Baptism

BAPTISM
What Can We
Agree On?

D
own through history, the
CONTENTS rite of water baptism
has been widely regarded
as a symbolic entry into the
A Time For Clarity . . . . . 2 church. Some baptize infants,
Baptism Foreshadowed and others baptize people only
In The Old Testament . . . 5 after their confession of belief.
Baptism As Some see baptism as essential
Practiced By John . . . . . . 8 for salvation, but others see it
Baptism As as far less important than being
Practiced By Christ spiritually immersed into Christ.
And The Apostles . . . . . 14 Then there is the mode of
Baptism As baptism. Some sprinkle, some
Practiced Throughout pour, and some immerse. Some
Church History. . . . . . . 22
baptize in the name of the
What Is The Father, Son, and Spirit, while
Point Of Baptism? . . . . 25
others do so in Jesus’ name only.
Does Baptism Still Because of these many
Matter Today? . . . . . . . . 32
differences, pastor-teacher
Bill Crowder takes a look in
the following pages at the story
and meaning of baptism, and
what we can all agree on.
Martin R. De Haan II
Managing Editor: David Sper Cover Photo & Design:Terry Bidgood
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version.
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.All rights reserved.
© 2008 RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, Michigan Printed in USA

A TIME FOR 2.8 million in 2004. But the
CLARITY total number of baptisms
by immersion in water . . .

I
n the April 12, 2006, has hovered from around
issue of USA Today, I 175,000 to 200,000 yearly.”
read that “statistics find With these trends in
Americans slowly drifting view, the article’s writer
away from the ancient asked, “If baptism is the
baptismal ritual.” The article door into a faith, where
contends that a major did all those people go?”
Baptist denomination “has Yes, where did all the
seen its rate of baptism fall people go? Apparently
about 35% from 1972 to fewer are going into the
1985.” Then the article waters of baptism. It’s a
went on to say that “the rate growing reality in the
stalled for the next 20 years, world of Christendom that
even though Baptists are baptism is both ignored
pledged to heed the Bible’s and misunderstood—a
‘great commission’ in misunderstanding that
Matthew 28:19-20: I can personally relate to.
‘Go, therefore, and make
disciples of all nations, A FOG OF
baptizing them in the name CONFUSION
of the Father, the Son, and I was born into a family
the Holy Spirit, and teaching that attended a church that
them to obey everything that practiced infant baptism. As
I have commanded you.’ ” a result, I was sprinkled as
USA Today added that a baby. At age 12, following
another large denomination extended catechism classes,
grew “from nearly 1.8 I was re-sprinkled as
million in 1980 to nearly confirmation of that earlier
2
© 2008 RBC Ministries

sprinkling. After high school, of immersion—did not result
however, I found myself in my life being changed.
wandering aimlessly both When I was in my
personally and spiritually. twenties, after I at last heard
A well-meaning friend a clear explanation of what
encouraged me to become a it means to enter the family
Christian as the solution for of God, I received Christ as
the drifting that was marking my Lord and Savior. After
trusting Christ, I was told
that, once again, I needed
It’s a growing to be baptized. But this time
reality in the world it was as a public testimony
of my profession of faith in
of Christendom that Christ. So, I was baptized
baptism is both by immersion yet again.
ignored and I look back over those
events with very mixed
misunderstood. emotions. After two
sprinklings and two
out my life. I assumed that, immersions, believe
given my church upbringing, me when I say that I
I was already a Christian. understand people’s
He explained, however, that confusion on the matter
I needed to come to church of water baptism, what it
with him and talk to the represents, and what it
pastor after the service. I accomplishes. I’m pretty
did. The pastor’s counsel? sure many other folks have
“In 2 weeks we will baptize a story similar to mine in
you, and you will be a which the matter of baptism
Christian.” Unfortunately, is surrounded by a thick fog
that event of baptism—one of confusion.
3

AN IMPORTANT words lift up baptism as an
DISCUSSION important matter that needs
Some might say that to be carefully thought
baptism is insignificant— through and discussed.
an ancient ritual without But where do we begin?
any modern relevance.
But I disagree. The level Jesus Himself
of confusion surrounding
the subject merely amplifies made baptism
the need for a careful an issue.
understanding of the issue,
if for no other reason than Perhaps the best
that Jesus Himself made it place to start is by trying
an issue: to reconstruct the setting in
When He had been which Jesus’ audience heard
baptized, Jesus came what He said about baptism.
up immediately from the Though the events of the
water; and behold, the Gospels are recorded in
heavens were opened to the New Testament, Jesus’
Him, and He saw the audience was made up of
Spirit of God descending people who were still living
like a dove and alighting in a period of Old Testament
upon Him (Mt. 3:16). culture and national law.
[Jesus said], “Go Therefore, we must
therefore and make begin with what people
disciples of all the nations, understood baptism to mean
baptizing them in the in their time if we are to
name of the Father and grasp the framework in
of the Son and of the which they would have
Holy Spirit” (Mt. 28:19). heard and understood Jesus’
Yes, Christ’s example and command to baptize.
4

