Bible Study: What Is Water Baptism and Why Does the Assemblies of God Practice Immersion?
- Boundless Team
- Aug 10
- 7 min read
Water baptism is a believer’s public act of obedience after repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The Assemblies of God practices baptism by immersion because it visibly portrays a believer’s union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, not because baptism earns salvation.
Baptism is more than a ceremony
Water baptism is a physical act carrying eternal meaning. A believer goes beneath the water and rises again as a visible testimony: “My old life is no longer my identity. I belong to Jesus, and I am learning to walk in newness of life.”
That is why baptism is joyful. It does not announce that someone has become perfect. It announces that someone has trusted a perfect Savior.
What is water baptism?
Definition: Water baptism Water baptism is the believer’s ordinance of publicly identifying with Jesus Christ through immersion in water after repentance and personal faith in Him. It symbolizes dying to the old life, being buried with Christ, and rising to live under His lordship.
The Assemblies of God recognizes water baptism as one of the ordinances of the Church. The other is Communion. These ordinances do not purchase God’s grace; they visibly proclaim and celebrate the grace believers have received through Jesus.
FA Memphis teaches that salvation comes through repentance and faith in Christ. As the church’s statement of beliefs explains, Jesus died for our sins and God offers eternal life by grace to those who believe in Him and follow His will.
Baptism follows that saving response.
Why does the Assemblies of God practice immersion?
1. Jesus commanded baptism
In the Great Commission, Jesus told His disciples:
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” , Matthew 28:19–20
Baptism is connected to discipleship. Jesus did not present it as an optional religious accessory or a private preference. He included it in the Church’s mission to make disciples.
The order matters: disciples are made, believers are baptized, and they continue learning to obey Jesus. Baptism belongs inside a life of following Christ.
2. Immersion portrays death, burial, and resurrection
Paul connects baptism directly to the gospel in Romans 6:
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” , Romans 6:4
Immersion makes this picture visible.
Going down into the water points to dying with Christ.
Being beneath the water points to burial.
Rising from the water points to resurrection and new life.
The water itself does not transform the heart. Jesus does. But immersion gives the Church a powerful, embodied picture of what Jesus has done and what the believer now declares.
3. The New Testament connects repentance, faith, and baptism
After Peter preached about Jesus at Pentecost, the crowd asked what they should do. Peter answered:
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” , Acts 2:38
Acts 2:41 then records that those who accepted Peter’s message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day.
This passage shows baptism as an obedient response to the gospel. The people heard the message, responded in faith, and entered publicly into the community of believers.
Baptism did not replace repentance. It followed repentance.
4. Believers personally respond to the invitation
In Acts 8, Philip explained the good news about Jesus to an Ethiopian official traveling along the road. When they came to water, the official asked:
“What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” , Acts 8:36
They stopped, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.
This account reflects the biblical pattern practiced by the Assemblies of God: a person hears the gospel, believes in Jesus, and willingly receives baptism as a public expression of faith.
That is why AG churches practice believer’s baptism rather than baptizing infants. Children are welcomed, loved, taught, and prayed over. When a person is old enough to personally repent, believe, and confess faith in Jesus, that believer can choose baptism as an act of obedience.
Five practical truths to remember about baptism
1. Trust Jesus before focusing on the ceremony
The first question is not, “What should I wear?” or “Where will the baptism happen?” The first question is, “Have I personally trusted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord?”
Baptism is meaningful because of the relationship it represents. If you are still exploring faith, begin with the gospel: Jesus died for your sins, rose again, and calls you to repent and follow Him.
2. See baptism as obedience, not spiritual performance
You do not need an impressive testimony to be baptized. You need a sincere response to Jesus.
Some people hesitate because their story feels ordinary. Others hesitate because their past feels too broken. But baptism is not a reward for having a polished life. It is a testimony that Christ is saving and changing you.
3. Prepare to explain what Jesus has done
A baptism testimony does not need to be long. You might briefly share:
What your life or understanding of God was like before trusting Christ.
How you came to believe in Jesus.
Why you want to follow Him now.
The focus is not self-promotion. The focus is the mercy of God.
4. Invite the Church to witness your obedience
Baptism is personal, but it is not meant to be isolated. The Church celebrates with you because following Jesus is a shared journey.
Friends, family members, mentors, and fellow believers can pray for you, encourage you, and remind you of your commitment when discipleship becomes difficult.
5. Let baptism shape your daily choices
Romans 6 does not stop at the water. It points toward a new way of living.
Because you belong to Christ, you can reject old patterns and practice new ones. You can pursue holiness, forgive others, make things right, serve your neighbors, seek the Holy Spirit’s help, and return to Scripture when your emotions feel uncertain.
Baptism is a moment. Discipleship is a life.
Common misconceptions about water baptism
“Does baptism save me?”
No. Jesus saves. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ, not by the amount of water used or the performance of a religious act.
At the same time, baptism matters because Jesus commanded it. We should not confuse “baptism does not save” with “baptism does not matter.” It is an important act of obedience for those who have already placed their faith in Christ.
“Do I have to be perfect before I get baptized?”
No. Baptism is not a graduation ceremony for people who have mastered Christianity. It is the beginning of publicly identifying with Jesus and continuing to grow in Him.
Believers should repent sincerely and desire to follow Christ, but spiritual growth continues after baptism. Sanctification is a lifelong work of the Holy Spirit.
“Is water baptism the same as baptism in the Holy Spirit?”
They are distinct biblical experiences. Water baptism identifies a believer with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers believers for Spirit-filled life and witness.
As a Pentecostal church, FA Memphis affirms the continuing work, gifts, and power of the Holy Spirit. Water baptism and Spirit baptism should not be treated as competing ideas. Both point us toward deeper surrender to Jesus and participation in His mission.
“What if I was baptized as an infant?”
If you were baptized as an infant, do not respond with shame or fear. Speak with a trusted pastor or mature believer about your story and your present faith in Christ.
The Assemblies of God practices believer’s baptism because the New Testament pattern joins baptism with personal repentance and faith. A pastor can help you consider the next step with wisdom and grace.
“What if I am nervous about being immersed?”
That is understandable. Baptism can feel vulnerable because it is public and physical. Ask questions, talk with a pastor, and take time to understand what will happen.
The goal is not to pressure you. The goal is to help you obey Jesus with confidence and joy.
A life takeaway
Water baptism does not make you worthy of Jesus. It declares that Jesus is worthy of your trust.
When you go under the water, you are not pretending that your past never happened. You are proclaiming that your past no longer has the final word. When you rise, you are not claiming to have everything figured out. You are declaring that your future is now held by Christ.
What is your next step?
Have you trusted Jesus but never followed Him in water baptism? Or are you still learning what it means to believe, repent, and become a disciple?
Take one honest step: pray, open the Scriptures, speak with a pastor, or invite a trusted believer into the conversation.
If you are studying with others, consider joining a Life Group and using this article as a discussion guide. You can also explore Bible-centered resources through RightNow Media. If you have questions, FA Memphis is available during ministry office hours, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. CST. You can also connect through Sunday live-streaming with live chat from the Pastor.
Want to go deeper?
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You do not have to navigate your questions alone. If you would like prayer about salvation, baptism, spiritual growth, or anything else you are carrying, reach out.
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