Baptism

Water Baptism

The subject of water baptism is one of the most divisive issues in the Christian church. It seems as if baptism is either over-emphasized or under-emphasized. Rather than presenting an exhaustive article on all aspects of baptism, let’s keep this discussion simple by focusing on the following points.

Baptism Was By Immersion

Baptism in the Bible was always by immersion. The Greek word baptizo means to dip an object into water or another liquid, not to have the liquid put on the object itself. In Matthew 3:6 John baptized others “in the Jordan River” and in John 3:23 he baptized in a place “because there was plenty of water.” When Jesus was baptized in Matthew 3:15, he “went up out of the water.” The early Christian church believed in immersion–it wasn’t until the Middle Ages that sprinkling was introduced.

Baptism Is Associated With Conversion To Christianity

The New Testament, especially the book of Acts, records numerous examples of baptisms that were associated with people converting to Christianity. In Acts 2:41: “those who accepted his message were baptized.” In Acts 8:35-36, “Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, `Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?’”

Acts 16:30-33 is another good passage on this subject: “He then brought them out and asked, `Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”‘ They replied, `Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved you and your household.’ Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.”

Believers Who Were Baptized Understood What They Were Doing

Decisions to be baptized were both personal and based on knowledge (see above passages). There are no Biblical examples of uninformed people (including infants) being baptized.

Jesus Was Baptized

Jesus set an example for all believers by being baptized himself in Matt. 3:13-15: Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

An Identification Of Christ’s Death, Burial, And Resurrection

Baptism is a symbol of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. It’s a Christian’s way to identify with the Lord. Romans 6:4-5 says: We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.

Colossians 2:12 is another passage that makes this point: …having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.

We Are Commanded To Be Baptized

Jesus himself commanded us to be baptized in Matthew 28:18-19: Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Conclusion

Even though much more could be said, the Bible is clear on the subject of water baptism: It is by immersion, associated with converting to Christianity and an informed decision. Perhaps most important of all, Jesus Himself was baptized and commanded all believers to do so as well.