Justin Martyr (c. 155) — “We have learned from the apostles this reason for baptism: that we may obtain in the water the remission of sins and new birth.” Baptism as forgiveness and new birth. Tertullian (c. 198) — “We are born in water as little fishes, after the example of our great Fish, Jesus Christ.” Imagery of new life in Christ. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 350) — “Great indeed is the baptism which is offered you. It is a ransom to captives, remission of offenses, death o

What is Baptism? Very simply, baptism is an outward expression of the inward reality in a believer’s life. Christian baptism is an act of obedience to the Lord after salvation; although baptism is closely associated with salvation, it is not a requirement to be saved. The Bible shows in many places that the order of events is 1) a person believes in the Lord Jesus and 2) he is baptized. Baptism illustrates a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrec