7 Key Questions
about
WATER BAPTISM
by Dennis Rokser
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One of the most controversial
and confusing subjects in Christendom today is the issue of “water
baptism”. Ironically, there is not a
book available in my large library that I could give to someone who would
inquire on this particular subject. It
is my observation that there seems to be a lot of ignorance and wrong doctrine
today regarding the Bible generally, but this is particularly true when it
comes to water baptism. By God's grace,
I pray that this booklet might be used by the Holy Spirit to help clear up this
confusion.
Is Water Baptism Scriptural?
After Jesus Christ’s substitutionary death and bodily
resurrection, He met with his eleven disciples (Judas – an unbeliever – had
already hung himself in remorse over his betrayal of Jesus). In what is commonly referred to as “The
Great Commission,” the Lord Jesus Christ declared,
And Jesus came and spake unto
them, saying, All power is given unto me
in heaven and in earth. Go ye
therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew
28:18-20)
Verse 19 makes it clear that water baptism is biblical. Christ’s disciples were commanded to “teach
all nations” (literally – disciple all people). This would involve baptizing those who had heard the Gospel of
Christ and believed in Him.
Discipleship would also include teaching these potential followers of
Christ the life-transforming truths of God’s Word for spiritual growth into
Christ-likeness (I Peter 2:2, II Peter 3:18).
But while even the casual reader of the Bible acknowledges that water
baptism is scriptural, this is often where the agreement ends and the discord
begins. The confusion, controversy, and
dissension regarding water baptism seems to center in three primary areas.
Controversy #1:
The NECESSITY of Water Baptism
What does water baptism do? Is it necessary for salvation?
Is it a crucial part of spirituality for the believer? Is it a means to sanctification? Is water baptism a biblical requirement for
church membership? Is it a public
proclamation? Is it even for the church
age?
Controversy #2:
The MEANING of Water Baptism
What does water baptism mean? Does it wash away your sins?
Is it a channel for God’s grace?
Does water baptism enter you into God’s covenant of grace? Does it make you spiritual? Or is it symbolic in meaning? If so, what does it proclaim?
Controversy
#3: The MODE of Water Baptism
How is water baptism to be done? Are you to pour, sprinkle or immerse? Are you to baptize babies, children, or
adults? Is it to be done in the name of
the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Or
are you to baptize in the name of Jesus Christ? Must it be done in a lake or river or fountain or baptistry? Can any person baptize someone or must it be
done by a pastor or priest?
The Final Authority Of Truth
By now it should be obvious that
there are many questions that need to be answered concerning the subject of
water baptism. In this booklet, I have
selected seven key questions which are designed to answer the most significant
issues regarding this controversial yet biblical subject. But how does one determine what is right?
As you read, please note that the sole and singular
appeal for God’s final truth on these issues is the written Word of God – the
Bible. It is not a person's opinion, a
church's tradition, or an individual's experience. Read carefully what the Bible declares without apology regarding
its origin, authority, and sufficiency.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness: That the
man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy
3:16)
Sanctify them through thy
truth: thy word is truth. (John
17:17)
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto
ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place,
until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing
this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private
interpretation. For the prophecy came
not in old time by the will of man: but
holy men of God spake as they were moved
by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:19)
Since the Bible is nothing less than the inspired,
inerrant, infallible word of God, you would do well to heed the example of the
Bereans upon hearing the apostle Paul.
And the brethren immediately
sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the
synagogue of the Jews. These were more
noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all
readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were
so. Therefore many of them believed;
also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. (Acts
17:10-12)
Even though these Bereans were hearing an apostle of Jesus Christ, Paul nor the church were the final authority of truth. So what was the standard?
"(they) searched the Scriptures
daily, whether those things were true."
Question #1: Is water baptism necessary for eternal salvation?
Question #2: What does the word baptism mean?
Question #3: Is water baptism the only kind of baptism referred to in the Bible?
Question #4: Should we practice water baptism today?
Question #5: What does water baptism in the age of grace picture or proclaim?
Question #6: Are there any biblical conditions to be met before someone should be baptized by water?
Question #7: What hinders you as a believer from getting baptized?
Question #1:
IS WATER BAPTISM NECESSARY FOR ETERNAL
SALVATION?
