Topical Encyclopedia Baptism, a sacrament and ordinance of the Christian faith, is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ and an outward symbol of an inward transformation. Within the context of administering baptism solely to professing believers, this practice is rooted in the New Testament teachings and examples, emphasizing the necessity of personal faith and repentance prior to the act of baptism.Biblical Foundation The New Testament provides numerous instances where baptism follows an individual's profession of faith. In the Great Commission, Jesus commands 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" (Matthew 28:19). This directive implies that baptism is intended for those who have become disciples, indicating a conscious decision to follow Christ. In the book of Acts, the practice of baptizing only those who profess faith is consistently demonstrated. On the day of Pentecost, Peter addresses the crowd, calling them to repentance: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38). The sequence of repentance followed by baptism underscores the necessity of a personal commitment to Christ before undergoing the rite. The account of the Ethiopian eunuch further illustrates this principle. After Philip explains the gospel to him, the eunuch expresses his belief, saying, "Look, here is water. What can prevent me from being baptized?" (Acts 8:36). Philip's response, contingent upon the eunuch's confession of faith, highlights the prerequisite of belief before baptism. Theological Implications The practice of baptizing only professing believers aligns with the theological understanding of baptism as an expression of faith and identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Romans 6:3-4 states, "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." This passage emphasizes the symbolic nature of baptism as a representation of the believer's union with Christ, necessitating a conscious and personal faith. Historical Context Historically, the early church practiced believer's baptism, as evidenced by the Didache, an early Christian document, which prescribes baptism for those who have been taught and have accepted the teachings of Christ. The practice of baptizing infants or those unable to profess faith developed later and is not found in the earliest Christian writings. Practical Considerations In churches that adhere to the practice of baptizing only professing believers, candidates for baptism are typically required to provide a testimony of their faith in Jesus Christ. This testimony serves as a public affirmation of their belief and commitment to follow Christ. The act of baptism is thus both a personal and communal event, celebrating the individual's new life in Christ and their incorporation into the body of believers. Conclusion The practice of administering baptism solely to professing believers is deeply rooted in the New Testament and early church tradition. It underscores the importance of personal faith and repentance as prerequisites for baptism, aligning with the theological understanding of baptism as an outward expression of an inward transformation and commitment to Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 2:38Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 3:6 Mark 16:16 Acts 8:12,37 Acts 10:47,48 Library The Baptist Confession of 1688. Two Fruitful Years Introduction. Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... Letter Xliii. (AD 397. ) An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists. Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ... The First Native Converts and Christian Schools The Holy Catholic Church. The Westminster Confession of Faith. AD 1647. Resources Is baptism in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Acts 2:38 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about infant baptism / paedobaptism? | 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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