By John Cripps
One of the most controversial subjects in religion today is the design and purpose of water baptism. There are various views regarding the place of water baptism in God's plan. It is not our purpose to outline the different views. We are merely asking you to read and meditate upon what the Bible itself says about the subject.
What is baptism?
Since the New Testament was written in Greek we must define the Greek word that is our English word baptize. Standard Greek Lexicons (Dictionaries) recognized and used by scholars, schools and colleges uniformly define "baptize" as meaning "to immerse, dip or plunge." Note what two well known scholars have said concerning this word baptize:
"The very word `baptize', however, signifies immerse, and it is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church" John Calvin in Institutes, Vol. 3, p. 343.
"Alluding to the `immersion' practiced in the case of `adults,' wherein the person appeared to be buried under the water, as Christ was buried in the heart of the earth. His rising again the third day, and their emerging from the water, was an emblem of the resurrection of the body." Adam Clark in Commentary on Colossians 2:12. Having thus defined what we mean by baptize let us now note the Scriptures that pertain to baptism.
John the Baptist was the first administrator of Water Baptism.
"(4) John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission
of sins. (5) And there went out unto him all the land of Judea, and they of Jerusalem, and were
all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins." (Mark 1:4-5)
Jesus Christ was baptized in water to fulfill all righteousness and to leave us the perfect example.
"(13) Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. (14) But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? (15) And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer {it to be so} now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. (16) And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him..." (Matthew 3:13-16)
Jesus Commanded baptism in His Great Commission as a condition of pardon.
"(15) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:15-16). Now reader, do you believe Jesus? Then why not believe His Words in Mark 16:15-16? Jesus placed salvation after baptism.
It is to be administered in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost to taught people.
"(19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" (Matthew 28:19)
It is to be administered upon the confession that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
"(36) And as they went on {their} way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, {here is} water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? (37) And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. (38) And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him." (Acts 8:36-38)
Water baptism is for the remission of sins.
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38) Paul was told; "(16) And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)
Baptism puts one into Christ.
"(26) For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:26-27)
Baptism places one in the body of Christ which is the church of Christ.
"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether {we be} Jews or Gentiles, whether {we be} bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." (1 Cor. 12:13). The church is also called the body; "(22) And hath put all {things} under his feet, and gave him {to be} the head over all {things} to the church, (23) Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all." (Eph. 1:22-23).
Baptism must be preceded by belief and repentance.
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16) Those who asked what they needed to do to be saved were told; "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38). When preceded by faith and repentance, baptism is scriptural and valid, but without faith and repentance, it is void and useless.
Baptism is one of the factors to which the Bible ascribes salvation.
"The like figure whereunto {even} baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:" (1 Peter 3:21). How can one believe the Bible and deny that baptism is essential to our being saved?
Baptism is a burial.
"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with {him} through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12). Is one buried when he is sprinkled or poured? Certainly Not! Baptism is immersion and not sprinkling or pouring.
Note another passage that tells us that baptism is a burial. "(3) Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? (4) 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 6:3-4)
Consider these facts from the Scriptures we have studied.
Please study these passages in the light of your own Bible. The Spruce Pine church of Christ invites you to worship with us and learn more of these precious truths. We pray that you will conform your life to God's Infallible Word!
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