The first question we want to address is perhaps the
most basic and certainly the most important issue: Is water baptism necessary for eternal salvation? There is no greater issue than your
salvation and eternal destiny – as it will be either eternal heaven or hell
(Matthew 7:13-14; 25:46).
Whether you realize it or not, many churches and
religious organizations believe water baptism is a necessary requirement for
salvation and serves as a means to regeneration.1
While they believe that water baptism may not fully
guarantee salvation, it is believed to be a necessary part of salvation. But is it?
What does the Bible teach?
What Is Necessary For
Salvation?
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the
gospel: not with
wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to
them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of
God. (1 Cor.1:17-18)
Notice, Christ did not send Paul to baptize. Now this does not mean that he never
baptized any believers; for he did. Nor
does this imply that the apostle Paul was against water baptism in its proper
place. For he wrote just prior to this,
I thank God that I baptized
none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in
mine own name. And I baptized also the
household of Stephanas: besides, I know
not whether I baptized any other. (1 Corinthians 1:14-16)
However, baptizing believers was not the emphasis
of Paul's ministry. And due to
divisiveness within the Corinthian Church (1:10-13), he was thankful for his
limited participation in their baptisms "lest any should say I have
baptized in my own name."2
Verse 17 literally translates, “for Christ sent me not to baptize but to
evangelize by preaching the Gospel.”
The word “euangelizo” is translated “preach the Gospel” and literally
means “to evangelize.” In other words,
when someone is evangelized this does not include baptism. Why?
Because receiving salvation by God’s grace is not equivalent with
being baptized. Water baptism is not
part of God’s plan of salvation. It is not
what the Gospel is all about. No wonder
verses 17 & 18 go on to emphasize.
For Christ sent me not to
baptize …but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of
none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that
perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:17-18)
What Is The Gospel Of Jesus Christ?
The Gospel centers in the message of the cross of
Christ, for it was there that Jesus died for our sins and rose again. The Gospel clearly is not a rite that is
administered. It is a message of good
news from God about salvation that is to be proclaimed. In fact, the most definitive passage in the
New Testament explaining to us the very content of the Gospel is found in this
same book, 1 Corinthians chapter 15.
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved,
if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in
vain. For I delivered unto you first of
all that which I also received, how that Christ
died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. (1 Corinthians
15:1-4)
First of all, the Gospel of salvation centers in a
Specific Person: JESUS CHRIST...
"how that CHRIST..." This is significant because of who Jesus
Christ is.
For there is one God, and one
mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:5)
Jesus saith unto him, I am
the way, the truth, and the life: no
man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)
Being the unique God-man, Jesus
Christ alone qualified to be our Redeemer as He was born and lived outside the
slavemarket of sin. Furthermore, being
deity assures us that His work is perfect.
On the other hand, being born as a man, Jesus Christ then could not only
reveal God to man (John 1:18), but He could "die" in full payment for
the sins of the entire world.
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels
for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the
grace of God should taste death for
every man. (Hebrews 2:9)
Forasmuch then as the
children are partakers of flesh and blood, he
also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might
destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death
were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
(Heb. 2:14-15)
Secondly, the Gospel of salvation centers in a Specific Work: "how
that Christ DIED...and that He ROSE AGAIN...".
The verb "died"
underscores that Christ's death is a completed past event (aorist tense) that
He voluntarily chose (active voice). It
is a fact of history, not some religious myth (indicative mood).
Jesus had to die to provide
salvation for mankind, as the penalty for sin is "death" (Gen. 2:17;
Rom. 5:12; 6:23).
Thus, Christ's sinless life,
amazing miracles, flawless example, deep compassion, divine teaching, and royal
birthline clearly indicated that He was nothing less than God manifested in the
flesh and the rightful heir to the throne of David. Yet, it was only His death that could pay for our sins. And what is the proof of His death?
"...and that he was buried."
The second aspect of Christ's
work is that He "rose again".