BAPTISM THE PICTURE OF
FORESHADOWED CIRCUMCISION
From the time of Abram,
IN THE OLD circumcision was a physical
TESTAMENT sign of a chosen people’s

W
illiam covenant relationship with
Shakespeare, God (Gen. 17:11). Although
in The Tempest other nations also practiced
(Act 2, Scene 1), wisely circumcision, the rite took
said, “What is past is on a special meaning for the
prologue.” He was Jewish people. At the very
extolling the value of least, it showed that God
seeing the events and had a right to order even the
practices of yesterday most intimate and personal
as the seeds of today. areas of their lives.
This is especially helpful Some believe that, in a
in wrestling with the similar way, baptism later
issue of baptism. became a sign of a New
From a first-century Covenant for followers of
Jewish point of view, Christ.
many Bible scholars believe It must be understood,
that two practices prepared however, that these two
the way for baptism and pictures (circumcision and
help to explain its nature baptism) are not exact
and purpose. One was equivalents. Circumcision
the practice of the mikvah was to be performed only
(the ceremonial bath), on males. Baptism is not
and the other was gender-specific.
the rite of circumcision, In addition, circumcision
which we will consider was done on male infants
first. on the eighth day after their
5

birth. Baptism, as described As we toured this
in the New Testament, was ancient community, one
a public profession of of the places we examined
personal faith in Christ. was an ancient mikvah.
Circumcision was a mark In their purification
of national identity. New ceremonies, the Jews
Testament baptism was a would descend a set of
sign of entrance into the seven steps into the water,
international body of Christ. then exit by a different set
Because of these of steps. This signified that
distinctions, the most we the sins of which they had
can safely say is that been cleansed had been
circumcision foreshadowed left behind in the waters.
the significance of baptism. It was a strategic part
It’s also important to of the community life
see how water baptism was of the Essenes.
practiced in Jewish culture Today within Judaism,
prior to its New Testament the purification ceremony
meaning. of the mikvah (immersion
in a ritual bath) is still
THE PRACTICE practiced. Online
OF THE MIKVAH encyclopedia Wikipedia
While I was on a trip to says this of the mikvah:
Israel, our study group Its main use nowadays
spent several hours at is by Jewish women to
Qumran. An archaeological achieve ritual purity
dig is underway there to after menstruation or
unearth the life and culture childbirth, by Jewish men
of the Essene sect, a to achieve ritual purity,
conservative, ascetic Jewish as part of a traditional
group in the first century. procedure for conversion
6

to Judaism, and (in some Wikipedia further
cases) for utensils used states:
for eating and cooking. The Hebrew word
This ancient practice of mikvah also means
ceremonial cleansing is also “hope.” The prophet
used as a rite of spiritual Jeremiah repeatedly
conversion. According to refers to this dual
Rabbi Maurice Lamm in meaning in using rain,
Becoming A Jew: living water, and the
Immersion, tevillah, mikvah itself as a
is the common core symbol of hope in
component of every and from God (see
[traditional] Jewish Jer. 14:22; 17:13).
conversion process, Above all, the mikvah
for male and female, expressed the hope that
adult and child, the provider God would
ignoramus and scholar. care for and meet the
It is sine qua non, and needs of His people.
a conversion ceremony For the first-century
without immersion is Jewish community, all
unacceptable to the of these ideas could
traditional religious have converged in their
community and simply understanding of baptism.
not Jewish in character. New Testament followers of
In addition to the Christ would eventually
mikvah’s use for ceremonial conclude that when it came
cleansing and conversion, to baptism, what was past
a metaphorical use of the was simply a prologue.
word links the mikvah to From a Christian point of
the aspirations and hopes view, one era was coming
of Judaism. to an end.
7

BAPTISM AS Bridge personalities
PRACTICED become human transition
points at critical times in
BY JOHN history—and John the

T
hroughout history, Baptizer was one of the
there are individuals most strategic “bridge
who have bridged personalities” in the Bible.
one era to another. These
transitional personalities BRIDGING FROM
lived in times of drastic OLD TESTAMENT TO
change and were often NEW TESTAMENT
part of the reason for the John the Baptizer was
change itself. a prophetic voice in the
In the 1960s, the Beatles wilderness who had been
had that kind of influence, raised according to strict
bridging the conservative Nazirite law (Lk. 1:15; Num.
days of the “Ozzie and 6:1-21). His message was an
Harriet” 1950s to the uncompromising, radical call
turmoil-filled 1970s of for personal and national
Vietnam and Watergate. repentance.
Their music drew young At the same time,
people into radically different John was the emissary
ways of thinking, helping to and forerunner of the long-
feed the whitewater rapids of awaited Messiah King. His
change that were being felt calling was to announce
in the culture. The Beatles the arrival of the One who
not only reflected that would bring grace not only
season of change, they also to the nation of Israel but to
contributed to it, building a citizens of the whole world.
bridge from yesterday to In this transitional role,
tomorrow. John stood on the platform
8

