Baptism

Why is Baptism Important?

Because Jesus was baptized, and as Christians we are to follow his example. (John 13:15, Luke 4)

"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river." (Mark 1:9)

Jesus noted the importance of baptism by incorporating it into the Great Commission:  "Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them My disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)

What is the Meaning of Baptism?

It symbolizes the burial and resurrection of Jesus. (Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:4)

"Christ died for our sins…He was buried…and He rose again." (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

"For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ." (Colossians 2:12)

It illustrates one’s new life in the faith:  "When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!"  (2 Corinthians 5:17--LB)

"By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead…so also we may live a new life!" (Romans 6:4--GN)

* Baptism doesn’t make you a believer – it shows that you already believe.

* Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Who Should be Baptized?

Every person who believes in Christ.

"Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized…" (Acts 2:41)

"…When they believed Philip as he preached the Good news…and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." (Acts 8:12)

When Should One Be Baptized?

As soon as you accept Christ as Lord and Savior.

"Those who believed…were baptized…that day!" (Acts 2:41)

"As Philip [talked with the Ethiopian]…and told him the Good News about Jesus. …they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So…Philip baptized him." (Acts 8:35-38)

The History of Baptism

Though not specifically discussed in the canon of Old Testament Scripture, other historical writings makes it clear that water baptism has Old Testament period origins. Note that John the Baptist came on the scene (Matt. 3:1-2) and began his work without any explanation about what baptism was. There was an assumption that there was some kind of cultural reference point concerning baptism. This was true. Historians note that during the period of the building of the second temple, there was widespread conversion (of the Gentile world) to Judaism….During this period the Hebrew word, ‘ger’ (stranger), came to be synonymous with a proselyte (new convert). Rabbinical instructions for receiving a proselyte called for an immersion basin to be filled with about 100 gallons of water. Into this water went the new convert—A number of Jewish elders were be present to serve as witnesses. Following the baptism the proselyte was considered ‘newborn’, that is, as if he had been born of Jewish parentage.

Jewish proselyte baptism references the exodus experience of Israel crossing the Red Sea…St. Paul notes, “Israel was baptized in the cloud and in the sea…" (1 Corinthians 10:2). Thus, converts to Judaism in effect belatedly reenacted Israel’s exodus, vicariously sharing in the experience of crossing over from bondage to freedom, through the waters of the Red Sea, appropriating this history as their own and thereby becoming part of the covenant people produced by this historic event.

The exodus story is a grand prototype for New Testament baptism—first instituted by John and later developed by the apostles. It is important to note that John (the Baptist) located his ministry in the wilderness at the Jordan, the point where Israel crossed over from the desert into the Promised Land.

Over the years, there has been a transition in how the term baptism has been understood. The (OT) baptism of the Jews centered on a desire to identify with the Hebrew nation……the baptism of John centered on a desire to identify with righteousness and a commitment to forsake sin…… the baptism of the NT Church (in Acts) centers on a desire to identify with the risen Lord and the gift of the Spirit (which believers have access to through the death and resurrection of Christ).

In the days of John the Baptist, many Jews did not believe baptism (and what it represented) was important for associating one with righteousness because according to tradition, righteousness was inherited, and descendants of Abraham were automatically ‘righteous’…immune from judgment and assured of an inheritance in the coming kingdom.

In the New Covenant…it is not our bloodline, but the blood of Christ that assures our salvation.
“It is men of faith who are the sons of Abraham” (Galatians 3:7)

The practice of baptism was discontinued after the death of John, until Pentecost (Acts 2), at which time baptism added another dimension.

In Peter’s sermon (Acts 2:38-42), baptism signified repentance and reception of the Gospel message of Jesus….the outcome of those baptized was they were, “added to the church…they devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching and Christian fellowship…”

In Phillip’s mission to the Samaritans (Acts 8:12-17), baptism followed ‘believing the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ’ (Acts 8:14).

In Phillip’s baptism of the Ethiopian (Acts 8:37), baptism is associated with believing in Christ as the Son of God.

In the epistles, baptism is ‘into Christ,’ specifically ‘into his death,’ and is associated with a ‘newness of life’ (Romans 6:4,7; Colosians 2:12).