Some Words Are Almost Unrecognizable! - Baptism

There is lots of buzz in various schools of religious thought today about baptism: its purpose and necessity. Some say that it is not for forgiveness of sins, and others say that its not. Some say that you should be baptized, and others say that you shouldn not. Baptism is the source of all sorts of confusion and disorder among religious people. What is God’s definition of baptism?

Common definitions/misconceptions: (1) the act of sprinkling an adult or baby with water for his or her sins (past or inherited, or both) to be forgiven. (2) Pouring water in the head of an infant or adult for the purpose of the forgiveness of sins. (3) The act of immersing in water to show that you have already received forgiveness of sins.

The list of definitions could go on and on and on, unfortunately. Jesus charged His apostles with carrying His good news everywhere. He also gave instructions for those who would “receive the word” (Acts 2:41). He stated, “He who believes (trusts in My saving power) and is baptized (immersed in water) will be saved. He who disbelieves will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). Notice that belief (trusting faith) must come before baptism. The only correct response to the gospel, according to Christ, is belief in Him and immersion in water (cf. John 3:5; 8:24).

Paul would comment on baptism’s significance, saying, “having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through the faith in the powerful working of God, who raised Him from the dead” (Colossians 2:12). He also wrote, “We were buried therefore with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised to walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Is it not interesting that baptism (Gr. Baptizo – To dip, immerse, plunge), is always associated with buried in these passages?

Baptism, defined in the New Testament, is a burial of a sinner in water for forgiveness of sins. Peter said that baptism “does now save us” from sin (1 Peter 3:21). This simple act corresponds perfectly to the gospel of Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Just as Jesus died physically, so the sinner dies to sin (Romans 6:2). Just as Christ was buried in a tomb for three days, likewise, the sinner is buried in water (Romans 6:3-4). Just as the Savior emerged from death to ascend to Heaven, so the former sinner emerges from the water to a new life in Christ (Romans 6:4).

From the cited passages we learn several important points.

1. One must believe first in order for baptism to be approved by God – Mark 16:16

2. Baptism means burial in water – Romans 6:4

3. Forgiveness from past sins does not come before one is baptized – 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38 (baptism for forgiveness of sins not because of forgiveness o sins)

4. Baptism is not simply a ritual that must be performed, but it is a response for the sinner to the burial of Jesus Christ – Colossians 2:12 (buried with Him in baptism)

The Bible defines baptism in simple terms, words that can be easily understood by all who are interested in pleasing God.