of his own national and and of their readiness to
cultural heritage—even welcome Him when He
as he announced the appeared. The baptism
arrival of a radically new itself startled, and was
day. His use of baptism intended to startle,
as a point of identification them. They were
for the kingdom, therefore, familiar enough with
must be seen in this light. the baptism of proselytes
Notice how John himself from heathenism; but
explained his baptismal this baptism of Jews
ministry: themselves was quite
I indeed baptize you with new and strange to them.
water unto repentance, John’s baptism
but He who is coming would have been to
after me is mightier than his countrymen both
I, whose sandals I am not understandable and
worthy to carry. He will mysterious. With the history
baptize you with the Holy of the mikvah bath, they
Spirit and fire (Mt. 3:11). would have seen in John’s
What significance did baptism all that was
John intend for his baptism, pictured in the mikvah—
and how did it relate to his spiritual cleansing,
message of repentance? conversion, and, perhaps
The Jamieson, Fausset, And most of all, spiritual hope.
Brown Bible Commentary The unsettling mystery
says: of John’s baptism, however,
This baptism was at once was signaled in his words
a public seal of their felt that the One who followed
need of deliverance from him would baptize them
sin, of their expectation “with the Holy Spirit and
of the coming Deliverer, fire.” With these words he
9

showed a nation that his of baptism. It was not
mission went beyond the merely about ritual—it
moment, beyond the ritual, was about anticipation.
and beyond the waters of A Public Confession
baptism. It pointed them Then Jerusalem, all
to the coming of their long- Judea, and all the region
predicted Messiah. around the Jordan went
out to him and were
A POWERFUL baptized by him in the
MESSAGE Jordan, confessing their
John’s baptism expressed the sins (vv.5-6).
hopes of prior generations— John’s baptism was
and even more. Matthew 3 an occasion for public
helps us to understand the confession of personal and
scope of John’s message national sin. Those who
and his baptism: stepped into the waters with
A Messianic him showed their willingness
Announcement to prepare themselves
In those days John the spiritually for the coming
Baptist came preaching in of their King.
the wilderness of Judea, A Call For Change
and saying, “Repent, for Therefore bear fruits
the kingdom of heaven is worthy of repentance
at hand!” (Mt. 3:1-2). (v.8).
The any-moment John’s message of the
appearance of the long- kingdom and the King
awaited Messiah and reflected a personal
kingdom of God was to be readiness not only for a new
both the motivator and the day but for new ways. His
aspiration of the people as baptism signaled the need
they submitted to the waters for a spiritual revolution.
10

That’s why John’s of John (Acts 18:25).
baptism created such a [Paul] said to them,
stir—it called people to a “Into what then were you
transformation of life, and baptized?” So they said,
marked them out as those “Into John’s baptism.”
committed to such change. Then Paul said, “John
To that end, Mark described indeed baptized with a
the people’s response to that baptism of repentance,
call: saying to the people that
Then all the land of Judea, they should believe on
and those from Jerusalem, Him who would come
went out to him and were after him, that is, on
all baptized by him in the Christ Jesus” (19:3-4).
Jordan River, confessing Perhaps nearly
their sins (Mk. 1:5). 3 decades later, these
The launching point individuals were still living
of spiritual development out the commitments and
for many in the first century decisions made in the
came from John’s baptism Jordan River with John.
in the waters of the Jordan
River. It was a beginning JOHN’S BAPTISM
that some of them continued OF JESUS
to embrace decades later. Because John’s baptism is
Notice: linked to confession of sin,
[Apollos] had been one of the surprising events
instructed in the way of the New Testament is that
of the Lord; and being Jesus asked John to baptize
fervent in spirit, he spoke Him. Matthew tells us:
and taught accurately the Then Jesus came from
things of the Lord, though Galilee to John at the
he knew only the baptism Jordan to be baptized
11

by him. And John tried coming to John for baptism.
to prevent Him, saying, But why would Jesus
“I need to be baptized submit to this “baptism of
by You, and are You repentance”? Historically,
coming to me?” But conservative Bible teachers
Jesus answered and have explained that Jesus’
said to him, “Permit it baptism was not an
to be so now, for thus it acknowledgment of
is fitting for us to fulfill all personal wrongdoing but
righteousness.” Then he an act by which He showed
allowed Him. When He His willingness to identify
had been baptized, Jesus with those He came to save.
came up immediately from Within this view, Jesus’
the water; and behold, the humility gave the Father
heavens were opened to in heaven an opportunity
Him, and He saw the to declare that Jesus was
Spirit of God descending unique among those who
like a dove and alighting asked John to baptize them.
upon Him. And suddenly Recent studies have
a voice came from heaven, offered additional insight.
saying, “This is My Robert L. Webb, for
beloved Son, in whom instance, sees John’s
I am well pleased” baptism as having national
(Mt. 3:13-17). implications for Israel. He
The voice from heaven suggests that John’s baptism
is important. Together with was signaling the need for a
John’s own declaration of radical national change in
Jesus’ greatness (Jn. 1:29- view of the coming of God’s
36), the voice from heaven Messiah. Then he adds:
separates Jesus from If this is so, then John
everyone else who was was calling for the people
12

