Topical Encyclopedia Baptism is a sacrament and ordinance of the Christian faith, symbolizing the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is an outward expression of an inward faith and commitment to follow Christ. The practice of baptism is rooted in the teachings of the New Testament and is considered a vital step in the life of a believer.Biblical Foundation The practice of baptism is prominently featured in the New Testament. John the Baptist, a forerunner to Jesus, is noted for baptizing individuals in the Jordan River as a sign of repentance. In Matthew 3:11, John states, "I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." Jesus Himself was baptized by John, marking the beginning of His public ministry. This event is recorded in Matthew 3:16-17: "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'" The Great Commission The command to baptize is explicitly given by Jesus in the Great Commission. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus instructs His disciples: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Baptism in the Early Church The Book of Acts provides numerous accounts of baptism as a response to the preaching of the Gospel. On the day of Pentecost, Peter addresses the crowd, and in Acts 2:38, he declares, "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." About three thousand individuals were baptized that day (Acts 2:41). The Ethiopian eunuch's baptism by Philip is another significant account. After hearing the Gospel, the eunuch expresses his desire to be baptized, and in Acts 8:36-38, it is recorded: "As they traveled along the road and came to some water, the eunuch said, 'Look, here is water. What can prevent me from being baptized?' And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him." Theological Significance Baptism is seen as a public declaration of faith and a symbolic act of obedience. It represents the believer's cleansing from sin and new life in Christ. Romans 6:3-4 explains, "Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 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." Mode and Recipients The mode of baptism, whether by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling, varies among Christian denominations. However, immersion is often highlighted as it best symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The recipients of baptism are typically those who have professed faith in Jesus Christ, though some traditions also practice infant baptism, viewing it as a covenantal sign akin to circumcision in the Old Testament. Conclusion Baptism remains a central and defining practice within Christianity, signifying a believer's union with Christ and commitment to His teachings. It is a profound expression of faith, obedience, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 8:38And 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 Acts 9:18 Library Derivative Doctrines. Grace and the Means of Grace; the Christian ... Of Baptism. Eunomius and his Teacher Aetius, their Affairs and Doctrines. They ... As to the Charge that they Bring against Us... Paul in Ephesus. Friends, or Quakers. Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ... writings in connection with the donatist controversy. The Lord's Day --The Worship of the Apostolic Church --Its ... Resources Does the Bible teach believer's baptism/credobaptism? | GotQuestions.orgDoes John 3:5 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.org What is the importance of Christian baptism? | GotQuestions.org Baptism: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Baptism With the Holy Ghost and With Fire Baptism With the Holy Spirit is Through Christ Baptism With the Holy Spirit: All Saints Partake of Baptism With the Holy Spirit: Christ Administered Baptism With the Holy Spirit: Foretold Baptism With the Holy Spirit: Necessity For Baptism With the Holy Spirit: Promised to Saints Baptism With the Holy Spirit: Renews and Cleanses the Soul Baptism With the Holy Spirit: The Word of God Instrumental To Baptism With the Holy Spirit: Typified Baptism: Administered by Immersing the Whole Body of the Person In Baptism: Administered to Households Baptism: Administered to Individuals Baptism: Administered to Only to Professing Believers Baptism: Administered to Scriptures Supporting Infant Baptism Baptism: Appointed an Ordinance of the Christian Church Baptism: As Administered by John Baptism: Confession of Sin Necessary To Baptism: Emblematic of the Influences of the Holy Spirit Baptism: Regeneration, the Inward and Spiritual Grace of Baptism: Remission of Sins, Signified By Baptism: Repentance Necessary To Baptism: Sanctioned by Christ's Submission to It Baptism: To be Administered in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Baptism: Unity of the Church Effected By Baptism: Water, the Outward and Visible Sign In Related Terms |
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