The phrase "He rose again" (egegertai) is a perfect tense verb
indicating past completed action with abiding present results. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead on the
third day and He remains alive to this very day. He is a living Savior who got out of death, hell and the grave
alive! The passive voice here indicates
that God the Father raised Jesus Christ from the dead. This is the canceled check that Christ's
death satisfied every holy demand of God relative to our sins so that He raised
Jesus Christ from the dead (Rom. 4:25; 1 John 2:2, 4:10). The indicative mood again portrays Christ's
resurrection as a historical fact, not a religious fable. And what is the proof that Christ was raised
from the dead? "...and He was seen
of Cephas, then of the twelve..." (1 Cor. 15:5)
Thirdly, the Gospel of salvation centers in a Specific Accomplishment:...
"Christ died FOR OUR SINS...."
Why is this significant? First
of all because it indicates a substitutionary sacrifice. The Greek word "for" (huper) is
one of three Greek prepositions that underscore the concept of substitution (huper, anti, peri). "Huper" communicates how Christ
died on behalf of our sins.
The second reason the phrase
"for our sins" is significant is because it reveals Christ's death as
a completed sacrifice. Note how
"for our sins" is only attached to Christ's death. Why?
Because when He cried, "IT IS FINISHED," (John 19:30) the sins
of all mankind for all time were PAID IN FULL on the cross.
What does all of this mean? It means that no mass, no fires of
purgatory, no sacraments, no amount of good works, no personal suffering, no
indulgences, no rituals including baptism etc. can atone for our sins. "IT IS FINISHED!"
This also indicates that our
sins, though making us worthy of God's judgment, will never actually condemn us
to eternal hell. Why? Because Jesus Christ fully paid for our sins
past, present, and future. In fact, all
of our sins were future when Christ died for us. What ultimately condemns a sinner to hell is not their sins, but
their rejection of Christ through their unbelief.
He that believeth on him is
not condemned: but he that believeth
not is condemned already, because he
hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18)
And when he is come, he will
reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because
they believe not on me. (John 16:8-9)
And with all deceivableness
of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of
the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should
believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had
pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12)
This then means that regardless
of the nature or number of sins that we have committed, God, by His grace, is
willing and wanting to save us. And
without compromising his holy character, God will save every sinner who places
their faith in Jesus Christ alone, since Christ died for all of their sins and
rose again.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to
every one that believeth; to the Jew
first, and also to the Greek. For
therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is
written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans
1:16-17)
No wonder the Gospel is called
GOOD NEWS!
Dear Friend, do you understand what this means to
you? It means that Jesus Christ died as
your substitute. He died as your
sacrifice. He died taking your
punishment. He died on your behalf,
paying for your sins. And then He rose
again as death, hell and the grave could not hold Him captive. He is no longer on a cross. He has been raised from the grave, and as a
living Savior He offers to you the gift (not reward) of salvation.
For the wages of sin is
death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
A Doctrinal Dilemma
The Apostle Paul was sent by Jesus Christ primarily not
to baptize but to evangelize. As we
have observed, this involved preaching the message of the Gospel, which has
nothing to do with water baptism. For
how could physical water resolve a spiritual problem? And how would the act of water baptism do something supernatural
for you while taking a shower or a bath will not? Is there something special about the water? Is there something special about the person
who administered it to you? No, not at
all.
An Anticipated Response
But some churches will say, “Yes, it is true that Jesus
Christ died on the cross for our sins and rose again. But the benefits of Christ’s work are channeled to you through
the sacraments. And yes, He died for your
sins so that baptism now acts as the funnel, the instrument, the channel, the
means by which the benefits of Christ are conferred on you when you participate
in this ritual.” But what saith the
Scriptures?
Therefore we conclude that a
man is justified by faith without the
deeds of the law. (Romans 3:28)
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (Romans 4:5)
A Needed Clarification
But sometimes people retort, “Though baptism is
necessary for salvation, baptism is not a work.” Dear Reader, if water baptism is not a work, what is it? And if baptism is not a work, what is a
work? If you notice closely what Romans
4:5 states, you will observe that the only thing excluded from being a work is
faith. “But to him that worketh not, but believes…" (faith in Christ means you actually trust the
finished work of Another!).
Since there is only one mediator
between God and man, Jesus Christ (I Timothy 2:5) the only means of receiving
the gift of salvation is by God’s grace alone through faith alone in Christ
alone. The only basis for your
salvation is the finished work of Christ on the cross. And when any sinner has placed his/her faith
in Jesus Christ alone, at that moment there is an invisible transaction that
occurs between the sinner and God in which the gift of salvation becomes
theirs. Thus, a person can know he has
eternal life based on what Christ has done.