to respond to who they If Webb is right, then
were as a nation, not Jesus stepped into the
really who they were Jordan River with John
as individuals. Of course, to join his generation in
it was individuals who a recognition of the need
had to respond, and for national repentance.
many could respond out His submission to John’s
of a personal sense of baptism, then, showed
responsibility for Israel’s His own commitment to
state. But equally, many personally do something
of those in Israel who about the sins of the
would be considered
faithful could respond Jesus’ submission
out of a belief in and
desire for John’s to John’s baptism
reconstituted Israel. showed His own
Thus, without having to commitment to
speculate about Jesus’
personal state of mind, personally do
we can conclude that something about
Jesus did indeed the sins of the
participate in John’s
baptism, and it was nation—a
for Him a baptism of commitment
repentance. Jesus was He fulfilled . . .
acknowledging Israel’s sin
and need to turn around, on the cross.
and He was committing
Himself to do what He nation—a commitment
could to bring this about He fulfilled for Jew and
(www.bible.org). Gentile alike on the cross.
13

Regardless of where we BAPTISM AS
land on the issue of defining
the scope of John’s baptism,
PRACTICED BY
however, one thing is
CHRIST AND
indisputable. As the voice THE APOSTLES

I
from heaven confirmed, n the days after John’s
Jesus did not ask John ministry, Jesus and
to baptize Him as an His apostles included
admission of personal baptism in their own public
sin but rather to stand ministries. As we seek to
with John in anticipation understand the meaning
of great spiritual change. of baptism for ourselves, it’s
Looking back, we can important for us to follow
now see that, in fulfillment the unfolding story of what
of John’s message, this was it meant to them.
a time of spiritual transition
from law to grace, from the CHRIST’S USE
Old to the New, from the OF BAPTISM
sacrifices of priests to the Jesus’ Practice Of
sacrifice of the Christ. Baptism. After His baptism
John’s ministry bridged the by John, Jesus, through His
eras of God’s work, leading disciples, baptized those
from the Old Testament who came to Him:
understanding of the need After these things Jesus
for forgiveness—whether and His disciples came
national or personal—to into the land of Judea,
the New Testament focus and there He remained
on spiritual cleansing and with them and baptized
personal wholeness for (Jn. 3:22; see 4:2).
individuals, and perhaps, While we might
eventually, even the nation. speculate that Christ,
14

like John, baptized in witness, that I said,
anticipation of the need “I am not the Christ,”
for personal and national but, “I have been sent
repentance, no details are before Him.” He who
given about His baptismal has the bride is the
message or methods. bridegroom; but the friend
Nevertheless, it was such of the bridegroom, who
a significant part of His early stands and hears him,
ministry, that some of the rejoices greatly because
followers of John were so of the bridegroom’s voice.
disturbed and threatened Therefore this joy of
by Jesus’ practice of baptism mine is fulfilled. He
that they called it to the must increase, but I must
prophet’s attention: decrease (vv.27-30).
They came to John and Jesus’ Picture Of
said to him, “Rabbi, Baptism. Jesus did
He who was with you not just practice baptism,
beyond the Jordan, to however. He used the word
whom you have testified— picture of baptism and the
behold, He is baptizing, principle behind it when
and all are coming to dealing with a problem
Him!” (v.26). among His followers.
John’s response was a Two of His disciples
beautiful expression of the (James and John) sent their
change of heart he was mother to Jesus to request
asking of the nation. He that, in the kingdom, they be
replied: allowed to sit on either side
A man can receive of Christ the King. It was
nothing unless it has been an audacious request that
given to him from heaven. outraged the other disciples.
You yourselves bear me In dealing with the question,
15

however, Christ did not them to think about whether
speak in terms of their they could embrace that
audacity—He spoke in baptism. What was it?
terms of the broader According to Bible scholar
spiritual meaning behind William Hendriksen:
the physical act of baptism. The word “to be
Jesus said to them, baptized” is probably
“You do not know what used here in the
you ask. Are you able figurative sense of “to be
to drink the cup that I overwhelmed” by agony.
drink, and be baptized Jesus must be plunged
with the baptism that I into distress (The Gospel
am baptized with?” Of Mark, p.412).
(Mk. 10:38). Could they be fully and
Here it is clear that completely involved with
Christ was using baptism, Him in His suffering?
along with the cup, as Certainly not. In fact, of the
a picture of being fully two brothers, James did not
involved and immersed even stand with Christ at
in what awaited Him. The the cross—let alone allow
cup points to Christ’s words himself to be “overwhelmed
at the Last Supper in which by agony.” In reality, they
He took in His hand the were making a promise that
cup and told His men could not withstand the test
that His very life-blood was of being “baptized” into
going to be “shed for many the consequences of that
for the remission of sins” promise.
(Mt. 26:28). Jesus’ Command To
He then told them Baptize. Interestingly, as
about a coming “immersion” Jesus’ personal baptism
He would face—challenging began His earthly ministry,
16

