The subject of water baptism (baptism in water) has been historically perhaps one of the least understood doctrines of the New Testament. Much false teaching based on the traditions and reasonings of men has obscured the meaning of this important doctrine. Some teach that water baptism is really not important at all. According to Hebrews 6:2, the doctrine of baptisms is part of the foundation which must be laid in the Christian life. We will therefore take time to see what the Bible has to say on this matter.
The word "baptism" is in Greek "baptisma" while "to baptise" is in Greek "baptizo". It is obvious that this word has not really been translated but simply copied into the English language. In Greek "baptizo" means "to immerse, cause to be dipped, to submerge, to overwhelm". To baptise something in water means to put it under the water. Therefore in the Biblical sense, to baptise a person in water literally means to put that person wholly under the water.
Water baptism for the Christian symbolises and appropriates our death, burial and resurrection with Christ. It means identification with Christ.
"Therefore we were buried with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4).
It is clear then that the tradition of sprinkling people or pouring water on them is true neither to the clearly understood meaning of the Greek Word, nor to the symbolism of burial. Only immersion in water shows a burial.
The practise of water baptism appears in the Bible first with the appearance of John the Baptist. "John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism for the remission of sins. And all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptised by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins." (Mark 1:4,5)
Baptism in those days was understood to be a rite of initiation into something new. To be water baptised was a sign of adherence to the teachings of the respective teacher. John taught repentance for the remission of sins. Those who received his teaching had to repent (turn from sin), confess their sins (Mark 1:5) and "bear fruits worthy of repentance" (Luke 3:7,8). Their had to be a change of heart before John would willingly baptise the people coming to him for baptism.
Christian baptism is a dedication to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and to be His disciple. (Mathew 28.19). To be baptised you must do something practical. You must humble yourself. In Christian baptism you must identify yourself with Jesus Christ. As He dedicated himself "thus to fulfil all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15) so must you when you are baptised in water. You make a covenant with God to submit yourself to obey the Spirit of God to the point of death, dying to the deeds and lusts of the body and all that is old, to let the past be buried and to rise up to live to fulfil all righteousness - not through your old life but in the new life given by God.
In order to make this dedication, it is obvious that first there must exist real repentance in your heart. You must also have confessed your sins to God. With this baptism you commit yourself through the power of the new life of Jesus within you to "bear fruits worthy of repentance".
Baptism is for those who have now come to a place where they have repented of their sin and believe with all their heart in the Lord Jesus Christ. We see this clearly both from the teaching and the example of the New Testament.
"Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptised?" Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." (Acts 8:36,37).
Baptism is not for those who believe half-heartedly the gospel. To believe with all the heart implies firstly sincerity. To be baptised simply to please a priest or a preacher is not what God wants. God only wants baptised those who have a sincere trust in Jesus as Saviour and Lord, who really want to die to the world, the flesh and the devil and live for God. Before baptising people, we must be confident that this is their desire.
However, this does not mean we should be so cautious in baptising people that we refuse to do it until a person's character in Christ is well proven. No. Even Simon the Magician was baptised by Philip the evangelist and continued with Philip for some time until Peter, to whom God gave greater discernment, rebuked the foolishness of the magician, who wanted to buy the ability to impart the Holy Spirit with money (Acts 8:13, 19-24). Simon still needed to repent, to humble himself more deeply. Church history tells us that he did not do this - but rather became the author of many heresies which plagued the church in the years to come.
Nowhere in the book of Acts is it recorded that people were made to wait or to sit through week-long courses before they were allowed to be baptised. Wholehearted faith, genuine repentance and the intention to live for Jesus was all that was required. It was not the understanding of the doctrines of faith or repentance that was required, but the real presence of faith and repentance that was necessary in the hearts of those who were to be baptised.
