New Believers
Baptism was commanded by Jesus and pictures being buried and raised with him (Romans 6:4). Here is a plain way to explain it, answer a new believer's questions, and walk with them all the way to the water.
3 min read · October 18, 2026 · By Daniel Ziedins
“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
Someone has just started following Jesus, and they ask, "Do I need to get baptized? What is it, anyway?" Or maybe they have never heard of it at all.
Baptism can sound strange or intimidating to a new believer. Here is a simple, plain way to explain it, and to walk with them toward it.
Baptism was not a church invention. Jesus himself commanded it when he sent his followers out:
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19)
Jesus was baptized too, at the start of his ministry (Matthew 3). So when we are baptized, we are following him.
Paul described baptism as a picture of what has happened in a believer's life:
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)
A simple way to say it: going under the water pictures the old life being buried with Jesus. Coming up out of the water pictures new life, the way Jesus rose from the dead. It is an outward, public sign of an inward change.
In the book of Acts, people who believed were baptized quickly. On the day the church began:
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:41)
When an Ethiopian official heard about Jesus while travelling, he asked:
Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized? (Acts 8:36)
Baptism was not a reward for maturity. It was one of the first steps of following Jesus.
"Do I have to clean my life up first?" No. Baptism is for people who have trusted Jesus, not for people who have it all together.
"What actually happens?" It depends on the church. Often a pastor or leader asks a simple question about their faith, they answer, and they are lowered briefly under the water and lifted back up. Many churches invite them to share a short version of their story first. Your Story in 60 Seconds is a good way to prepare.
"What if I am nervous?" Most people are. Offer to be there, sit with them, and celebrate afterward.
"Can my family come?" Usually, yes. A baptism is a great day to invite people who do not yet know Jesus. They will hear the gospel and see a life that changed.
Christians understand some details of baptism differently: how it is done, when, and exactly what it accomplishes. Some baptize infants, others baptize only those old enough to believe for themselves. Do not turn this into a debate with a brand-new believer. Help them connect with a local church and talk to its pastor about what that church practises and why.
Explaining baptism is the easy part. Helping someone actually take the step is where they need you.
If you are walking with someone through their first weeks, the first seven days with a new believer and how to disciple someone fit right alongside this. And if they just said yes, start with just said yes to Jesus: what now?
Kingdom Base has a free discipleship pathway that keeps each person's next step, including baptism, in front of you. Start free.
Baptism is a public step of following Jesus that he commanded (Matthew 28:19). Going under the water pictures the old life being buried with him, and coming up pictures new life, the way he rose from the dead (Romans 6:4).
No. Baptism is for people who have trusted Jesus, not for people who have everything together. In Acts, people were often baptized very soon after they believed.
No. Christians differ on how baptism is done, when, and exactly what it accomplishes; some baptize infants and others only those old enough to believe. A new believer should talk with the pastor of their local church about what it practises.
Nobody forgotten. Kingdom Base is a free command center for the Great Commission — log the people you meet, follow up faithfully, and make disciples. Start free.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.