some of His final commands the Father and of the Son
include the challenge to His and of the Holy Spirit.”
followers to baptize and be Pastor James M. Boice
baptized: said this of the baptism
Go therefore and make Christ called for in this
disciples of all the nations, commission:
baptizing them in the This does not mean that
name of the Father and of empty rites or ceremonies
the Son and of the Holy are to take the place of
Spirit (Mt. 28:19). a vital relationship with
Christ. Rather, first,
“Go therefore and at some point one’s
commitment to Jesus
make disciples of as Savior and Lord
all the nations, must become public, for
baptizing them in baptism is a public act
(it is a declaration before
the name of the the world that a person
Father and of the intends to follow Jesus);
Son and of the and, second, the person
is uniting with the
Holy Spirit.” church, which is Christ’s
—Jesus (Mt. 28:19) visible body. This is both
natural and necessary.
As part of Christ’s If a person is truly
Great Commission to converted, he or she
His followers, Jesus regarded will want to join with
baptism as being part of the other similarly converted
discipling process. He told people (The Gospel Of
His disciples to baptize Matthew, Volume 2,
converts in the “name of pp.648-649).
17

THE APOSTLES’ the external mark of
USE OF BAPTISM identification for those who
When Christ ascended into had committed their lives
heaven from the Mount of to Christ. The imagery of
Olives (Acts 1), He left cleansing from the mikvah
behind a cadre of followers and the transformational call
who were committed to the pictured in John’s baptism
message of the cross. But were foundational to the
they were also committed to baptismal practices of the
obeying Christ’s instruction fledgling church.
about baptism. Verse 38, however, raises
Baptism In The a huge question. What does
Book Of Acts. In the it mean to be baptized “for
early church, new believers the remission of sins”? And
were baptized. This practice what are the implications of
began on the Day of that statement on salvation
Pentecost: by grace through faith?
Peter said to them, There’s no question
“Repent, and let every one that Peter linked repentance
of you be baptized in the and conversion, and then
name of Jesus Christ for the linked baptism to both.
remission of sins; and you The question that has been
shall receive the gift of the debated for centuries is how
Holy Spirit.” . . . Then those three relate to one
those who gladly received another.
his word were baptized; While there continues to
and that day about three be much disagreement about
thousand souls were added Peter’s intended meaning in
to them (Acts 2:38,41). Acts 2:38, Bible scholar
On the day the church George Ladd gives us some
was born, baptism became helpful thinking:
18

Baptism would be the every case it seems to have
public evidence of [a] been the outward public
repentant spirit . . . The response of those who
reception of the Holy looked to Christ and His
Spirit is not dependent rescue as the source of their
upon baptism, but it forgiveness and new life.
follows baptism which is Baptism In Paul’s
an outward and visible Letters. More than
sign of a penitent spirit. any other apostle, Paul
In the early church, presented his perspectives
converts were baptized on baptism when he wrote
without delay. So about this practice in his
being baptized and own public ministry.
receiving the Spirit were Paul’s Own View Of
practically simultaneous Ministry. While recognizing
(The Wycliffe Bible the important spiritual
Commentary, p.1128). significance of baptism,
Others have pointed out Paul apparently did not
that when Peter said, “Let make baptism a priority of
every one of you be baptized his own public ministry. We
in the name of Jesus Christ see this in his letter to the
for the remission of sins,” Corinthians, where he asked
the word for can refer to those who had developed
being baptized “with a view an unhealthy identification
toward” the forgiveness that with their own leaders:
comes through Christ. Is Christ divided? Was
The record of the early Paul crucified for you? Or
church’s practice of baptism were you baptized in the
continues throughout the name of Paul? I thank
book of Acts (8:36; 10:47-48; God that I baptized none
16:15; 18:8; 19:5), and in of you except Crispus and
19

Gaius, lest anyone should free—and have all been
say that I had baptized made to drink into one
in my own name. Yes, Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13).
I also baptized the Here Paul sees baptism
household of Stephanas. as more than a public rite
Besides, I do not know involving water. If he was
whether I baptized any referring to water baptism
other (1 Cor. 1:13-16). at all in this passage, he was
Paul baptized only a few referring to a baptism that
people himself. Apparently, physically and publicly
he did not want to confuse illustrated how the Spirit
the grace and salvation of of God has placed us into
God with the physical act the body of Christ. His
of baptism. His priority was focus was not about being
preaching the gospel, not immersed in water or in the
baptizing new believers Spirit. Rather, his focus was
(v.17). on the fact that we come
At the very least, this into relationship with one
shows us that Paul did not another by the same Spirit as
view baptism as a work we place our faith in Christ.
necessary for salvation. He Paul’s Teaching On
saw it as an act of obedience “Baptism Into Christ.”
for the redeemed, not as a Or do you not know that
part of the redemptive as many of us as were
transaction. baptized into Christ Jesus
Paul’s Words On were baptized into His
“Spirit Baptism.” death? (Rom. 6:3).
For by one Spirit we For as many of you
were all baptized into one as were baptized into
body—whether Jews or Christ have put on
Greeks, whether slaves or Christ (Gal. 3:27).
20

