The One True Baptism: Life in Christ, Not in Water
"Water symbolizes, but the Spirit unites—our true baptism is found in Christ."
As I listen week after week in church gatherings, my heart resonates with gratitude whenever someone is encouraged to accept Christ. Yet, a gentle discomfort stirs in my spirit when baptism by water is seemingly presented as the defining moment or pinnacle event of a believer’s new life. Baptism with water is indeed a beautiful, symbolic declaration of faith, a joyous testimony to the world—but biblically, it's not the baptism that defines us or seals our salvation.
The Apostle Paul says clearly, there is "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5). The question we must lovingly ask ourselves as believers is this: what exactly is that "one baptism"? Scripture itself clarifies beautifully: the one baptism Paul speaks of is spiritual—the baptism of the Holy Spirit, performed exclusively by Christ Himself at the moment we believe. John the Baptist himself makes the distinction perfectly clear when he says, "I baptize with water... He will baptize with the Holy Spirit" (John 1:33).
Water baptism symbolizes our identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, yet it does not bring about our union with Christ. That union happens spiritually, instantly, and eternally when we trust in Christ alone. It is in that precise moment that we become new creations—entirely reborn spiritually, united inseparably with Jesus, and indwelt permanently by His Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:3-5).
To equate or even overly emphasize water baptism as synonymous with our moment of salvation inadvertently shifts attention from Christ’s finished work on the cross and the miraculous reality of our spiritual rebirth to an outward ritual that we perform. In reality, our spiritual baptism—the genuine, miraculous event—occurred the instant we believed. It's wholly a work of grace, entirely Christ-centered, and impossible for us to initiate or accomplish by human effort or symbolic acts.
From a biblical perspective, our confidence and security come not from our participation in ceremonies, no matter how meaningful, but from the supernatural truth that Christ now lives His life in and through us. Our union with Him is real, vibrant, and transformative—not because we entered water, but because He has entered into us.
When churches emphasize baptism correctly, as a testimony of inward reality, believers celebrate publicly the inward spiritual reality that has already occurred. This glorifies Christ’s complete and finished work rather than elevating a symbolic human act. Our moment of salvation, our baptism in the Spirit, is the genuine miracle that secures us forever and defines our new life in Christ. Every other act, even baptism by water, merely testifies to that central, glorious truth.
Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice (Scripture Only)
My beloved child, when you believed, I immersed you into Christ, uniting you fully with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection. You have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer you who live, but Christ who lives in you. Through Me, you were buried with Him into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead, you too now walk in newness of life. You are complete in Christ, filled with all fullness, because you are sealed by Me for the day of redemption.
You have not received a spirit of bondage to fear, but the Spirit of adoption by whom you cry, "Abba, Father!" I bear witness with your spirit that you are indeed a child of God. You are washed, you are sanctified, you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by My presence within you. Your life is hidden with Christ in God, and when Christ, who is your life, appears, you will also appear with Him in glory. Rest confidently, knowing this spiritual baptism into Christ is the foundation of your eternal life.
(Adapted seamlessly from Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:10; Ephesians 4:30; Romans 8:15-16; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Colossians 3:3-4)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise You wholeheartedly for the miracle of my union with Christ, accomplished fully through Your Spirit’s baptism the moment I believed. I rest joyfully and securely, knowing that no outward act, no matter how sacred or beautiful, can add to or diminish the finished work You have done in me through Christ. Thank You for making me a new creation and for fully uniting my spirit with Christ forever. My life and identity now flow entirely from Him. I celebrate the beauty and symbolism of water baptism, while always rejoicing in the far greater reality it points to—my eternal union with You in Christ. Thank You, Lord, for this indescribable gift! Amen.
Insights adapted from biblical truths from E. Stanley Jones’ Devotional In Christ.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Ideal Image: A clear glass of water reflecting a cross subtly on its surface.