by Discover why the Bible calls for immediate baptism after repentance and how baptismal classes contradict apostolic practice. Learn the scriptural truth today.
Water Baptism Is A Root Ordinance Of The Christian Faith
Water baptism is a root ordinance of the Christian faith. It serves as a public declaration of an inward transformation. It is a symbol of our death (to the world of sin), burial (of the old Adamic/sinful self), and resurrection with Christ (as newborn babes). In the early church, it was an act of immediate obedience when one repented and had faith in Jesus Christ. Today, in many denominations/churches, the simplicity and urgency of baptism have been trampled by unbiblical, man-made traditions such as baptismal classes. The purpose of this message is to address the biblical urgency of baptism. And also expose why neglecting immediate water baptism through man-made requirements contradicts the Word of God.
The Biblical Urgency of Water Baptism
Baptism is not an optional ritual; it is a direct command from Christ. Jesus Himself was baptized (Matthew 3:13-17), not because He needed repentance, but as He said, “thus it behooves us to fulfill all righteousness.” He insisted on being baptized by John even when John was reluctant, saying he, John, should be baptized by the Lord, not the other way round. If the sinless Savior prioritized baptism, how much more should His followers?
In Acts 2:36-41, Peter preached the gospel, and those who believed were baptized the same day; without delay or prolonged preparation.
Acts 2:36-41: [36] Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. [37] Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? [38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. [39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. [40] And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. [41] Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
In Acts 8:30-40, when the Ethiopian eunuch heard the gospel, he immediately requested baptism.
Philip did not assign a class or a waiting period; he simply baptized him.
Acts 8:30-40: [30] And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? [31] And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. [32] The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And like a lamb dumb before his shearer, So opened he not his mouth: [33] In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: And who shall declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth. [34] And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? [35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. [36] 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? [37] 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. [38] 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. [39] And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. [40] But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Cæsarea.”
Baptism is urgent because it is a public testimony of salvation and immediate obedience to Christ’s command.
In 16:25-33, Paul baptized the entire household of the keeper of their prison at midnight.
16:25-33: [25] And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. [26] And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. [27] And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. [28] But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. [29] Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, [30] and brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? [31] And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. [32] And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. [33] And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
Why didn’t Brother Paul wait until it was morning and safer to take them to the river for baptism? Bear in mind that they only baptize where there is enough body of water to allow for the immersing (burying) of the body of the believer deep in the water. Thats a topic for another day.
Why Baptismal Classes Are Unscriptural
The Bible contains no example or command for baptismal classes. There is nowhere it was ever practiced or required by the Lord. Baptismal classes are a human invention that elevates the tradition of men over God’s Word. These classes cause unbiblical delays, preventing believers who are ready from obeying the word of God promptly.
Salvation comes through grace by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Baptism is not and should never be treated as a graduation ceremony after doctrinal training. It is the immediate next step that must be taken after one has expressed saving faith in Christ. We cannot dictate to God how to worship Him. Only God knows what true redemption is and how to achieve it. Baptismal classes put believers’ lives at risk by creating a legalistic barrier that God never established.
The Spiritual Dangers of Delaying Baptism
Unnecessary delays can discourage new believers, causing them to lose zeal and momentum in their walk with Christ. Jesus warned, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). By introducing obstacles, churches put at risk the eternal destiny of those who may never follow through.
Baptismal classes can create division in the church, separating believers into the ‘qualified’ and ‘unqualified,’ fostering pride and disunity.
Baptismal Classes Can Endanger The Souls of Those That Teach Them
In the book of Revelation, Chapter 22:17-20, our Lord Jesus Christ gave a stern warning against those who’ll be tempted to alter the words of the prophecy from God. I believe that everyone should heed this terrifying warning. Don’t be deceived into saying He is only talking about the prophecy of the book of Revelation; the word of God is the same.
Revelation 22:17-20: [17] And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. [18] For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book; [19] and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. [20] He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I come quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Can you see how dangerous that is? “if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words …., God shall take away his part out of the book of life….” if your part is removed from the book of life, your soul will be damned in Hell Fire forever! Altering the word of God is a risk nobody should dare to take no matter the reason! It is too dangerous; the consequences are horrifying! A word is enough for the wise. Fear God and keep His commandments, for that is the whole duty of man.
A Call to Immediate Obedience
The only biblical prerequisites for baptism are repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. As soon as a person repents and believes, they should be baptized without delay. Church leaders must remove man-made barriers and facilitate immediate baptism for all who confess Christ as Lord. It is a task that must not be triffled with. It is a responsibility that must not be neglected nor sacrificed at the alter of convenience. The church today must revive the apostolic model; preaching the gospel, leading people to repentance, and baptizing them immediately.
Conclusion
The urgency of water baptism is clear in the pages of the Holy Scriptures. The practice of delaying water baptism through baptismal classes is without biblical foundation. The Lord calls us to simple, immediate obedience; not damnable bureaucratic processes. The leaders of the Church doing this must repent at once and trun away from this evil. Let us return to the purity of God’s Word, ensuring that all who believe are baptized without hesitation. Please baptize them and leave the rest in the hands of God. Even though arguing the word is not part of our calling, some still argue and ask, what if they have not genuinely repented? To those I’ll say, do not kick against the word of God because of your lack of spiritual discernment. Seek for the relevant gifts of the Spirit and you can rest in God’s trusted guidance.
And you young believers, newborn babes in the Lord, don’t wait. Insist to be baptized as the Lord our God did. If you have repented of your sins and have believed in Jesus Christ, do not delay; be baptized today! Church leaders, examine your practices and align them with the New Testament example. Jesus Christ is truly coming soon. He is already at the verge of breaking through the clouds. Why will you risk your life in hell and your work to be burnts with fire? Tell me why will you risk to be told, “Get away from me, you workers of iniquity???”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is baptism necessary for salvation?
A: According to Mark 16:16, belief and baptism are closely linked as acts of obedience, though salvation is by faith in Christ alone. As it is written, “those that believe and are baptised shall be saved”, so baptism is very necessary and important.
Q: What does the Bible say about baptismal classes?
A: Scripture contains no such instruction; baptism followed immediately after belief. The Bible did not mention baptismal classes anywhere. It is the doctrine of men designed to satisfy their own plans and desires.
Q: Can I be baptized immediately after believing?
A: Yes you can be baptized. It is very important to do that. In every New Testament example, baptism occurred the same day a person believed. In most cases right after one repents.
Q: What about the thief on the cross, he was not baptized yet the Lord promised him paradise. A: First you are not a thief on the Cross. Secondly it is written that the secret things belong unto God but those that are revealed belong unto us and our children forever. So I’ll counsel you to stay safe within the confines of what is revealed. Leave the unknown to God.
