Topical Encyclopedia Baptism is a fundamental ordinance of the Christian Church, instituted by Jesus Christ and practiced by His followers as a public declaration of faith and obedience. It symbolizes the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, marking the believer's entrance into the Christian community.Biblical Foundation The practice of baptism is rooted in the New Testament, where it is presented as a commandment from Jesus Christ. In the Great Commission, 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" (Matthew 28:19). This directive establishes baptism as an essential rite for all who profess faith in Christ. Symbolism and Significance Baptism serves as a powerful symbol of spiritual cleansing and rebirth. The Apostle Paul elucidates this symbolism in Romans 6:3-4 : "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." Through baptism, believers publicly identify with Christ's sacrificial death and victorious resurrection, signifying their commitment to live a transformed life. Mode and Practice The mode of baptism has been a subject of theological discussion, with immersion, pouring, and sprinkling being the most common practices. The New Testament provides examples that suggest immersion as the original mode, as seen in the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist: "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water" (Matthew 3:16). This description implies a full immersion, symbolizing the believer's complete identification with Christ's death and resurrection. Baptism and Salvation While baptism is a vital ordinance, it is not considered a means of salvation but rather an outward expression of an inward faith. The Apostle Peter clarifies this in 1 Peter 3:21 : "And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Baptism is thus understood as a testimony of faith and a pledge of allegiance to Christ, rather than a sacramental act that imparts salvation. Infant Baptism vs. Believer's Baptism The practice of infant baptism, also known as paedobaptism, is observed in some Christian traditions, based on the belief that baptism is a sign of the covenant, akin to circumcision in the Old Testament. However, many evangelical and Baptist traditions advocate for believer's baptism, which is administered to individuals who have made a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ. This practice is supported by examples in the New Testament, such as the Ethiopian eunuch, who professed faith before being baptized (Acts 8:36-38). Conclusion Baptism remains a central ordinance in the Christian Church, symbolizing the believer's union with Christ and commitment to His teachings. As a public declaration of faith, it serves as a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel and the believer's new life in Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 28:19,20Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 16:15,16 Library Christian Baptism. The Unity of the Church. Special Preparation for Baptism. Articles of Religion of the Reformed Episcopal Church in America. ... The Lord's Supper. Whether the Prayers of the Church, the Sacrifice of the Altar and ... The Formation and Order of the Primitive Church. The Baptist Confession of 1688. On the Church and Its Head Epistle Lxxii. To Jubaianus, Concerning the Baptism of Heretics. 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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