WHAT IS WATER BAPTISM AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
The word “baptism” in Greek is “baptisma,” while “to baptize” in Greek is “baptizo.” It is obvious that these words have not really been translated; but rather transliterated into the English language. The Greek, “baptizo,” means “to immerse, cause to be dipped, to submerge, or to overwhelm.” To baptize anything in water literally means to put it under the water.
Christian baptism is a rite of initiation showing one’s dedication to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and to be His disciple. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Mathew 28.19).”
In water baptism, the Christian identifies with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).”
Just as water baptism is a washing, it declares to the world that our sins have been washed away. “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16b).” In itself, baptism does not wash away our sins; but only inasmuch as it expresses our faith in the purifying work of the blood of Jesus, shed for us. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:14).”
Water baptism is a part of our salvation. “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (1 Peter 3:21a).” The actual performance of the act, done in faith, breaks the power of sin and the world over the believer’s life. Just as the people of Israel were baptized into Moses in the cloud and sea (see 1 Corinthians 10:1, 2) and were thereby delivered from the power of Egypt, so the Christian who submits himself to water baptism will be delivered from the power of this world. Satan will challenge this and test the consecration that is made at baptism, just as he did in the life of Jesus (see Matthew 4:1-10). That is why we must have our minds made up to be faithful to Jesus before we are baptized.
Water baptism is commanded. Jesus commanded it in Matthew 28:19 quoted earlier. Peter commanded it. “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord (Acts 10:48a).” Paul baptized believers (see Acts 19:1-5), and he himself was commanded to be baptized in Acts 22:16b quoted earlier.
To be baptized one must humble oneself. As Jesus dedicated himself “thus to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15),” so must we when we are baptized in water. We make a covenant with God to submit ourselves to obey the Holy Spirit to the point of death to the deeds and lusts of the flesh and all that is old, to let the past be buried, and to be resurrected “to fulfill all righteousness” in the power of the Holy Spirit in the new life given by God.
WHO IS WATER BAPTISM FOR?
Baptism is for those who have repented of their dead works and believe with all their heart in the Lord Jesus Christ’s vicarious and expiatory sacrifice for sin. We see this both from the example and teaching of the New Covenant.
“Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?’ Then Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may’ (Acts 8:36, 37b).” Baptism is not for those who half-heartedly believe the gospel.
“He who believes and is baptized shall be saved (Mark 16:16a).” No promise is made to those who are baptized without believing. Many are “baptized” as babies, by immersion, in the Orthodox Tradition, or by sprinkling, in the Catholic, Anglican, and Reformed traditions. However, there is no example in the New Covenant of babies being baptized. A baby, as yet without understanding, cannot repent or believe the gospel.
If you have never been baptized in water as a believer and you do not want to be, it shows that you are either ignorant of the meaning of water baptism, or that you do not wish to humble yourself and obey the Lord Jesus Christ.
If you wish to be a disciple of Christ Jesus and have never been baptized as such, now is the time for you to do it.
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