Baptism refers to a person’s being submerged in water and coming up out of it. a That explains why Jesus was baptized in a sizable river. (Matthew 3:​13, 16) Likewise, an Ethiopian man asked to be baptized when coming to “a body of water.”​—Acts 8:​36-​40.

The meaning of baptism

 The Bible compares baptism to burial. (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:​12) Water baptism symbolizes a person’s dying to his past course of life and beginning a new one as a Christian dedicated to God. Baptism and the steps that lead up to it are God’s arrangement for a person to gain a clean conscience based on his faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 3:​21) Thus, Jesus taught that his disciples must get baptized.​—Matthew 28:19, 20.

Does water baptism wash away sin?

 No. The Bible teaches that we can be cleansed from sin only through Jesus’ shed blood. (Romans 5:​8, 9; 1 John 1:7) To benefit from Jesus’ sacrifice, however, a person must exercise faith in Jesus, change his course of life to live in harmony with Jesus’ teachings, and get baptized.​—Acts 2:​38; 3:​19.

What is christening?

 The terms “christen” and “christening” do not appear in the Bible. They refer to a ceremony performed by some churches in which an infant is “baptized” (by having water sprinkled or poured on his head) and named.

Does the Bible teach infant baptism?

 No, it does not. Christian baptism is for those old enough to understand and believe in “the good news of the Kingdom of God.” (Acts 8:​12) It is linked with hearing God’s word, accepting it, and repenting​—actions that an infant cannot take.​—Acts 2:​22, 38, 41.

 In addition, the Bible shows that God views the young children of Christians as being holy, or clean in his sight, because of the parents’ faithful course. (1 Corinthians 7:​14) If infant baptism were valid, those children would not need to have the merit of someone else extended to them. b

Misconceptions about Christian baptism

 Misconception: Jesus taught infant baptism by saying that the Kingdom belongs to young children.​—Matthew 19:13-​15; Mark 10:13-​16.

 Fact: Jesus was not discussing baptism when he said those words. Instead, he was showing that those who would qualify for the Kingdom of God must be childlike​—meek and teachable.​—Matthew 18:4; Luke 18:16, 17.