Topical Bible: Baptism: Administered by Immersing the Whole Body of the Person In

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Baptism, as a Christian sacrament and ordinance, signifies the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The practice of baptism by immersion, where the whole body of the person is submerged in water, is rooted in the New Testament and is seen as a vivid representation of the believer's cleansing from sin and new life in Christ.

Biblical Basis for Immersion

The Greek word "baptizo," used in the New Testament, means "to immerse" or "to dip." This linguistic evidence supports the practice of baptism by immersion. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Himself was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, setting an example for His followers. "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water" (Matthew 3:16). This passage suggests that Jesus was fully immersed, as He came up out of the water.

Similarly, in the account of the Ethiopian eunuch's baptism by Philip, the narrative indicates immersion: "And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away" (Acts 8:38-39). The description of going down into and coming up out of the water implies a full-body immersion.

Theological Significance

Baptism by immersion symbolizes the believer's union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. The Apostle Paul articulates this in his letter to the Romans: "We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). The act of immersion represents the burial of the old self, while emerging from the water signifies the resurrection to a new life in Christ.

Historical Practice

The early church practiced baptism by immersion, as evidenced by historical writings and archaeological findings. The Didache, an early Christian document, prescribes immersion as the preferred mode of baptism. Additionally, ancient baptisteries, designed for full-body immersion, have been discovered in various locations, further supporting this practice.

Symbolism and Spiritual Implications

Baptism by immersion is rich in symbolism. It not only represents purification and the washing away of sins but also serves as a public declaration of faith and commitment to follow Christ. The act of being fully submerged and then rising from the water mirrors the believer's spiritual rebirth and transformation.

Contemporary Practice

Many Christian denominations continue to uphold baptism by immersion as the biblical mode of baptism. This practice is particularly emphasized in Baptist, Pentecostal, and non-denominational churches. While some traditions accept other forms of baptism, such as sprinkling or pouring, immersion remains a powerful and vivid expression of the believer's faith journey.

In summary, baptism by immersion is deeply rooted in Scripture, rich in theological meaning, and historically practiced by the early church. It serves as a profound symbol of the believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection, marking the beginning of a new life in Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 3:16
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, see, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting on him:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 8:38,39
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Baptism.
... but of God, by whomsoever it may have been administered. ... Therefore, in baptism by
women, the sin is the ... this life before an opportunity of immersing them in ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 15 of baptism.htm

Acts II
... Administered previous to faith and repentance, as in ... establish the propriety of infant
baptism, or as ... affording most ample facilities for immersing any number ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts ii.htm

[Endnotes]
... population of Palestine at ten millions, and that of the whole empire at ... evangelists
never take notice of Nathanael, probably because the same person under two ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

part ii
... the Liturgy, Holy Orders, Matrimony, Baptism, Chrism, Holy ... the Holy Sacrament, which
I administered to her ... whole world (" Which deceiveth the whole world" [735 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

part i
... build on a rock who, during the whole time of ... the words of the Word Himself, the
Second Person of the ... water refreshes and gives life to the body, and edifying ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm