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

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.