This is absolutely guaranteed by the promises of God, which he/she in
simple childlike faith have accepted.
And this is the record, that
God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that
hath not the Son of God hath not life.
These things have I written unto
you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have
eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John
5:11-13)
But some argue, "Baptism isn’t a work because God
commands it in the Bible." Ironically,
Romans chapter 4 discusses the place of an Old Testament commanded
ritual and its relationship to salvation – the act of circumcision. And what does the apostle Paul, as directed
by the Holy Spirit, write?
Even as David also describeth
the blessedness of the man, unto whom
God imputeth righteousness without works,
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins
are covered. Blessed is the man to
whom the Lord will not impute sin.
Cometh this blessedness then
upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that
faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then
reckoned? when he was in circumcision,
or in uncircumcision? Not in
circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of
the faith which he had yet being
uncircumcised: that he might be the
father of all them that believe, though
they be not circumcised; that
righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
(Rom. 4:6-11)
Circumcision in the Old Testament, like water baptism in
the New Testament, was a Biblical command.
Yet it was still classified by God as a “work” which could not
save. Paul’s point is that to be
declared righteous or justified before a Holy God is through faith alone in
Christ alone plus nothing! Only then
can the believing sinner be assured of salvation as it depends on the work of
Christ for them, not a work of man for God.
Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that
only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham;
who is the father of us all, (Romans 4:16)
This is
why Ephesians 2:8-9 emphatically declares,
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.
Does Water Baptism Give A
Person The Holy Spirit?
How does a
person receive the Holy Spirit?
In Christ you also trusted, after you heard the word of
truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in whom after
you believed you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. (Eph. 1:13)
How do you receive, the Holy Spirit? Through water baptism? No.
But through believing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Does Water Baptism Make A
Sinner A Child Of God?
How does one become a child of God? Through baptism? No! For John 1:12
instructs us,
To as many
as received Christ, to them gave he
power to become the sons of God,
even to them that believe on his name.
Is Water Baptism Necessary To
Have Your Sins Forgiven?
The apostle Peter declares in Acts
10:43,
To him (Jesus Christ)
give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.
Notice again how water baptism is
conspicuously absent.
Is This A Serious Matter?
Dear Reader, do you realize that eternal hell will be
filled with baptized people who never trusted the Savior alone to redeem
them? In fact, when one believes that
water baptism is necessary for salvation, three fatal errors result.
1.
First, it violates and nullifies God’s grace. If you add
even one work to Christ’s finished work on the cross, you say in effect,
“Christ has not done it all”. Dear
Reader, was Christ lying when He triumphantly declared "it is
finished" (John 19:30) or not?
I do not frustrate the grace
of God: for if righteousness come by
the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (Galatians
2:21)
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no
more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. (Romans 11:6)
2.
Secondly, people who believe water baptism is necessary
for salvation require two ways of salvation. They say in
effect that there is one way in the Old Testament which was by faith alone
(Romans 4:1-5), and another means in the New Testament which involves faith plus
baptism. This would imply that under
the dispensation of grace (Ephesians 3:2) a person has to do more to be saved
now than one did under the law. Does
that sound like grace?
And brought them out, and
said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
And they said, Believe on the
Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,… (Acts 16:30-31)
3.
Thirdly, when one assigns baptism as a necessary part of
salvation you then have to view numerous salvation verses as incomplete. You are forced
now to read water baptism into many clear, uncomplicated salvation verses. For example, Romans 5:1 states,
Therefore being justified
by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
At this point you are then required
to put your wet eyeglasses on and say in effect, “Yes, that is true. But you have to remember water baptism is
needed as well.” So Romans 5:1 is not
telling you the complete requirement for salvation. It is just telling you half the story.
Consider the following verses from
the book of John.
For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the
wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)
Verily, verily, I say unto
you, He that heareth my word, and believeth
on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)
Verily, verily, I say unto
you, He that believeth on me hath
everlasting life. (John 6:47)
With each verse you will need to say, “Ya,
but…” You will have to put on a pair of
water baptism glasses and every time you read one of those verses you have to
mentally insert “plus baptism”.
Otherwise, you will be misled. I
appeal to you today, that when the Bible says it’s “through faith,” it means “through
faith alone”. When it only says
“believe,” it means “believe in Christ alone".
A
Personal Appeal
In answer to our first question, "Is water baptism
necessary for salvation?," the biblical answer is very clear. Absolutely not! In fact, the Bible teaches that water baptism has NO PART in
eternal salvation. This means
tragically that hell will be filled with people who were baptized in water but
who never put their trust in Christ alone.
And while they may have attended a church regularly and every Sunday
recited the Apostles Creed, at their funeral you will hear the minister say,
“when so and so was baptized, they became a child of God”. But did they?
Dear Reader, you may be baptized by every church in your
town so that you are water-logged from head to foot and yet still be destined
for a Christ-less eternity in the Lake of Fire. Do you know for sure that you have eternal life? If you do not know for sure that you are
going to heaven if you were to die today, why not settle it now? Transfer your faith from whatever you were
trusting to save you (including your baptism), and put your trust in Jesus
Christ alone who died for your sins and rose again!
This is a faithful saying,
and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit
for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth
all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him
to life everlasting. (1 Timothy 1:15-16)
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2)
Question #2:
WHAT DOES THE WORD BAPTISM MEAN?
Our English word “baptize” is a transliteration of the
Greek word “baptizo”. A transliteration
differs from a translation, for instead of giving a word an English equivalent,
the translaters merely carry over each of the Greek letters: baptizw/baptizo.
"Baptizo" In
Extra-Biblical Writings
The Greek word, “baptizo,” was used in various contexts
by various extra-biblical writers. For
example, Xenophon in the 4th century B.C. tells of the Spartan soldiers dipping
their spears into pigs’ blood before going to battle. By identifying their spears with blood the nature of the spear
was changed from a hunting to a warrior spear.
This dipping into blood was referred to as “baptizo”, meaning "to
put into, to identify with, to immerse."
Euripides in the 5th century B.C. used “baptizo” to
describe a sinking ship. As it sinks,
the ship is so "identified" or "baptized" or
"immersed" with the water that it no longer floats.
“Baptizo” was also found in ancient Greek literature
connected with the phrase "over head and ears in debt." This phrase also gives the idea of being
completely identified, placed in union with, or submerged in debt.
Its Basic And Biblical Meaning
As the chart on the next page will indicate, the word
“baptize” has as its basic meaning, “to put or place into, to identify with, or
to immerse”. In itself,
"baptism" is a dry word. When
you read the word “baptize” or “baptism,” wring it out in your mind. Though sometimes the context in which
"baptism" is used relates to water, at other times it has nothing to
do with H20. The word
itself requires no water. Thus
every time you run across it in the Bible, remember that it means “to put into,
to identify with, or to immerse”.
Question #3:
IS WATER BAPTISM THE ONLY KIND OF
BAPTISM REFERRED TO IN THE BIBLE?
Perhaps to your surprise, the Bible speaks of seven
different baptisms; four real, actual, dry baptisms; and three wet, symbolic,
ritualistic baptisms. The following
diagram is designed to identify each of these seven baptisms.
Please note that the word "baptism" in each
case carries the idea of "identification with or place into". The context determines the object identified
with, while each specific baptism is unique from each the other.
|
|
BAPTISM |
SCRIPTURE |
SUBJECT |
SPHERE |
RESULTS |
|
|
|
Baptism of Moses |
1 Corinthians 10:2 |
Israelites who fled from Egypt |
Cloud and Sea |
Identified with Moses (Sea) and the Lord (Cloud) |
|
|
|
Baptism of Cup |
Matthew 20:22 Luke 12:50 |
Christ |
Suffering |
Christ identified with sins of mankind |
|
|
DRY |
Baptism by Holy Spirit |
Acts 1:5; Rom. 6:3-4 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 4:5; Gal. 3:26-28 |
All church-age believers |
Body of Christ |
Believers identified with Christ as His body |
|
|
|
Baptism of Fire |
Matthew 3:11 Matthew 13:25ff Luke 3:16b |
All unbelievers |
Judgment Fires |
Unbelievers identified with God's judgment |
|
|
|
Baptism of John |
Matthew 3:1-11 John 1:25-33 Acts 19:2-4 |
John's and Jesus' Disciples (Israelites) |
Kingdom |
Disciples of John's or Jesus' message of repentance ¾ Kingdom message |
|
|
WET |
Baptism of Jesus |
Matthew 3:13-17 |
Jesus |
Will of the Father Resulting ultimately in the cross |
Personal identification with repentant remnant, national manifestation of Messiah to Israel, and divine coronation of the King |
|
|
|
Baptism of Church-age Believers |
Acts 2:41; 8:26-40 10:47-48; 18:8 |
Obedient believers |
Public identification with Christ |
Public proclamation of salvation and identification with Christ and other believers |
Question #4:
SHOULD WE PRACTICE WATER
BAPTISM TODAY?
The answer to that question is yes! I believe the Scriptures afford us at least
three reasons why.
1. Water baptism was commanded to Church-age
believers.
In Acts 10:42-43 we have a case where a God-fearing
Gentile (Cornelius) heard the Gospel via the apostle Peter. Cornelius had been responding to the truth
that he knew and God then gave him the Gospel.
And He
(Jesus Christ) had commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that
it is he which was redeemed of God to be the judge of the quick and the
dead. To Him (Jesus Christ) give all the prophets witness, that through His
name whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins.
Notice for a moment what is clearly missing as a
condition for the forgiveness of sins.
There is no mention of water baptism whatsoever. The sole and singular condition to receive
the forgiveness of sin is to believe in Jesus Christ, period.
Verse 44: While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which
heard the word.
While they were hearing the Gospel, the Holy Spirit was
given to them. Why? Because they believed the truth about
Jesus Christ as the Holy Spirit is not given to unbelievers. But where does water baptism fit in?
Verse 45: And they of the circumcision (the Jews
that were with Peter) which believed were
astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles (and
not the Jews only) also was poured out
the gift of the Holy Spirit. For they heard them speak with tongues, and
magnify God.
Verse 46: Then answered Peter, can any man forbid
water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit
as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name
of the Lord. Then they prayed they
him to tarry certain days.
Notice carefully the order. (1) They heard the Gospel; (2) they believed in Jesus
Christ alone; (3) they received the Holy Spirit; and then (4) they were
baptized into water. You must keep
clear that order. This is extremely
significant. Thus, historically, water baptism was commanded in Scripture to
Church-age believers.3
2. Water baptism
was practiced and perpetuated by the early church.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them
about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:41)
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the
kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (Acts 8:12)
And immediately there fell
from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and
arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was
strengthened. Then was Saul certain
days with the disciples which were at Damascus. (Acts 9:18-19)
And Crispus, the chief ruler
of the synagogue, believed on the Lord
with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing, believed, and were baptized. (Acts 18:8)
There are those ultra or hyper-dispensationalists who
would say that water baptism is not for us today. But as one observes the development of the church, water baptism
was practiced by Jewish believers (Acts 2:41), by Samaritan believers (Acts
8:12), by Gentile believers (Acts 10:48) and by the disciples of John (Acts
19:1-5) in the ministries of Peter, Philip, and Paul many years into the
church-age. Though initially instituted
in the church-age because of the "Great Commission" given by our Lord
(Matthew 28:19-20)4, water baptism then became the normal practice
for believers in Christ. This is
further supported by such passages as 1 Corinthians 1:14-16 and 1 Peter
3:18-22. Nowhere do we see any verses
that predict the cessation of water baptism (unlike 1 Cor. 13:8-10 and Hebrews
2:3-4 regarding the sign-gifts); nor a passage that rescinds its practice. And though the significance of water baptism
has been lessened or lost in many places in the West due to familiarity and
misuse, there is no biblical reason to downplay it as not being God's will or
to discontinue its practice.5
3.
Water baptism has a tremendous truth to proclaim.
Water baptism beautifully pictures one of the most
significant truths for the church-age believer. This is why I believe the mode of water baptism as taught in
Scripture is that of immersion. Every
passage where a believer’s baptism occurs either requires or allows for
immersion. Why? Because it is necessary to proclaim
"identification" truth via its means.
Furthermore, there is the Greek word
"rhantizo," translated in the Bible "sprinkling," which
could have been employed had the Holy Spirit wanted to have us understand
baptism as sprinkling. But
"rhantizo" is not utilized because immersion fulfills the
identification truth symbol best. By identification
or position truth, I am referring to the biblical concept of the believer's spiritual
union with Christ which occurs when he/she trusts in Christ. Consider the following verses that state
this spiritual reality.
