Baptism is a vital step in the Christian faith, symbolizing repentance, renewal, and obedience to Jesus’ command (Matthew 28:19-20) –The Great Commission. Yet, many believers delay this important act due to logistical barriers — limited access to a church baptismal, concerns about public settings, or physical limitations. Surprisingly, one of the most overlooked and accessible locations for baptism is found in nearly every home: the bathtub.
Why the Bathtub? #
The bathtub offers a powerful, private, and practical solution for those seeking to obey Christ’s command without common obstacles. Here’s why:
1. Accessibility for All #
- The Elderly and Disabled: For those with mobility issues, walking into a river or pool may be unsafe. A bathtub provides a controlled, accessible environment for those who need assistance.
- Homebound Individuals: For the sick, elderly, or physically restricted, the bathtub enables baptism without unnecessary strain or risk.
2. Overcoming Location Barriers #
- Rural or Remote Areas: Not all communities have nearby churches with dedicated baptismal pools. For those in rural locations, a bathtub can provide a meaningful setting without requiring travel.
- Mission Field or Restricted Regions: In places where Christian practice is persecuted or restricted, a discreet baptism in a home bathtub can provide both privacy and safety.
3. Dispelling Misconceptions #
Many people mistakenly believe:
- Baptism Must Occur in a Church. While public baptisms are ideal for communal witness, the essential aspect is obedience to Christ. The early church often baptized in homes and private spaces (Acts 16:33). “And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.”
- It Requires Special Water or an Ordained Minister. While it’s ideal for church leaders to oversee baptisms, Scripture emphasizes belief and repentance as prerequisites (Acts 2:38).
4. Meeting Practical Concerns #
- Weather Conditions: Outdoor baptisms in rivers, lakes, or pools are often delayed due to cold weather or unsafe conditions. The bathtub provides a climate-controlled alternative year-round.
- Convenient for Children or New Believers: For parents guiding young children or individuals hesitant about large gatherings, a bathtub provides an intimate and stress-free setting.
How to Baptize Using a Bathtub #
While every baptism should be done with reverence and understanding, consider these steps for a meaningful experience:
Preparation: Begin with prayer, explaining the significance of baptism. Use Scripture to affirm the purpose (Romans 6:3-4).
“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
Confession of Faith: Ask the candidate to profess their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Immersion or Pouring: If space allows, full immersion in the tub mirrors the biblical pattern (Acts 8:38).
“And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.”
Alternatively, pouring water over the head may suffice when immersion isn’t possible. In such situations, the key is obeying God’s command for believers to be baptized.
Proclamation and Prayer: Close with prayer and encourage the newly baptized believer to share their decision with others.
Common Objections Answered #
- “Doesn’t it lack the public witness?” While public declarations are ideal, the primary purpose of baptism is obedience. Witnesses can still be present in the home or through recorded testimony.
- “Is this theologically valid?” Yes. Baptism’s power is not in the location but in the heart of the believer and the work of Christ.
Conclusion #
The bathtub may seem mundane, yet it offers an overlooked opportunity for spiritual transformation. For those hindered by tradition, physical limitation, or social concerns, this simple space can become a sacred pool of new beginnings — fulfilling Jesus’ call to “Repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38). Once that is achieved, don’t foregut about discipleship.
