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ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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The Biblical Validity of Water Baptism: A Scriptural Review and Faith-Theological Evaluation

Authors: Ilesanmi, Dele Alaba;

The Biblical Validity of Water Baptism: A Scriptural Review and Faith-Theological Evaluation

Abstract

Water baptism remains one of the most universally recognised Christian practices yet differently interpreted. The purpose of this study is to examine the biblical validity of water baptism. Using the King James Version (KJV) as the scriptural base, the study critically analyses passages such as Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38, John 3:5, Romans 6:3–5, and 1 Peter 3:21, demonstrating that water baptism is biblically instituted and ecclesially significant, yet not salvific in itself. The paper adopts a sola scriptura methodology that integrates scriptural review, theological analysis, and a faith-theological evaluation grounded explicitly in divine revelation as the primary authority for Christian belief and practice. The study critically evaluates water baptism in relation to salvation, regeneration and the symbolism-reality relationship, ecclesial identity and the Word, discipleship, and the limits of water baptism. The findings reveal that while baptism is divinely commanded and symbolically rich, Scripture consistently attributes regeneration, justification, and sanctification to the work of the Holy Spirit rather than to ritual immersion. The study further argues that water baptism, when interpreted within a Faith-Theological framework, functions as a covenantal symbol that directs attention to the spiritual realities of repentance, faith, and union with Christ, rather than serving as a sacramental mechanism of grace. This paper concludes that water baptism is biblically valid and theologically indispensable as an act of discipleship and public confession, but its power and meaning must be interpreted within the limits established by Scripture and the primacy of the Spirit in the economy of salvation.

Keywords

water baptism, Holy Spirit baptism, scriptural review, faith theology, water baptism by immersion and by sprinkling, theo-theoretical framework.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average