When Paul wrote to thought about baptism
the Corinthians about when he wrote:
Spirit baptism, he was Otherwise, what will they
clearly speaking of the do who are baptized for
believer being placed into the dead, if the dead do
one body—the body of not rise at all? Why then
Christ. In a similar way, are they baptized for the
in his letter to the Galatians dead? (1 Cor. 15:29).
he referred to being baptized This statement has been
“into Christ.” Here Paul was taken by some to imply that
not primarily speaking of we can be baptized not only
being identified with Christ as an expression of our own
in the eyes of men. Instead, faith but also in behalf of
he was emphasizing that those who have already
in God’s eyes those who died.
have been “baptized In reality, however, Paul
into Christ” actually didn’t tell us what he was
died with Christ when referring to when he spoke
He became our substitute of baptism for the dead. So
in His death. it’s dangerous to build a
Paul’s Statement On theological position on such
Baptism For The Dead. an obscure passage.
While Paul wrote to clarify Because Paul made the
the nature of what it meant comment while emphasizing
to be immersed and washed the importance of a future
“in Christ,” sometimes he resurrection of the dead,
made statements that are it’s likely that he was
difficult to understand in referring to a pagan practice
our own day and culture. to illustrate belief in an
For instance, Paul raised afterlife, without intending
an interesting and confusing to affirm the practice itself.
21

BAPTISM AS accommodate the nuances
PRACTICED of the different groups. This
resulted in three basic
THROUGHOUT modes of baptism:
CHURCH
HISTORY BAPTISM BY
IMMERSION

I
have already shared Baptism by immersion is
my own story of being practiced in a variety of
sprinkled twice and ways, but all with one
immersed twice. In each significant common thread—
case, I was baptized by the person being baptized is
sincere individuals who placed into the water, then
believed in both the brought out again.
importance of baptism and Adherents of immersion
in the significance of how point to the fact that in its
and why it was performed. original language, the word
These practices, however, baptize means literally “to
have come down to us place into.” Additionally,
through the filters of church they declare that immersion
history. The New Testament is the mode of baptism that
itself doesn’t give explicit most completely portrays the
details on the process or story of our salvation. They
technique that is to be used explain that being placed
in baptizing. As a result, into the water pictures our
when the church splintered death and burial with Christ,
and divided into sects and just as coming up out of
denominations over the the water illustrates our
centuries, the practice and resurrection with Him to
purpose of baptism was a new life and relationship
repeatedly reinvented to with God.
22

BAPTISM BY among those that practice
POURING infant baptism. For support
In pouring, those being of this position, some see
baptized stand in water evidence in Isaiah 52:13-15,
(often a natural setting of a which reads:
creek, pond, or river), and Behold, My Servant shall
have water poured over their deal prudently; He shall
heads. Here the picture is be exalted and extolled
one of being washed and and be very high. Just as
cleansed by the Spirit and many were astonished at
work of Christ on our behalf. you, so His visage was
Excavations of ancient marred more than any
baptistries and the artwork man, and His form more
of third-century Christian than the sons of men; so
catacombs show early shall He sprinkle many
Christians being baptized nations. Kings shall shut
in just that way. Many today their mouths at Him; for
hold this archaeological what had not been told
evidence as the definitive them they shall see, and
reason for practicing what they had not heard
baptism by pouring. they shall consider.
Baptism by sprinkling
BAPTISM BY is also used in parts of the
SPRINKLING world where lack of water
Sprinkling seems to have is a critical issue.
the most recent history. It
appears to have originated BAPTISMAL
following the apostolic VARIATIONS
era and continues The differences in baptismal
today in many Christian practices go beyond the
denominations, especially mode of baptism, however.
23

