What Does The Bible Say About Baptism?
BAPTISM
Baptism provides a wonderful opportunity to testify of your faith in Jesus Christ. This information was prepared to assist you in understanding what the Bible has to say about baptism in addition to the procedures for it.
Why Should I Be Baptized?
We baptize because Christ commanded it. Consider these words of Jesus:
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, and teaching them to obey every-thing I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:19-20).
Matthew records these words as the final explicit instructions of Jesus before he ascended to heaven. This passage is called the Great Commission because it is the foundation for our missionary outreach. But if going is a part of the Great Commission and if making disciples is a part of the Great Commission and if teaching is part of the Great Commission, then so is baptizing.
Notice the logical progression. We go and spread the gospel. In our witnessing we will make disciples. We are to baptize those disciples and then teach them to obey the words of Jesus. Baptism is part and parcel of Jesus' command to the church.
What Does Baptism Mean?
If the meaning of baptism could be boiled down to one word, that word would be identification. Baptism speaks primarily of a personal, public identification with Jesus Christ.
.. It means we have turned from the old life of sin to a new life in Jesus Christ.
.. It means we are publicly identifying with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.
.. It means we are openly joining the ranks of those who believe in Christ.
When you are baptized, you are in fact visually proclaiming the gospel.
As you stand in the water waiting to be baptized, you symbolize Jesus dying on the cross.
As you are lowered into the water, you symbolize Jesus dying on the cross.
As you are lowered under the water, you symbolize Jesus buried in the tomb.
As you are raised from the water, you symbolize Jesus rising from the dead.
I am raised with Christ to brand-new life.
In short, in your baptism you are proclaiming the gospel without using any words at all.
What Mode of Baptism Should We Practice?
Throughout Christian history three primary modes of baptism have been practiced: sprinkling, pouring and immersion.
The Greek word translated "baptize" is the verb baptizo. According to most contemporary lexicons, the primary meaning is "to dip, plunge, immerse." The secondary meaning is to "bring under the influence." Dr. Merril Tenney notes that "after making allowances for certain occasional exceptions, such as passages where washing is implied, the etymological meaning indicates that baptism was originally by immersion" (Basic Christian Doctrine, p. 257).
A brief survey of baptism in the New Testament reveals the following interesting facts:
.. Baptism requires water (Matthew 3:11).
.. Baptism requires plenty of water (John 3:23).
.. Baptism requires going down into the water (Acts 8:30).
.. Baptism requires coming up out of the water (Matthew 3:16, Acts 8:39).
The testimony of church history is that immersion was indeed the mode of baptism practiced in the early church.
Probably our earliest references to baptism outside the New Testament are to be found in the Didache. Here the mode is clearly documented that the early church immersed in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit (New International Dictionary of the Christian Church, p. 100).
Having said that, we affirm that immersion is the only ecceptable baptism according to the Bible. After all, to baptize really means "to immerse". Total immersion in water symbolizes your complete identification with Jesus Christ. Therefore, immersion is the only mode of baptism we practice at Grace Community Bible Church Utsunomiya.
How Important Is Your Baptism?
It is your personal identification with the greatest act of human history-the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism doesn't save you-salvation comes by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Your guilt before God is removed the moment you trust in Christ. But baptism is your personal testimony to, and the inward assurance of, your passage from the old life to the new life.
What About Infant Baptism?
First, faith is always the prerequisite for baptism. Note again, the order of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, "Go … make disciples … baptize them." Acts 2:38 says, "Repent and let each one of you be baptized." Acts 2:41 says, "And as many as gladly received the word were baptized."
Another verse in the Book of Acts is particularly clear on this point:
But when they believed Philip 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).
Belief clearly preceded baptism. In fact, in this case baptism would have no meaning without prior belief. It is the personal belief of the one being baptized that gives baptism its meaning. Without the personal belief baptism becomes completely meaningless.
Second, there are no cases of infant baptism in the New Testament. That comes as a surprise to many people, but it is absolutely true. In all the New Testament, there is not a single case of infant baptism. There are no examples of anyone at any time baptizing an infant under any circumstances.
Brief Answers To Other Questions About Baptism:
How old should children be before they are baptized?
They should be old enough to make an intelligent profession of faith in Christ. Children raised in a Christian home may come to such a profession much earlier than other children-some as young as four or five years old. Some young children will truly understand the gospel and the meaning of baptism; others will need to wait a few years. In any case, the parents should be the ones making the final decision.
When should baptism be performed?
As soon as a person clearly understands that baptism symbolizes their identification with Christ and has a personal desire to be obedient to this command. Remember, baptism is not a mark of spiritual maturity, but rather a statement of personal identification with Jesus Christ.
Should believers who were baptized as infants be baptized a second time?
Anyone who was baptized as an infant needs to be baptized as a believer. It is an active part of discipleship and our new life in Christ. In the New Testament the order is belief in Jesus Christ, then baptism. Therefore, anyone who was baptized as an infant must be baptized again as a believer. It is a public statement of their own personal faith in Jesus Christ.
What should believers do who have had water sprinkled on them before or after their date of salvation?
Anyone who has had water sprinkled on them has not been baptized. Sprinkling is contrary to the word of God and is not baptistism. The Greek word translated "baptize" is the verb baptizo. According to most contemporary lexicons, the primary meaning is "to dip, plunge, immerse." The secondary meaning is to "bring under the influence." Dr. Merril Tenney notes that "after making allowances for certain occasional exceptions, such as passages where washing is implied, the etymological meaning indicates that baptism was originally by immersion" (Basic Christian Doctrine, p. 257). Therefore, anyone who has had water sprinkled on them before or after their date of salvation must receive believers baptism.
How can I prepare my children who are requesting baptism?
There are several key things you can do that will make a difference with your children. 1) Talk to them about their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 2) Do not pressure your children into being baptized. 3) Take them with you to observe a baptism. 4) Ask the pastor to explain to your children what baptism is all about. 5) Have them explain to you the reason they want to be baptized. 6) Invite the child's friends and relatives to be present for the baptism service. 7) Make it a festive celebration and an occasion to remember for years to come.
What actually happens at a baptismal service?
The service is usually informal but includes these elements: The service begins with a brief prayer, the singing of an appropriate hymn and a word of explanation about baptism. Then the pastor and the person to be baptized stand in the water facing the congregation. The person to be baptized is asked to affirm his faith in Jesus Christ and his desire to be baptized. He may give his testimony to the congregation if he wishes. Then the baptismal formula is recited and the candidate is immersed.
After all the candidates have been baptized, we sing another hymn, have a prayer of thanksgiving and the service is dismissed.
Should I invite my friends and family to my baptism?
Absolutely, nothing could be more appropriate. Remember, baptism is a public testimony to your faith in Christ. It is also a visual re-enactment of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Your baptism is your opportunity to proclaim the gospel without saying a word. Make it a festive, joyous occasion and pray that God will use your witness to influence your friends for Christ.
What is the procedure for baptism?
If you need to be baptized, please speak to the missionary pastor. A time and date will be scheduled for this very important event.
What should I bring?
Bring a change of clothes, a plastic bag for your wet items, and any toiletries you may need. We try to provide towels, but during services with multiple baptisms there may not be enough for everyone. If you have long hair or prefer to use more than one towel, please bring one of your own as well.