Blessed be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in
heavenly places in Christ: (Ephesians 1:3)
And ye are complete in him,
which is the head of all principality and power: (Colossians
2:10)
I am crucified with Christ:
nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I
now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and
gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
If ye then be risen with
Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right
hand of God.
(Colossians 3:1)
Question #5:
WHAT DOES WATER BAPTISM
IN THE AGE OF GRACE PICTURE OR PROCLAIM?
First of all, let me explain what water baptism does not
do. Water baptism does not save,
regenerate, give forgiveness of sins, or grant the Holy Spirit to the
lost. Nor does it sanctify, make spiritual,
or qualify the saved to serve the Lord, as no work or ritual can do this (Gal. 3:2-3). A godly walk and spiritual growth is all by God's grace
appropriated through faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit
(Col. 2:6-7; Gal. 2:20; 3:3).
Furthermore, water baptism is not necessary for church membership (for
one cannot find official church membership in the Bible). Frankly, it is harder to become a member of
some churches than it is to go to heaven!
So what does baptism in water proclaim? Water baptism pictures one's
identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. When believers go down into the water, they
are symbolically picturing the fact that they have died with Christ; they have
been buried with Christ; they have been risen with Christ; they are now a new
creation in Christ; and they have believed that Christ died for their sins, was
buried, and arose again.
Know ye not, that so many of
us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism
into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the
Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the
likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (Romans 6:3-5)
Romans 6:3-5 sets forth the reality of every
believer's union with Christ which is pictured through water baptism. Romans 6 is not dealing with water, but with the baptizing by means of
the Holy Spirit. Notice, these Roman
believers were said to have been "baptized into Christ" not
into water!
This spiritual baptism into union with Christ was also
true of the Galatian believers.
For ye are all the children
of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as
many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is
neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in
Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's,
then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians
3:26-29)
1
Corinthians 12:13 teaches us that the baptizing work of the Holy Spirit into
union with Christ is true of all believers.
For by one Spirit are we all
baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or
free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians
12:13)
Spirit
baptism is one of the seven unities that all believers have in common.
There is one body, and one
Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith,
one baptism, one God and Father of all,
who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:4-6)
At water baptism, a believer in Christ publicly
proclaims their faith and identification with Christ in His death, burial, and
resurrection. Furthermore, 1 Peter
3:18-21 indicates that the "like figure" of water baptism gives a
believer the opportunity to publicly proclaim that she/he has a "good conscience"
towards God. This is because they have
been forgiven due to Christ's death for their sins.
These tremendous "identification" truths are
what water baptism pictures and proclaims.
This biblical ritual does not do something for you. In fact, it is a visible symbol of the
believer’s invisible union with Christ and what He has done for
you. This is why when we have been
involved in baptizing believers, we put them down into the water and
then we pick them out of the water.
Who does all the work? We
do; those getting baptized simply trust us to do it. Is not this just like what God does for us at salvation? What a wonderful picture.
Thus, water baptism in the Bible is only done once
to genuine believers. Why? Because each believer is placed into Christ
and identified in union with Him how many times? Once!
Water baptism then pictures the believer's
identification with Christ. It is a
means to proclaim that one has already been saved by God's grace and has a
guilt free conscience before God as his/her sins have been forgiven through
faith in Christ alone.
What Water Baptism Pictures and Proclaims
Question #6:
ARE THERE ANY BIBLICAL CONDITIONS TO BE
MET BEFORE SOMEONE SHOULD BE BAPTIZED BY WATER?
Condition
#1: You must be a genuine believer in Jesus Christ who has been
saved by God's grace.
Consider again Acts 18:8,
And Crispus, the chief ruler
of the synagogue, believed on the Lord
with all his house; and many of the Corinthians (notice the order) hearing, believed, and were baptized.
Is this not the same order as we observed in Acts
10? They (1) heard the Gospel, (2) they
believed in Christ alone; (3) they were forgiven by God; (4) they received the
Holy Spirit; then they were baptized into water.
Condition number one is this – you must be a believer in
Jesus Christ. You must be genuinely
saved. Ritual without reality means
nothing.
