What is the importance of Christian baptism?
The Significance of Christian Baptism
Baptism is one of two ordinances established by Jesus Christ for His church, the other being the Lord’s Supper. Its importance is underscored by the fact that Jesus Himself commanded it. Just before His ascension, Jesus gave His disciples this charge:
Matthew 28:19–20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”
These words highlight baptism as an essential part of the Great Commission. Jesus commanded His followers to teach His Word, make disciples, and baptize those disciples in the triune name of God. This practice is to continue until “the end of the age,” making baptism an enduring ordinance for the church.
Baptism in Historical Context
Baptism existed before the establishment of the church. In ancient Judaism, baptism was used to signify the cleansing of proselytes converting to the Jewish faith. This practice symbolized a new start and a purified life. John the Baptist also baptized as part of his ministry, preparing the way for the Messiah. His baptism was one of repentance, calling all—Jews and Gentiles alike—to turn from their sins.
Matthew 3:11: “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
However, John’s baptism was not the same as Christian baptism. This distinction is evident in the New Testament, particularly in the transition described in Acts 18:24–26 and Acts 19:1–7, where believers who had received John’s baptism were later baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Christian Baptism
Christian baptism is distinct in its meaning and practice. Jesus specified that baptism is to be done “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). This identifies it as uniquely Christian and acknowledges the triune nature of God.
The Symbolism of Baptism
Baptism is a public declaration of faith and discipleship. It signifies an outward testimony of an inward transformation that has occurred through faith in Jesus Christ.
Identification with Christ:
Baptism illustrates the believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.Romans 6:4: “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.”
Colossians 2:12: “Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.”
Submersion in water represents the believer’s death to sin and burial with Christ, while rising from the water symbolizes the new life of sanctification and righteousness in Christ.
A Symbol of Cleansing:
Baptism also points to the spiritual cleansing that occurs when one places faith in Jesus.Acts 22:16: “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
Baptism and Salvation
While baptism is closely associated with salvation, it is not a requirement for salvation. The Bible makes it clear that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works or rituals.
Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
The consistent biblical pattern is that belief in Jesus Christ precedes baptism.
Acts 2:41: “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.”
Acts 16:14–15: “Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.’ So she persuaded us.”
Baptism is an act of obedience following salvation, not a means of obtaining it. It is a visible demonstration of the believer’s commitment to Christ and an important step in the life of discipleship.
The Urgency of Baptism
A new believer in Christ should seek to be baptized as soon as possible, as seen in the account of the Ethiopian eunuch:
Acts 8:35–38: “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?’ Then Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.”
This passage underscores the urgency and immediacy of baptism for those who profess faith in Christ.
Unity in the Body of Christ
Baptism is also a means of identifying with the Body of Christ, the church.
1 Corinthians 12:13: “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.”
Through baptism, believers publicly declare their union with Christ and their membership in His church.
Conclusion
Christian baptism is a vital ordinance instituted by Christ. It serves as a public declaration of faith, an identification with Christ’s death and resurrection, and a symbol of spiritual cleansing. While it is not necessary for salvation, it is a joyful act of obedience that every believer should pursue.
Baptism is a celebration of God’s grace, an act of worship, and a powerful testimony to the transforming work of the gospel. As followers of Christ, we are called to obey His command to “go and make disciples, baptizing them” (Matthew 28:19). Through this act, we proclaim the glory of God and our new life in Him.
The Mode of Baptism: Full Immersion vs. Sprinkling
When discussing baptism, the mode of baptism—whether by full immersion, sprinkling, or pouring—becomes an important topic. From the perspective of Scripture and Baptist theology, baptism by full immersion is the only biblically faithful method. This conviction is based on the meaning of the word baptize, the examples provided in the New Testament, and the theological significance of baptism.
The Meaning of the Word "Baptize"
The Greek word for baptism, baptizó (βαπτίζω), means "to dip," "to immerse," or "to submerge." This definition strongly suggests that the biblical practice of baptism involved full immersion in water. The word is used in other Greek literature to describe a ship sinking or a cloth being dipped into dye. The linguistic evidence points to immersion as the intended practice.
Biblical Examples of Baptism
Jesus’ Baptism
Jesus Himself was baptized by immersion in the Jordan River:Matthew 3:16: “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.”
The phrase “came up immediately from the water” implies that Jesus had been fully immersed.
The Baptism of the Ethiopian Eunuch
In Acts 8:38–39, Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch:“So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.”
This account clearly describes both individuals going into the water, further supporting immersion as the mode of baptism.
The Symbolism of Baptism
The theological significance of baptism also supports immersion.Romans 6:4: “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.”
Colossians 2:12: “Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.”
Baptism represents the believer’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Full immersion most vividly illustrates this symbolism: going under the water signifies burial with Christ, and coming up out of the water signifies resurrection to new life.
Sprinkling and Pouring
The practices of sprinkling and pouring, while observed in some Christian traditions, lack strong biblical support. These methods emerged later in church history, often as a matter of convenience or necessity, such as in cases where water for immersion was unavailable or when the person being baptized was ill or bedridden.
From a Baptist perspective, sprinkling and pouring fail to fully capture the biblical imagery of burial and resurrection. Furthermore, there are no clear New Testament examples of baptism being conducted by sprinkling or pouring.
Why Baptists Insist on Full Immersion
Biblical Fidelity
Baptists prioritize adherence to the Bible’s teaching and examples. The New Testament consistently depicts baptism as an act of immersion.Theological Symbolism
Immersion best represents the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and the believer’s identification with Him in salvation.Romans 6:5: “For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection.”
Obedience to Christ’s Command
Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples and baptize them (Matthew 28:19). Baptists believe this command is best fulfilled by following the mode demonstrated by Jesus and the apostles.
Conclusion
While sprinkling and pouring are practiced in some traditions, full immersion is the mode of baptism most consistent with Scripture. It aligns with the meaning of the word baptize, the examples of baptism in the New Testament, and the rich theological symbolism of dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ.
Baptists hold firmly to immersion as the biblical method because it reflects obedience to Christ’s example, maintains the integrity of the gospel’s message, and preserves the beauty of baptism’s symbolic meaning. For these reasons, Baptists practice baptism by immersion as a testimony to the believer’s faith and the transformative power of the gospel.