In some traditions, warm baptistic in tradition and
water is preferred to cold conviction. I practiced
water (or vice versa); in baptism by immersion,
others, the water must be however, not because I
moving. In some practices, pastored baptistic churches.
the baptismal candidate Rather, I pastored baptistic
wears a robe; in others, churches because I felt
they are required to wear that immersion is the mode
regular street clothes. Some that best pictures baptism
of these practices have to according to the New
do with practical concerns Testament descriptions.
(such as modesty), while
others seem more connected Out of a genuine
to convenience than
conviction. desire to be
There seems to be thoroughly biblical,
no end to the nuances and we could find
intricacies of method, yet
quite often each group ourselves becoming
implicitly or explicitly slaves to the “letter
believes that they are of the law” while
following the New
Testament pattern. potentially missing
Admittedly, I have also the “spirit of the
followed a similar pattern of law” in our practice
conviction. Over a period of
more than 20 years, I served of baptism.
as a pastor in three different
churches in three different But I must say that while
regions of the United States. I still hold that view, I do
All of those churches were not believe that all followers
24

of Christ must be held burial, and resurrection
to the standard of my so that he becomes one
own convictions. My of Christ’s faithful. Most
fear is that out of a genuine Christian groups practice
desire to be thoroughly some form of literal
biblical, we could find water-based baptism and
ourselves becoming slaves agree that it is important,
to the “letter of the law” yet strongly disagree with
while potentially missing other groups regarding
the “spirit of the law” in any or all of several
our practice of baptism. aspects of baptism,
So then, what would be such as:
“the spirit of the law”? • form of the baptism
• recipients of baptism
WHAT IS • meaning/effects of
the act of baptism
THE POINT However, a few
OF BAPTISM? Christian groups assert

T
he online that water-based baptism
encyclopedia has been supplanted
AllExperts gives by the promised baptism
us an interesting analysis of the Holy Spirit, and
of the current Christian water baptism was
perspective on baptism: unnecessarily carried
Today, water baptism is over from the early
most readily identified Jewish Christian practice.
with Christianity, where it I find this to be a good
symbolizes the cleansing summary of the present
(remission) of sins, and state of Christendom
the union of the believer when it comes to our
with Christ in His death, modern approach to the
25

ancient practice of baptism. we are to practice the Lord’s
If nothing else, it helps us Table, but the meaning of
to see that there is a need the bread and cup of that
for both personal integrity celebration is to proclaim
and shared grace in the the Lord’s death until He
way we practice or do not returns (1 Cor. 11:23-26).
practice baptism. Likewise, Jesus used a
Regardless of our series of “I am” statements
view, it should be clear to make word pictures of
that baptism has a rich the various aspects of His
history and is tied to the coming: a door (picturing
truths of our life in Christ. the way to the Father), living
water (that which satisfies),
A PICTURE and the bread of life (that
IS WORTH A which feeds our deepest
THOUSAND needs), to name just a few.
WORDS This use of a word
Without question, few picture also applies to our
books are as committed understanding of baptism.
to using picture and imagery We need to understand the
as the Bible. From Jesus’ words, but we must also see
use of parables to the the picture that was being
vast array of metaphor and painted by those words.
imagery, the Bible is without
question a book of pictures. WHAT
For that reason, we often BAPTISM MEANS
find ourselves not asking, In the New Testament,
“What does the Bible say?” Koine Greek (the universal
but “What does the Bible language of the day) was
mean by what it says?” For used to communicate the
example, the Bible says that truths of the gospel. It is
26

helpful to notice that baptizo Notice that while the
was the word from which we defined mode is seen as
get the term baptize. immersion, the point of the
definition is that baptism
“Those who is clearly a declaration of
faith by someone who has
gladly received already trusted Christ. In
his word were the New Testament, this is
baptized; and that the critical point in every
case. For example:
day about three Those who gladly received
thousand souls his word were baptized;
were added and that day about three
thousand souls were
to them.” added to them (Acts 2:41).
—Acts 2:41 When they believed
Philip as he preached the
Strong’s Exhaustive things concerning the
Concordance gives this kingdom of God and the
definition of baptizo: name of Jesus Christ, both
A rite of immersion in men and women were
water as commanded baptized. . . . Now as they
by Christ, by which one went down the road, they
after confessing his sins came to some water. And
and professing his faith the eunuch said, “See,
in Christ, having been here is water. What
born again by the Holy hinders me from being
Spirit unto a new life, baptized?” Then Philip
identifies publicly with said, “If you believe with
the fellowship of Christ all your heart, you may.”
and the church. And he answered and
27

said, “I believe that Jesus conveniences of indoor
Christ is the Son of God.” baptistries, baptisms almost
So he commanded the always occurred outside.
chariot to stand still. Today we still speak of
And both Philip and the baptism as being a public
eunuch went down into declaration of faith in Christ.
the water, and he baptized In many ways, though, our
him (Acts 8:12,36-38). practice is less public and
Repeatedly, the book of more of a private declaration
Acts indicates that, above all given within the family
else, baptism is the public of faith. In either case,
act by which individuals however, baptism is a way
declare their personal of proclaiming our personal
confidence in the saving faith to others.
work of Christ. Though the Admittedly, baptism is
New Testament does not not the only way of making
give us clear procedures for a public declaration of faith.
baptism, it does give us clear Church membership,
understanding of what the catechism, confirmation,
picture of baptism means. and a variety of other
denominational variations
WHAT THE PICTURE on the theme are used as
OF BAPTISM MEANS “virtual equivalents” that
So what is actually being can fulfill the need for a
displayed or pictured when public declaration.
a follower of Christ submits What we can all agree
to baptism? on is that Jesus asked us
Public Declaration to declare our faith publicly.
Of Faith. I find it We see this clearly when He
interesting that in the early said, “Whoever confesses
church, lacking the modern Me before men, him I will
28

