Baptism is a symbolic act. It is a public expression of a person’s faith in Jesus Christ. It is a visible testimony of an inner commitment.
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of (under the authority of or into the reality of) the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience and a declaration of commitment, symbolizing the believer’s faith in our crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Baptism is a visible testimony of an inner commitment. The act of Believer’s Baptism is not a magical or mystical ceremony. It does not convey any special grace or favour on the participant. It does not “save” a person or wash away their sins. Salvation and forgiveness occur prior to baptism when a person, by repentance and faith, commits their life to Christ.
In the original language of the New Testament, the term “baptize” means “to immerse, submerge, dip.” It was used in classical Greek for the dipping of animals, the dipping into dye so as to dye fabric, or the sinking of a ship.
Through the centuries, a major point of division between Christian denominations has been the meaning of the word “baptize” and its method of practice. However, in Scripture, it is evident that when Jesus Himself was baptized, he was totally immersed. Lines such as, “He went up out of the water” (Matthew 3:16) and “as Jesus was coming up out of the water” (Mark 1:10) make the meaning of the word “baptize” clear. Immersion best symbolizes the spiritual meaning of the ordinance of baptism as established by Jesus Christ.
“...the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The eunuch answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’...then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” (Acts 8:36-38)
Baptism is a powerful and meaningful declaration of the believer’s identification with and faith in Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection. Baptism is a symbol of our spiritual death (to sin), burial (of our old life), and resurrection (by the power of the Holy Spirit) to walk in a new way of life.
Romans 6:4-5, Colossians 2:12; 3:1-3, Galatians 2:20
The believer’s identification is symbolized by:
Death: going down into the water
Burial: submerged in the water
Resurrection: coming up out of the water
Baptism is a profession of the believer’s faith in the coming resurrection of the dead.
Romans 6:6, 1 Corinthians 15:1-58
A person’s baptism becomes a continual reminder of their commitment to and relationship with Christ. It is a motivational factor of obedience.
Romans 6:1-7
Baptism is a practice of the Church community. When one is baptized, they are publicly identifying with the Christian community.
In baptism, the one being baptized welcomes the church to walk alongside them in their faith journey.
Baptism is a motivational factor to keep unity (1 Corinthians 1:12-13).
Baptism is an act of obedience. Jesus instructed his disciples to baptize new disciples (Matthew 28, Acts 2, 8). When someone is baptized, they are being obedient to the command of Jesus. The early church assumed that if you were a Christian, you had been baptized (Romans 6, 1 Corinthians 6).
Jesus Himself was baptized to identify with us and to be an example to us (Matthew 3:13-17).
Jesus has baptism as a significant part of the Great Commission, instructing His disciples to baptize future disciples.
“Go, therefore, 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)
Baptism in Jesus’ name is practiced and celebrated in the book of Acts and has continued to belong to the practice of Christ’s church through centuries. The Bible demonstrates that it was the practice of the early church to baptize new believers upon their profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism is explained in the Epistles and should be continued until Christ returns.
When they heard [Peter preach the gospel], they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:37-38)
If you have any questions about baptism or if you are considering being baptized, please reach out to us! We would love to walk with you as you follow the example of our Lord, Jesus Christ.