What is the origin of baptism?

ORIGIN OF BAPTISM

I. HISTORICAL ROOTS IN RITUAL WASHING

Baptism finds its earliest roots in the ancient Hebrew practices of ritual washing. These ceremonial cleansings were commands given to the nation of Israel, emphasizing purity and consecration. Individuals who had become ritually unclean—whether through contact with certain objects, diseases, or bodily fluids—were commanded to wash to restore ceremonial purity (Leviticus 15:13). Archeological findings in and around Jerusalem have revealed multiple mikva’ot (ritual immersion pools) dating back to the Second Temple period. These pools in places like Qumran demonstrate a Jewish tradition of immersion as a symbol of repentance and readiness to enter God’s presence.

Within the Hebrew Scriptures, ritual washing was also integral to the priestly function. Priests were required to wash before performing tabernacle or temple duties (Exodus 30:20). This concept set the stage for a later development of public and private immersions as signs of religious devotion and cleansing.

II. THE MINISTRY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

A pivotal turning point in the history of baptism came through John the Baptist. He preached “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 3:3). John emerged in the Judean wilderness, calling people to confession and immersion in the Jordan River. His practice elevated ritual washing from a repeated cleansing ceremony into a unique, one-time sign of authentic repentance and preparation for the Messiah.

John’s baptism built on the Jewish practice of immersion, but carried deeper implications of moral reform and expectation of God’s coming kingdom (Matthew 3:2). People of all social standings—tax collectors, soldiers, and religious leaders—were drawn to John’s call, highlighting the broad significance of this ceremonial act. Contemporary Jewish historian Josephus also references John the Baptist, noting his influence in calling people to repentance.

III. JESUS’ OWN BAPTISM

Jesus’ baptism by John is a foundational episode recorded in the Gospels (Mark 1:9–11). It was not due to Christ’s need for forgiveness, but served as a divine appointment inaugurating His public ministry. Immediately following His immersion, “He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove” (Mark 1:10). This marked endorsement from heaven displayed the unity between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and authenticated Jesus’ identity and mission.

Through His baptism, Jesus identified with humanity’s spiritual needs, foreshadowed His sacrificial work, and exemplified a pattern of obedience for future believers to follow. This profound moment gave a new dimension to immersion—linking it intimately with Messiah’s redemptive purpose.

IV. JESUS’ TEACHING AND COMMISSION

After His resurrection, Jesus emphasized baptism in the Great Commission: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:15–16). While salvation is by faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), the instruction to baptize is presented as an essential outward declaration of that inward belief.

In Matthew’s Gospel, the commission is similarly recorded: “Go therefore 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). This Trinitarian command established baptism as an ongoing practice for the emerging Church, setting it apart from earlier Jewish ritual immersions by firmly associating it with faith in the fullness of God’s nature and the risen Christ.

V. THE ORIGINS OF CHRISTIAN BAPTISM IN THE EARLY CHURCH

Following Pentecost, the earliest believers practiced baptism as a sign of conversion and reception into the fellowship of the Church (Acts 2:38–41). Archaeological records and early Church writings show that new believers were commonly immersed, consistent with the example of Jesus’ own baptism. Baptismal sites near ancient churches and in locations throughout the Roman Empire support the scriptural portrayal of immersion as the norm.

The Book of Acts further recounts multiple instances of baptism among early converts, including the Ethiopian official who insisted on immediate baptism upon hearing the gospel (Acts 8:36–38). This pattern emphasizes the strong link between coming to faith in the risen Christ and promptly signifying that faith through immersion.

VI. OLD TESTAMENT FORESHADOWING

Beyond the general practice of ritual washing, deep symbolic foreshadowing of baptism is seen in the Old Testament. Noah’s deliverance through the waters of the flood served as a type of cleansing and salvation from judgment (1 Peter 3:20–21). The Israelites’ crossing of the Red Sea also prefigured passing from slavery into freedom (1 Corinthians 10:1–2). Both events connect water with divine deliverance, pointing ultimately to salvation fulfilled in Christ.

These narratives demonstrate that the concept of a water-born rebirth and passage from the old to the new has long been woven into God’s unfolding story. Baptism fulfills and expands these themes by rooting them in the Messiah’s atoning work and the believer’s identification with His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4).

VII. THEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND PURPOSE

Baptism is more than an external symbol; it portrays union with Christ. It is an act affirming one’s identification with the Lord in His death, burial, and resurrection. This is vividly described: “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too may walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).

As baptism’s origin is traced through Scripture, its theological core remains consistent. From Old Testament rituals and John’s call to repent, through Jesus’ own baptism, and onward to the early Church, the thread is clear: immersion in water symbolizes both cleansing and covenant, repentance and relationship, ending the old and beginning anew in Christ.

VIII. PRACTICAL GUIDANCE AND CONTINUANCE

Throughout Church history, believers in various traditions have maintained that baptism is integral to Christian discipleship—whether practiced by immersion in rivers, pools, or specially designed baptistries. Historical works like the Didache (a first-century/early second-century Christian text) reference the practice of immersion in living (running) water. Such references affirm continuity with the New Testament portrayal.

Over time, while certain modes of baptism (like sprinkling or pouring) emerged, the root meaning remains: an outward testimony of an inward transformation and a public witness to faith in the risen Christ. The earliest evidence, both biblical and archaeological, affirms immersion as the ancient form.

IX. SUMMARY

From the Old Testament’s foundational washings through John the Baptist’s call of repentance, from Jesus’ baptism and instructions in the Gospels to ongoing practice in the early Church—baptism’s origin is profoundly anchored in history and Scripture. It has always pointed to God’s redemptive work, displaying a believer’s commitment to follow the Messiah.

In every era, baptism underscores the gracious invitation God extends. Through it, individuals publicly align themselves with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, entering into new life. It is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, bearing witness to God’s saving power across time. And as Scripture proclaims, it stands as a foundational mark of genuine faith in our Creator and Savior, who welcomes all who believe to experience cleansing, renewal, and unity with Him.