief had never been baptized (Luke 23:42–43). This demonstrates that water baptism is not required to receive eternal life.
Baptism is an act of obedience to Jesus Christ and an outward testimony that a person has already been born again. It symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the believer’s new life in Him (Romans 6:4).
Although Jesus commands believers to be baptized, it is faith in Him that brings salvation. As Jesus declared in John 3:3 (KJV), “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Therefore, we are not baptized to become saved; we are baptized because we have been saved.
Because Jesus commanded that we be baptized, this should certainly be something that we would want to do, as it demonstrates our obedience. But this falls under the same category of our “Good Works,” which is the fruit of our salvation. It is not a “qualification” to enter Heaven.
Once again, this teaching is something that a Born Again believer would want to do because of our loving relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ, rather than something we must do to earn our salvation. Doesn’t this fit beautifully with the teachings of Jesus Christ throughout the New Testament?
We give generously to help the poor because we love others, rather than believing we must fulfill the Old Testament law of tithing 10%.
We choose to be baptized because we want to publicly demonstrate our faith in Jesus Christ, rather than believing baptism is what saves us.
We attend church because we desire fellowship with other believers, not because church attendance earns us eternal life.
We forgive others because Christ has forgiven us.
We perform good works because we have already received the gift of salvation, not because we are attempting to earn it.
Do you see the wonderful difference? Under the New Covenant, our obedience is the fruit of our salvation, not the price we must pay to receive it!
Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
“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.”
To those of you who live in restricted countries, I hope that this information is helpful for you. If needed, you can baptize each other in secluded places to stay under your countries radar, or discipline.
You can meet in secret, or even worship by yourself. As we have learned, spirituality is all about our direct relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, and confirmed and taught to us by the Holy Spirit. NOTHING else is needed.
God is the one who completes the action of Becoming Born Again.
God is our Final Authority.
God is the one that we repent to.
God is the one who grants us forgiveness.
Jesus Christ is our Savior, and because of His sacrifice, we are able to receive salvation, living forever with God, and Jesus Christ forever in Heaven.
The Holy Ghost is our teacher, and comforter.
And, so VERY IMPORTANT…the BIBLE is God’s scripture that we should be using to LEARN the gospel teachings, as well as the end times prophecies that we are experiencing RIGHT NOW.
Because you might be isolated, I must tell you; God has not forgotten you, you have everything that you need to come to Him, worship, repent, be taught, and have daily communication through prayer.
He has given us His words which are included in the bible. PLEASE, do everything that you safely can to obtain a copy of one…It is that important!!!
As I have studied the bible full-time for the past four years, I have learned more spiritually in this period of time than I have my entire life with a church teaching me.
And, I can also tell you with firm testimony, that when you include God through prayer as you study the pages of the bible, the Holy Spirit will teach you. He is an incredible tutor, of which I do not have the words to adequately explain the importance of this beautiful benefit of becoming Born Again.
There is so much peace and JOY that comes from your relationship with Jesus Christ.
Even though we are about to enter into the most frightening period of time here on earth, you can have such calm in knowing God’s plan of rescue that He has in store for those who belong to Him.
Go to Him right now and ask for guidance. KNOW that HE is “Driving” your car. He is the one in charge of your life. He knows where to go and what to do. TRUST HIM!
Give Him all of your burdens, and let HIM manage them. Then listen to your thoughts, and He will tell you when it’s your turn to do something.
MANY OF US ON THIS BLOG are praying for you. We are your brothers and sisters. Know that you are NOT alone. The gospel of Jesus Christ keeps us together. Please pray for us as well. We are glad that you have found us.
I leave you all my blessing and prayer of comfort and knowledge of the truth.
We will all soon be together is a tremendous celebration, a perfect time for us to all formally introduce ourselves to each other =)
I’ll see you all very soon.
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