Since this is true, it should not surprise us to find no
mention or examples of infant baptism anywhere in Scripture. Why?
Because babies can not believe in Jesus Christ. I have whispered John 3:16 into the ears of
my three children as babies, yet not one of them responded "AMEN".
Condition
#2: You must understand what you
are doing.
A second implied condition to water baptism is you must
understand what you are doing. Otherwise,
it is an empty ritual, meaning nothing to you or anyone else. And until a believer desires to participate
in this divinely designed privilege to publicly identify with Jesus Christ and
understands the purpose and picture of water baptism, it would be foolish and
unwise to participate in it. Thus, in
the local church I am privileged to pastor, I seek to pressure no one to be
baptized by water. Instead, my
encouragement to every new and old believer alike is to allow the Holy Spirit
to transform their thinking via learning the Word of God (2 Cor. 3:17-18). Nor do I teach that a believer is carnal if
he/she has not yet been baptized. I have even encouraged a believer or two to
wait on being baptized when they were yet unsettled in their hearts regarding
this. But as each believer at whatever
stage of spiritual growth comes to understand any issue of Scripture, he/she is
encouraged to respond by faith (in light of God's grace) as unto the Lord
(Romans 12:1-2; Col. 3:23). Otherwise,
ignorant compliance or legalistic thinking results in ritualistic performance;
instead of Spirit-directed and joyful obedience to Jesus Christ by faith.
But without faith it is
impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is,
and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
So then faith cometh by
hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans
10:17)
I beseech you therefore,
brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be
ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that
good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)
As newborn babes, desire the
sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (1 Peter 2:2)
But grow in grace, and in the
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and
for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)
And whatsoever ye do, do it
heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (Colossians 3:23)
Wherewithal shall a young man
cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O
let me not wander from thy commandments.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm
119:9-11)
Question #7:
WHAT HINDERS YOU AS A BELIEVER FROM
GETTING BAPTIZED?
And the angel of the Lord
spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that
goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went:
and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under
Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and
had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
Then the Spirit said unto
Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet
Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
And he said, How can I,
except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up
and sit with him. The place of the
scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like
a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken
away: and who shall declare his
generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
And the eunuch answered
Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself,
or of some other man? Then Philip
opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him
Jesus. And as they went on their way,
they came unto a certain water: and the
eunuch said, See, here is water; what
doth hinder me to be baptized? (Acts 8:26-36)
The Ethiopian eunuch probably asked this question
because he had been at Jerusalem and had seen Christians getting baptized into
water. Since Philip had explained that
Isaiah 53 (the passage the enuch was reading) was fulfilled in the substitutionary
death and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, the eunuch asks,
See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
What was the evangelist's reply?
Verse 37, And
Philip said, If thou believest with all
thine heart, thou mayest.
In other words, there is nothing hindering you if you
believe. So how did the eunuch
respond?
I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Having met the sole biblical condition for salvation (as
the eunuch placed his faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour), the passage then
reads,
And he commanded the chariot
to stand still: and they went down both
into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the
Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
So dear Believer, what now hinders you from getting
water baptized as a public proclamation of your faith and identification with
Jesus Christ? What a great privilege it
is to give a public testimony to others of your great Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ.
Footnotes:
1 In my files or on my bookshelf I have articles by the following
churches teaching baptismal regeneration either as an infant or an adult –
Roman Catholicism; Evangelical Lutheran Church of America; American Free
Lutheran Church; Missouri Synod Lutheran Church; The Church of Christ; The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons); the Episcopal Church,
etc.
2 Hyper-dispensationalist
C. R. Stam totally misses this point when he writes, "Indeed, if he had
been sent to baptize it would surely have been a sin on his part to thank God
that he had baptize so few among the Corinthians (1 Cor. 1:14-16)." (Our
Great Commission, p. 34)
3 Note
also Acts 2:38 and 22:16.
4 See
Daniel Wallace's comments in "Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics" (pg. 645).
5 The
doctrinal statement of the Duluth Bible Church reads… We believe in the ordinances of believer's water baptism and the Lord's
supper as scriptural means of testimony for the church age (Matt. 28:19,20; Acts 2:41, 42; 18:8; 1 Cor.
11:23-26).