o   The Method – Immersion in Water

The New Testament word for baptism (baptízō) means “to immerse” or “to plunge into and then draw out” as one would draw a cup of water from a large container. Obviously, sprinkling or pouring cannot fit this definition. Consequently, we believe that the only scriptural baptism is immersion.

 

John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized.

John 3:23

And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.

Acts 8:38

 

• The Meaning – New life in Jesus Christ

Baptism is NOT something we do in order to be saved. It is done to symbolize our identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism is an outward picture of what has already happened spiritually. It is our first public declaration of our conversion from an old life to the new life in Christ. Like a wedding ring, baptism doesn’t make the relationship a reality; it simply allows others know that the relationship exists.

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:3-4

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Galatians 3:27

[You have] been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

Colossians 2:12

 

 

 

• The Mandate – Jesus’ Commandment

Although baptism is not necessary for salvation, the New Testament never separates the two events, underscoring its importance. Jesus commanded everyone who is born again to be baptized as a public statement of their new life in Him. Consequently, baptism should take place immediately after a person is born again (Acts 2:41, 8:29-40, 16:31-33), not before. This step of obedience speaks to the urgency of being baptized.

 

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

 

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 2:38

 

 

• The Model – Jesus’ Example

Because Jesus Christ is our life, He is our model for obedient Christian living. Consequently, it’s important to note that His first public act when He began His ministry was to be baptized. Although Jesus is the Savior and, therefore, had no need to be saved or baptized, He set the example for righteousness and obedience by doing what He would ask His followers to do.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.

Matthew 3:13-15

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