Water baptism is for those who believe. "He who believes and is baptised shall be saved." (Mark 16:16). No promise is made to those who are baptised without believing. Many people are "baptised" as babies, by immersion in the Orthodox Tradition or by sprinkling in the Catholic, Anglican and Reformed traditions. However, there is no example in the New Testament of babies being baptised. A baby, as yet without understanding, cannot believe the gospel, cannot repent, cannot confess its sin. It is not yet responsible for its actions, and God, who is infinitely just, does not condemn to damnation babies who die. "Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 19:14). Innocent babies and very small children belong to God. "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 18:10).
Some argue that sincere Christian parents should have their babies baptised, since God's covenant extends to natural families. But Jesus said, "Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother." (Mark 3:35). Jesus did not even recognise his own natural family at that time, since they did not have faith in Him at that time.
But what about the Philippian Jailor? He was baptised with all his family! Yes, but from a careful examination of the passage (Read Acts 16:30-34) we observe the following:
1. Paul's instruction was first, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household". (Acts 16:31). Believing on Jesus had to precede water baptism.
2. Paul then preached to the whole household the word of the Lord. (Acts 16:32). There had to be a foundation for faith in Jesus. All the household heard the word of the Lord.
3. There were fruits of repentance. "And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes." (vs 33)
4. Next they were all baptised. It says nothing of babies here. Rather, in verse 34, it says, "having believed in God with all his household." It is clear then that ALL BELIEVED before they were baptised. Since babies cannot believe, it is clear that here is no example of the baptism of babies. We see rather a model for the salvation of whole households. This is the way God would like to work today!
In the first and most significant day of the church, Peter, having preached the gospel to the people, was asked, "What must be do?" And the response?
"Repent, and let every one of you be baptised in the name of the Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38). Repentance had to precede baptism. And clearly, faith in Jesus also preceded this baptism, since no-one would have allowed himself to be baptised in the controversial name of Jesus if he did not indeed believe the message of Peter and put his trust in Jesus for salvation.
Once again we see that repentance and faith preceded baptism. The same thing can be seen in all the following passages from the book of Acts:
Acts 8:12,13: The conversion of the Samarians.
Acts 8:37 The Ethiopian eunuch
Acts 9, Acts 22:8,16 The conversion of Saul (Paul).
Acts 10:44-48: The conversion of Cornelius, his relatives and close friends. *
Acts 16:31-34 The conversion of the Philippian jailor and his household
Acts 19:1-6 The case of the Ephesian disciples.
* In the case of Cornelius, we can know that these people believed the message of Peter about Jesus, since God sovereignly poured the Holy Spirit out upon them and they were baptised in the Holy Spirit. These people, especially Cornelius were already god-fearing people and obviously God had prepared their hearts to receive the Holy Spirit. Other Jewish believers recognised what God did as proving that these Romans had been granted "repentance unto life" (Acts 11:18). It is clear from this passage that someone who is genuinely baptised in the Holy Spirit is a candidate also for water-baptism. The order of baptisms is not consistent in the Bible. It is possible to be baptised in water before being baptised in the Holy Spirit. The reverse is also possible.
As we have begun to see, Christian water baptism means a dedication to fulfil all righteousness (Matthew 3:15). It is the biblical expression of a commitment to die to the world, the flesh and the devil and live for God alone.
It is a death, burial and resurrection. (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:11,12). Death to the old nature, the old ways, habits and lifestyle. Burial of all these things. A new life in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is what baptism is about.
It is identification with Jesus Christ, and a recognition of Him as your
master and you as his disciple (Matthew 28:19). It means you commit
yourself to obey Jesus Christ. If you have never been baptised in water as
a believer and you do not want to be, it shows that you are either ignorant
of the nature and meaning of water baptism, or that, more simply, you do
not wish to humble yourself and obey the Lord Jesus Christ. Water
baptism is a separation between the old life of disobedience and
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Great article!!! Although
Great article!!! Although the idea that baptism is commanded by Jesus but yet is not what salvation is based on is very confusing, we do believe that God will have the just judgement for everyone. I do have one recommendation. Could you please expand a little on the discussion about people that believe but refuse or would not like to get baptized? Thanks again. It cleared up a lot of my confusions.
Water Baptism according to Jesus' words.