also confess before My A Heart Of
Father who is in heaven” Personal Trust. We
(Mt. 10:32). have already seen that
Portrayal Of The Christ instructed His
Gospel. In 1 Corinthians disciples to baptize those
15:3-4, Paul wrote: who embrace Him by faith
I delivered to you first (Mt. 28:19-20). When
of all that which I also we submit to baptism as
received: that Christ died believers, we are following a
for our sins according to custom that for 2,000 years
the Scriptures, and that has set Christians apart. It’s
He was buried, and that a simple yet profound act by
He rose again the third which we declare to Christ
day according to the and to the world that we
Scriptures. have given ourselves to the
In a sense, when One who loved us and gave
combined with the Lord’s Himself for us.
Table, baptism helps to Identification
present a rich picture of the With Resurrection.
message that was delivered In the traditions where
to Paul and has been immersion is practiced, this
handed down to us. In is graphically seen. Notice
the elements of the Lord’s what we find in the apostle
Supper we have a visual Peter’s first New Testament
reminder of how Christ died letter:
for our sins. In baptism, There is also an antitype
especially with immersion, which now saves us—
Christ’s burial and baptism (not the removal
resurrection is pictured of the filth of the flesh,
when new life is declared but the answer of a good
in the child of God. conscience toward God),
29

through the resurrection disability issues. In my own
of Jesus Christ, who has experience, I have seen
gone into heaven and is cases where individuals in
at the right hand of God, wheelchairs were carried—
angels and authorities sometimes wheelchair and
and powers having been all—into the baptistry so the
made subject to Him new follower of Christ could
(1 Pet. 3:21-22). be baptized. But this pastor
In baptism, we identify wisely asked, “Is that
with and proclaim our necessary?” He was
confidence in the truth wondering whether the
of Christ’s resurrection. It’s method was as important
a powerful demonstration of as the heart. I think he was
what Christ has done for us wise to remember that the
in conquering death, hell, point of baptism is to be a
and the grave for all who public identification with
come to Him by faith. Christ that needs to be
practiced with consideration
A TEST CASE for those who choose to
A friend of mine pastors declare their faith in Jesus.
a church that practices After careful and
baptism by immersion. prayerful consideration,
Recently, however, friends this pastor and his
who attend his church told leadership team agreed that
me of a baptismal service the importance of the heart
that was, for them, very and spirit surpassed the
unusual. importance of the mode. The
A man had come to result was that a baptism by
Christ and had asked to sprinkling took place in a
be baptized. But he had church that was committed
significant health and to baptism by immersion.
30

Some would see this that this same application
as compromise. I saw it as of wisdom can also give us
refreshing. It seems to be counsel in considering our
a wise and appropriate differences in the area of
application of Paul’s ancient baptism. We have seen that
words of instruction to the baptism is not an issue that
Roman church:
Who are you to judge
another’s servant? To his Baptism is
own master he stands or not an issue
falls. Indeed, he will be
made to stand, for God that determines
is able to make him eternity. It’s an
stand. One person esteems act of public
one day above another;
another esteems every faith and trust
day alike. Let each be in Christ—
fully convinced in his an outward
own mind (Rom. 14:4-5).
Paul wrote those symbol of an
words in a day when inner change.
there probably was
agreement about the
practice of baptism. But determines eternity. It’s
some had become involved an act of public faith
in divisive debates about and trust in Christ—an
whether followers of Christ outward symbol of an
should participate in the inner change. We can
holy days and festivals celebrate that intent if
of ancient Israel. we will “let each be fully
I have become convinced convinced in his own mind.”
31

DOES BAPTISM been baptized since your
STILL MATTER conversion, I encourage you
to talk with your pastor or a
TODAY? spiritual mentor and discuss

T
oday, the practice this important issue. Christ
of baptism has often was baptized with suffering
become disconnected and death for us. Now we
from its ancient intent. are given the privilege of
Nevertheless, the responding to His gift
principle and truth behind with our own personal
baptism still matters for declaration of faith.
many reasons. Perhaps
most specifically, it matters
because, as in the first “Those who gladly
century, if we accept Christ received his word
as our personal Savior and were baptized.”
Lord, we are called upon to —Acts 2:41
declare our personal faith.
It’s more than a duty or an
act of obedience, it’s an The book of Acts
opportunity to declare our declares that on the Day
gratitude for the love and of Pentecost, “Those who
grace of Christ. gladly received his word
If you have trusted Jesus were baptized” (2:41).
as your own Savior, baptism You can join them
gives you an opportunity to in this joyful act of
tell others that your life has obedience, identification,
been changed. You can say and proclamation of Christ’s
of Christ, “I am His and He salvation. Yes, the real
is mine.” meaning and message of
If you have not baptism still matters today.
32

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