The Scripture is clear about baptism, but it is also clear that baptism is more than one (See Heb. 6:2). But before we get into the different types of baptism, let us first find out what baptism means. To be baptized means to be dipped in. It also means to be completely immersed in something. Baptism in water means when a person is immersed in water. That is, you are completely submerged and covered by water. In a more spiritual connotation, baptism is an outward witness of an inward experience. We’ll get to that later, that said. Let us look at the different types of baptisms in the Bible and their spiritual significance. As much as we know, the Scripture teaches two types of baptism; baptism in water and baptism by the Holy Spirit. The ministry of John the Baptist was primarily characterized by water baptism. In short, God had told John the Baptist that through water baptism, He would reveal to him who Christ was. And God did. (See John 1:29-34)

So what is Water Baptism?

John preached it and had so many Jews baptized in the Jordan River, including Jesus the Christ. So to be baptized in water means you are dipped in water with the water completely overwhelming you. There are a few reasons why Christians should be water baptized; first and foremost is because Jesus Himself was water baptized. And he gave Christians a command to also be water baptized. “Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved.” (Acts 16:16a, CEV). In a spiritual sense, water baptism is an outward witness and physical testimony of an inward experience. It is your way of telling the whole world that you have been saved, that your inner man has been born again, made a new creation in Christ. By water baptism, you were buried with Jesus, and then you arose with him into the newness of life. Water baptism signifies that you have been washed spiritually from your sins. Now you are in union with God spiritually.

So Why Do You have to be Water Baptized?

Above all, water baptism is your witness to all creation that you are now for Jesus; you have joined allegiance with Him and from hence will serve and follow Him and Him alone. In the early days of Christianity when Christians were persecuted on every side and everywhere. One of the things that will give you away (that will make your persecutors know you are a Christian if you have been hiding and running) is if you have been water baptized. Even today, church membership is measured by how many persons have been water baptized in the church. The simple truth about water baptism is that Jesus ordered those who believe in him to be water baptized if they want their salvation to be complete. It is your way of identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is God’s way of washing away the filth of the physical flesh. So you have got to be baptized if you want to fully and genuinely identify with Christ and to be one who practices the Scripture.

What is the Baptism in the Holy Spirit?

Jesus also promised that he would send the Holy Spirit on those who believe in him and told them the purpose of the baptism. After his death, resurrection, and ascension to glory, he sent down the Holy Spirit to his followers, as recorded in Acts chapter 2. The Holy Spirit baptism is a filling power to preach and do the works of Christ. (Acts1:8)