Matthew 28:19... "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Ghost."
Acts 2:38... Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
In the name of Jesus Christ means here " in the His authority."
vers 41a...Then those who gladly received his word were baptized.......
Wherever the apostles write "to be baptized in the name of Jesus" this refers to baptism in the authority of Jesus Christ or on His command, according to Matthew 28:19, which reads in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
You don't believe that the Apostles did not follow Christ's instruction, do you???
Although there is only ONE name by whom we get saved, the name of Jesus, if it wasn't for the Father we wouldn't have had a Jesus to save us. And if it was not for the Holy Ghost we would never be able to walk in obedience unto God's word. The Holy Spirit is the power by which an individual comes to Christ.
GOD, the Father and the SON and the HOLY GHOST are INSEPARABLE. Therefore the Godhead takes Three.
This is why Jesus Christ gave this command in Matthew 28:19, to baptize in the name of the Father, Yahweh, and of the Son, Yeshua, Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Ghost, Comforter. The Three in One.
No matter if the letters of the Apostles look like as if they are contradicting the words of Jesus, which they don't.
We should foremost obey that which Christ commanded.
In the service of the King.
Dr. T.Veerman
Excellent Thoughts
Michael, what an excellent article on Water Baptism, I've read many Thesis on baptism, and it always seems folks are trying to deny it has any value or purpose, I've seen some go to great lengths to "disprove" baptisims role in our obedience to Christ. I couldn't sleep this morning because of a discussion I had yesterday with someone over this very subject. So here I am on the computer researching and ran across this site and your article, it will prove very helpful in sharing my how I see Baptism taught in the New Testament. Thanks.
Baptism in water
"And he said unto them, Go ye into the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that beliveth not shall be damned." Mk 16: 15-16
"...baptism doth also now save us..." 1Pet. 3:21
From these scrptures, and others like them, we see that salvation will be given only to those who have been baptized! Let this unshakable biblical truth echo in the corridors of you spirit and mind. Without baptism, there is no hope of salvation. With that revelation, one is confronted with an obvious question: Is the baptism which we must receive a baptism with water or is it the baptism of the Holy Ghost?
The earliest church, being exclusively Jewish, practieced two baptisms. They baptized with John the baptist's baptism of water, telling those who humbled themselves to his divinely ordained baptism to expect to receive Jesus' baptism of the Spirit. They followed the pattern set by John, who told those whom he baptized, " I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose. He shall baptize you with the holy Ghost and with fire" Lk 3:16 These two baptisms, John's and Jesus', are the only two baptisms which God has ever ordained.
John Baptism
John baptism was not simply a baptism in water. Without John's message of a mighter one coming with a mightier baptism, water baptism is nothing more than a useless soaking. John's baptism always included an exhortation ot receive the holy Ghost baptism; his message and his baptism were two parts of one act. Twelve men in Ephesus thought they had received John's baptism, but because they had not heard about the holy Ghost, the aposlte Paul disagreed. He explained to hose misinformed disciples that " John verily baptized with the baptism of prpentance, SAYING..." Act 19:4. So we, with Paul, must conclude that even though they had been baptized with water, they had not really recevid John's baptism, for they had not been told to expect the holy Ghost baptism. John's message about the holy Ghost was as much a part of his baptism as was the water. Those twelve Ephisians had been taught by Apollos, a very learned and God fearing man, who himself knew nothing of the holy Ghost baptism. When two of Paul's Friends explained to Apollos "the way of God more perfectly", he exhibited a noble and godly attitude by humbling himself to the "more perfect way " of live in the Spirit Act 18:24-28. His first concern was not for his reputation as a great teacher of the scriptures; rather, his first concern was to do the will of God. What a great Example this Apollos was for us all!
