Understanding Baptism

Why is Baptism Important?  Baptism seems to be one of the most controversial areas of obedience within the church. There is a debate over the meaning and the method of baptism. We should not over emphasize its importance, but we shouldn’t under emphasize it either. So just what does the bible say about baptism?                                                                                                        

1. It is my pledge of allegiance to God of my devotional life. “and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also – not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Christ.” [I Peter 3:21]

2. It is my union with Christ. “For all of you who baptized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ.” [Galatians 3:27]

3. It assures me of the cleansing forgiveness of my sins. “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash away your sins.” [Acts 2:39 & 22:16]

4. It represents my identification with Jesus in His death, burial and resurrection. “Or don’t you know that all of us who  were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” “If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.” [Romans 6:3,5]

 

Why be baptized by immersion?

• Because Jesus was baptized that way. “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.” [Matthew 3:16]   

• The New Testament word for “Baptism” means “to immerse.”  The Greek word “baptizo” is always used when people are being saved and followed by an immersion into water. The great leaders of the faith understood this to be true. Martin Luther said, “I would have those who are to be baptized be entirely immersed, as the Word imparts.” John Calvin said this, “The word “baptize” signifies to be immersed. It’s certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.” John Wesley said this about baptism, “Buried with Him, alludes to baptism by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”

• Every recorded baptism in the book of Acts was by immersion. [Acts 2:38-41; 8:34-39; 9:17-19;10:47-48; 16:11-15; 16:29-33]

 

Who should be baptized?  Every person who has believed in Christ. “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” [Acts 2:41] “But when they believed Phillip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized both men and women.” [Acts 8:12]

“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.”   [Matthew 28:19]

 

When Should I be baptized?  As soon as you believe. Being baptized is a visible, God-chosen & God-commanded response of my faith. “Peter replied, “repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”   [Acts 2:38]

Those who accepted his message were baptized. [Acts 2:41]

As you can see, over the years the word baptism has taken on many different meanings caused many divisions within Christianity. Our goal is to follow what the New Testament instructs about life as a whole, but also on baptism.

If you would like to do more study on Baptism you can do so by clicking here and checking out the resources available. Otherwise you can contact a pastor via the information below or by going to "The Staff" page and contact them directly.