The doctrine of baptism is one of the Christian core doctrines. Even though it is quite simple to grasp, it has also been one of the dividers of the Christian faith. Some believe that one can be baptized by both sprinkling and immersion and each of these are significant, whilst others believe in only baptism by immersion. Also, some are of the view that children should be baptized as a way of making them part of the church whilst others believe it is only when the child is old enough to receive Christ and has believed in Jesus that s/he is baptized.
In this study, we will consider this doctrine from the point of scripture and to apply them. In view of this, we will be reading a lot of scriptures to bring out the salient points about this doctrine.
A. What is Baptism
Baptism means immersion or submersion. The first time the concept of baptism is explicitly introduced in the Bible is through the ministry of John the Baptist. He baptized people in the Jordan River. (Matthew 3:6) The reason why water is used is because of its natural and spiritual significance. Water is a natural cleansing agent. In the Bible, water mostly signifies the word of God (John 15:3, Ephesians 5:26). As people were being baptized, they were confessing their sins. John’s message was also called the baptism of repentance. (Luke 3:3, Acts 19:4). This therefore shows a link between baptism and repentance. Water baptism signifies cleansing and repentance.
B. Reasons for baptism
Read the following passages and state or mention the reasons for water baptism.
Jesus was baptized. Every activity Jesus engaged in is worth emulating. He said He came to do the Father’s will and not His own will. Therefore, baptism has a purpose. (Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 1:1).
When Jesus was on earth, his disciples baptized people. (John 4:1-2).
Jesus commanded it. The commission to preach the gospel and make disciples is tied to baptizing them. (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:16).
Baptism is an outward display of your faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Mark 16:16).
John was mandated to prepare the way of the Lord and make straight His paths. One way he did this was through baptism. He was preparing the people for the baptism of The Holy Ghost and fire, which Jesus would usher in.
It was taught and practiced by the apostles as the church age began. It is not an old covenant practice. The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Hebrews 6:2 describes baptism as a basic doctrine of Christ. (Acts 2:38, 41, Acts 8:12, 16, 35-39, Acts 9:18, Acts 10:47-48, Acts 16:15, 33, Acts 19:1-5).
Baptism has a symbolicsignificanceofabeliever’sunionwithJesusindeathandresurrection. (Romans 6:3-5). Water baptism signifies being baptized into Christ Jesus, which includes His death and resurrection. According to Galatians 3:27, baptism into Christ also means putting on Christ, like putting on new clothes. Therefore, baptism signifies newness of a believer’s life in his characteristics and values.
Baptism is a public confession of personal faith in Jesus and an act of commitment and consecration to God
C. Who can be baptized?
Those who truly believe in Jesus Christ can be baptized. (Mark 16:16, Acts 8:35-36, Acts 16:31).
D. How should baptism be done?
Water baptism must be done by immersion. Matthew 3:16 lets us know that after being baptized, Jesus came out of the water. This stands to prove that He was put into the water as he was being baptized. In Acts 8:38-39, as Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch, they both came up out of the water.
Immersion into water symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. (Colossians 2:12- 13).
According to 1 Peter 3:21, baptism is not about cleaning the physical body, but rather a response or effect of having a clear conscience.
Believers must be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19-20.
From the accounts of people being baptized in the book of Acts, the one who led the new believer to Christ or one who is already saved and baptized can baptize a new believer. (Acts 8:38, 1Corinthians 1:13-15).
E. When must baptism be done?
As soon as possible after one believes in Jesus. (Acts 8:35-36, Acts 10:44-47).
F. Must one be baptized again?
Once a believer has been baptized, he does not need to be baptized again. However, in some situations, being baptized a second time is necessary in the following situations:
1. The initial baptism was infant baptism or baptism by sprinkling.
2. The mode of baptism was wrong.
3. If the believer falls back into apostasy such that he doesn’t have a clear conscience.
G. Does baptism save you?
Baptism on its own does not save anyone. Romans 10:9-10 makes us understand that we are saved by believing in the Lordship of Jesus and confessing that God raised Him from the dead. Jesus also mentioned in Mark 16 that whoever believes and is baptized will be saved. Believing comes before baptism, and baptism is the proof of your belief in Jesus Christ. For example in the story of the thief on the cross beside Jesus, he was promised paradise even though he only believed and had not been baptized (Luke 23:39 43).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the gospels and the book of Acts are replete with proof that baptism is a necessary act for every believer. Just as new believers must be discipled and be baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire, they must also be baptized in the name of the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.
Student Response
Have you been baptized? If not, what are you going to do about that and when will you implement that?