Another overlooked truth concerning John's baptism was that it had to be earned. John was not a spiritual harlot, taking in anyone who waanted to join his cause. Receiving his baptism was an honor;it was not something that a person could receive simply by deciding that he wanted it. One had to repent of the evil he had done; he had to confess and turn from his evil ways. Only then would John baptisze him. When someunrepentat souls dared to come to John to be baptized, the man of God was harsh: O Generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath ot come? Bring forth fruits worthy of repentance....Lk 3:7-8; Mt3:7-8. However, when sincere souls asked what to do so that he would baptize them, " He answered and said unto them, 'he that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none. And he that hath meat, let him do likwise, Then came the pulbicans to be baptized and said unto him, Master, what sholl we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. And the soldiers like wise demanded of him, saying, and what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violencse to no man, neither accuse any falsely, and be content with your wages" Lk 3:7-14.
So, there was a price to be paid if one hoped to be baptized by John, not a price of money but a price of humility and faith. Long ago, Isaiah had spoken of this invisble currency of the heart when he proclaimed, " Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters. And he that hath no money, come ye, buy and eat. Buy wine and milk without money and without price" Isa. 55:1. The blessings of the Lord are indeed Free; but no one receives them who does not pay his price.
The third truth concerning John's baptism which must be seen, if one would rightly understand baptism, is that no one but Jews were allowed to receive it. John, like Jesus, was sent only to the house of Israel. Concerning his commission from God, John said, when Jesus came to him at the Jordan River, " This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me', for he was before me. and I knew him not. But that he should be made manifest to Israel,therefore am I come baptizing with water" Jn. 1:30-31
These then are the three indispensable elements of John's baptism:
*It was for the Circumcised (Jews) only
*It was Given only to Jews who truly repented.
*It was given with a message of Jesus' baptism of the spirit which should follow.
If any one of these three elements is changed or missing, John's baptism is not being administered.
Onthe day of Pentecost, Peter appealed to a multitude of devout Jews to " Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the holy Ghost" Act 2:38
Like John Peter pleaded with his fellow Jews to repent and be baptized in water, and then to receive the baptizm of the holy Ghost. This was the doctrine which God gave to earliest church. Two baptism were practiced, and to do was right at that time.
The ONE baptism of Christ
Paul's gospel cut against the grain of two baptisms. God did not send him to baptize in water(1Cor. 1:17), and as for as salvation was concerned, Paul said there is "one Lord, one Faith, one baptism" Eph4:5. The only baptism which Paul practiced or preached was the baptism of the holy Ghost. He baptized in water a few Corinthian belivers, and he regretted that he had done so (1Cor. 1:14-16), for it gave rise to quarrels and made room for proud boasting concerning who was baptized by which man, whether by Pual, or Peter, or Apollos, ect.
Paul's gospel of libery from the works of trhe law is perhaps mor misunderstood now than when is was first preached. How many are still baptizing in water, and perfforming other dead ceremonial works, without knowing that by doing so they are denying the sufficincy of Christ! Isreal's symbolic ways of worship, including John's baptism, were needful, holy instruments of God in their time. They served their divinely ordained purpose by pointing to the Messiah. But Christ has come now, and by his sacrificial death made a " new and living way" for us to approach the father: the way of life in the holy spirit. If the baptism you preach is one which those without the Spirit can practice, it has no part in the kingdom of God. To worship God now in a way which was possible before the Spirit was givin is to worship God in Vain. Only what Jesus suffered and died to make possible is any longer acceptable with the Almighty.
Angel
BIBLICAL WATER BAPTISM FORMULA
Michael, your article on water baptism is good overall; however, I have a few issues with some of your points. First, the early apostolic church led by Peter and Paul preached and practiced baptizing repentant believers in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38, 8:16, 10:48, 19:5, 22:16). The trinitarian titles of Father, Son, Holy Ghost, were never used by the apostles in an actual baptism in the Bible. The NT clearly states that true believers should do everything that is spiritually significant in Jesus' Name, since JESUS (Jehovah-Savior) is the only saving name for mankind to call on (Matt 1:21; Acts 4:12; Col 3:17). If we truly desire to make our calling and election sure then we need to do everything the way the apostles did because Jesus himself declared that people would believe in Him through their words(doctrines, teachings) (John 17:20). God bless.
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