Baptism
Baptism is one of the most important and meaningful experiences of the Christian life. Once you have decided to follow Jesus Christ, your baptism is an outward picture of this inward commitment. Many people have questions about the purpose and significance of baptism. In this brochure we will attempt to outline the Bible’s teaching on this vital subject.
Who should be baptized?
The Bible clearly teaches that believer's baptism is for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
“And those who accepted His message were baptized.” Acts 2:41
“When they believed…they were baptized.” Acts 8:12
“They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved – you and your household.’ Then they spoke the Word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; the immediately he and all his family were baptized.” Acts 16:31-33
The Biblical order is salvation first, baptism second. Believer’s Baptism is not the same as infant baptism. While there is nothing inherently wrong with parents presenting their children to God in the form of baptism, an infant or person who does not understand God’s plan of salvation cannot make the kind of commitment necessary for Believer’s Baptism.
Why should we be baptized?
The Bible indicates several reasons why we should be baptized.
1. God commands that believers be baptized.
In His final instructions to His disciples, Jesus said, “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
We demonstrate our love for Christ by our obedience to His commands. The Scriptures teach obedience to Christ’s commands.
2. The baptism of Jesus is an example of believer’s baptism.
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented. 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. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.’” Matthew 3:13-17
3. Baptism is also a demonstration of ones faith in Jesus Christ, identifying the believer with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.
4. Baptism symbolizes our death to the old life of sin and proclaims our resurrection to a new life in Christ.
The Bible asks the question: “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:1-4
5. Baptism is a pledge of conscience, a commitment to follow and serve Jesus Christ.
How should we be baptized?
This question relates to the method of baptism. The method evident in the Bible is immersion.
The Greek word “baptiso”, which is translated “baptism” in our English Bible, means “to immerse, dip or submerge.”
Also, Jesus was immersed in His baptism.
The Scripture says “…Jesus, when He was baptized (immersed), went up straightway out of the water.” Matthew 3:16
Immersion is the method of baptism that most closely identifies the believer with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.
“Having been buried with Him in baptism, and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.” Colossians 2:12
When we are immersed in water, we identify ourselves with Christ in His death. Arising out of the water, we declare our faith in His resurrection.
The early church baptized by immersion.
Consider the record in the book of Acts: “They came to some water and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?’” Acts 8:36
Notice the result: “They both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Phillip baptized him." Acts 8:38
It is clear that Philip took the Ethiopian into the water and immersed him. Immersion is a picture, an outward expression of faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
When should we be baptized?
Baptism should take place after conversion.
Baptism is an act of obedience to Christ. We are not baptized to obtain salvation. We are baptized to publicly proclaim that we have already believed and received God’s salvation in Jesus Christ.
“But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized both men and women.” Acts 8:12
The Ethiopian eunuch, you will recall in Acts 8:26, wanted to be baptized immediately after believing in Jesus Christ. In another New Testament account, the Philippian jailer was baptized immediately after trusting Christ.
“And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds, then immediately he and all his family, were baptized...” Acts 16:33
God bless you as you contemplate this important step! Contact the church office at office@codyork.org or (717) 767-6491 for more information.
