If a person wants to be baptized, but cannot – what should be done?

Answer

Perhaps the most effective way to tackle this question is to begin with baptism itself—what it is and what it isn’t. Christian baptism, as outlined in the Bible, serves as the outward declaration of an internal transformation in a believer’s life. It symbolizes the believer’s association with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Romans 6:3-4 illustrates this as our former sinful selves being buried with Christ and our new selves being raised to walk in newness of life with Him.

Baptism is not a prerequisite for salvation, nor does it possess the ability to save. Instead, it symbolizes the salvation that has already taken place. We undergo baptism to demonstrate this reality to others, which is why many baptisms are accompanied by a verbal testimony from the individual being baptized. The testimony holds greater significance than the ritual itself.

Although the Bible emphasizes immersion as the correct method of baptism, it does not provide guidance on what to do when a person is unable to be fully immersed in water. Some suggest baptism by sprinkling or pouring. While these methods do not align with the symbolism of baptism—the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—there are situations where complete immersion is not feasible. In such cases, an individual unable to be immersed should publicly profess faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, express commitment to Him, and declare identification with Him before a gathering of believers. This would fulfill the purpose of baptism.