Topical Encyclopedia Baptism is a fundamental ordinance in Christianity, symbolizing the believer's faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation, signifying the washing away of sins and the believer's new life in Christ. The concept of "one baptism" is rooted in the unity of the faith and the singularity of the Christian experience of salvation.Biblical Foundation The New Testament provides the primary foundation for the understanding of baptism. In Ephesians 4:4-6 , the Apostle Paul emphasizes the unity of the Christian faith, stating, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." This passage underscores the singular nature of baptism as part of the unified experience of the Christian community. The Great Commission Jesus Christ Himself instituted baptism as a key component of discipleship. In the Great Commission, recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 , Jesus commands His followers, "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." This directive establishes baptism as an essential practice for all believers, marking their entry into the covenant community of faith. Baptism and Salvation While baptism is a significant act of obedience, it is not the means of salvation but rather a testimony to it. In Acts 2:38 , Peter addresses the crowd at Pentecost, saying, "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." Here, baptism is closely associated with repentance and the reception of the Holy Spirit, indicating its role as a public declaration of faith and repentance. Symbolism and Meaning Baptism symbolizes the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. 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." This passage highlights the transformative nature of baptism, as it represents the believer's old life being buried and the emergence of a new life in Christ. Mode and Practice The mode of baptism has been a topic of discussion among various Christian traditions. The New Testament examples, such as the baptism of Jesus by John in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:16), suggest immersion as the practiced mode. However, the essential aspect remains the believer's faith and the invocation of the Triune God. Unity in Baptism The concept of "one baptism" serves as a unifying element within the body of Christ. It transcends denominational differences and cultural practices, pointing to the shared experience of all who profess faith in Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:27-28 affirms this unity: "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Baptism, therefore, stands as a testament to the believer's faith, a symbol of spiritual rebirth, and a declaration of unity within the diverse body of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 4:5One Lord, one faith, one baptism, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Jader of Midila Said: "We Know that There is but one Baptism In... Have but one Eucharist, Etc. The Baptism in Fire Happy are Ye Whose Bodies have Been Made to Shine! The Baptism of Jesus: Its Higher Meaning. The Preface. The Lord's Prayer for Unity. In Baptism, which is the Similitude of the Death and Resurrection ... Two Fruitful Years Of Repentance, in the Case of Such as have Lapsed after Baptism. 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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