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The Meaning and Biblical Basis: 

Baptism is one of the most important practices in the Christian life, and its meaning has been the subject of debate among theologians throughout the centuries. In this article, we will explore the background of baptism in both the Old and New Testaments, its importance, symbolism, who should be baptized, and finally, why baptism should be in the name of Jesus, according to the Bible.

Background of Baptism in the Old Testament:

Although baptism, as we know it in the New Testament, does not appear explicitly in the Old Testament, we do find practices and rituals that point toward a spiritual cleansing that is accomplished in Christian baptism. In the Old Testament, water often symbolized purification. For example, in Leviticus 16:4, priests were required to wash before entering the tabernacle. Furthermore, the purification laws in Numbers 19 made use of water to cleanse those who had been in contact with death. These purifying actions pointed to an external cleansing that anticipated the internal, spiritual work that God would do in hearts through baptism.

The prophet Ezekiel also envisioned a spiritual renewal through water: “I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses” (Ezekiel 36:25). This foreshadows baptism as a cleansing not only physical but spiritual, in which God purifies His people from their sins.

Antecedentes del Bautismo en el Nuevo Testamento: In the New Testament, baptism takes on a new meaning with the coming of John the Baptist, who proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4). This act prepared the way for Jesus, who was also baptized, although without sin, to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:13-17). Here it is important to emphasize that John's baptism was a symbol of repentance, but baptism in the name of Jesus, which was established after his resurrection, has a deeper connotation: identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

In Acts 2:38, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, instructs the early believers to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. From this point, baptism in the name of Jesus becomes the model that the apostles taught and practiced throughout the book of Acts.

La Importancia del Bautismo: Baptism is an act of obedience that symbolizes Christ's redemptive work. Jesus himself commanded his disciples to baptize others (Matthew 28:19), making it clear that it is an important command for every believer. Through baptism, we publicly identify with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. The apostle Paul explains in Romans 6:3-4 that by being baptized, we die to sin and are resurrected to new life in Christ.

Baptism, then, is not just an external symbol, but a representation of an internal transformation. It is a public declaration of faith that shows the believer's union with Christ and the community of faith.

Lo Que Simboliza el Bautismo:
Baptism is an act that symbolizes new birth. Being immersed in water represents the death and burial of the old sinful self. Coming out of the water symbolizes new life in Christ, free from sin and destined to live in the grace of God.

In Colossians 2:12, Paul describes baptism as a symbol of being buried and raised with Christ: “You were buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God who raised Him from the dead.” Thus, baptism represents the believer’s identification with the finished work of Christ.

Who Should Be Baptized?
Baptism is for those who have believed in Jesus Christ as their Savior and have made a conscious decision to follow Him. In Acts 8:12, when Philip preached to the Samaritans, those who believed “were baptized, both men and women.” This pattern continues throughout the New Testament: those who believe, repent of their sins, and decide to follow Jesus are baptized. This is not a practice for babies, but for those who have understood the message of the Gospel and have decided by faith to give themselves to Christ.

What is Baptism for?
Baptism has several purposes:

Obedience to Christ: Jesus Himself commanded His disciples to baptize new believers as part of the Great Commandment (Matthew 28:19).

Identification with Christ: It symbolizes our union with the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Entry into the community of faith: Through baptism, we not only make a personal declaration of faith, but we also join the global community of believers.

Remission of sins: According to Acts 2:38, baptism in the name of Jesus is for the forgiveness of sins, an external manifestation of God's redemptive work in the heart of the believer.

Why is Baptism in the Name of Jesus?
The argument that baptism must be in the name of Jesus is supported by several New Testament passages, particularly the book of Acts. In Acts 2:38, Peter instructs the Jews to repent and be baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins.” Likewise, in Acts 19:5, the disciples in Ephesus were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

The insistence on baptism in the name of Jesus is not a mere formality, but a declaration of faith in the authority and finished work of Christ. Baptism in His name reflects faith that He alone is our Savior and the only way for the remission of sins. Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,” which includes baptism.

Although in Matthew 28:19 Jesus instructs to baptize “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” many scholars understand this as a reference to the Trinitarian authority fully manifested in the name of Jesus, since the Father is revealed in the Son and the Holy Spirit is given in his name.

Conclusión: Baptism in the name of Jesus is a central doctrine for believers, based on the teachings of the New Testament and the practice of the apostles. It symbolizes a new life in Christ, the forgiveness of sins, and entry into the community of faith. As followers of Christ, we must obey this command and understand its profound importance in our spiritual lives.