A Sense of Urgency
Can Baptism Wait? What the Bible Really Teaches
Baptism is not just a symbolic gesture or a ritual that can be casually delayed. Scripture teaches that baptism is an urgent, immediate response to the gospel—because it is at that moment our sins are washed away and we are united with Christ.
Sadly, many today treat baptism as a scheduled event—something to plan weeks in advance or wait until a special occasion. But is this how God’s word presents it?
Let’s look at the urgency shown in Scripture:
Biblical Examples of Immediate Baptism
The Day of Pentecost
When Peter preached the first gospel sermon, the people were “cut to the heart” and asked what they must do.
“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...’” (Acts 2:38, NKJV).
How did they respond?
“Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” (Acts 2:41).
They didn’t wait. They were baptized that day.
The Ethiopian Eunuch
When Philip taught the eunuch about Jesus, they came to water.
“Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?’” (Acts 8:36).
Philip didn’t say, “Let’s schedule it.” He baptized him immediately.
“So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.” (Acts 8:38)
The Philippian Jailer
After an earthquake opened the prison, the jailer asked Paul and Silas what he must do to be saved. They taught him the gospel that same hour of the night.
“And immediately he and all his family were baptized.” (Acts 16:33)
Saul of Tarsus (Paul)
After encountering Jesus, Saul fasted and prayed for three days. Yet his sins weren’t washed away until Ananias told him:
“And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)
Why Is Baptism Urgent?
Because baptism is where our sins are forgiven.
It is not a public announcement of a salvation that already occurred—it is the point at which salvation is received.
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved.” (Mark 16:16)
“There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism...” (1 Peter 3:21)
Peter goes on to say baptism is “the answer (appeal) of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
At baptism:
We are buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3–4)
We put on Christ (Galatians 3:27)
We become children of God through faith, by being baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:26–27)
We are added to the church (Acts 2:47)
A Matter of the Soul
Delaying baptism is delaying salvation. It's like a drowning man turning down the lifeline because he wants to wait for a special moment. The Bible never presents baptism as something to schedule or celebrate later—it is always urgent because it is a matter of life and death spiritually.
If you believe, if you’ve been convicted by the truth of the gospel, if you know you are outside of Christ—why are you waiting? (Acts 22:16)
Have you obeyed the gospel as the Bible teaches? Or have you been waiting for the right time? According to God’s word, the right time is now.
Want to study more about baptism? Here is a free PDF of my book Baptism: A Biblical and Historical Examination. Feel free to share. If you’d prefer a hard copy they can be purchased on Amazon by clicking here.
