Baptism in Water
Why do we get baptised?
We get baptised because Jesus commanded us to do so as part of “the great commission”:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19
When should we get baptised?
The quick and simple answer is; as soon as possible after a person has repented, believed the Gospel and professed Jesus as Lord (Acts 2:38).
A study of the book of Acts clearly shows that the early church baptised a person very shortly after a they had become a Christian.
How should a person be baptised?
The word ‘baptism’ means to ‘immerse’. Therefore, baptism should be full immersion in water. The only exception might be where water is of very limited supply e.g. in a drought or desert, and then ‘sprinkling’ may be more appropriate.
When Philip baptised the Ethiopian eunuch, it says that they both went down into the water and then came up out the water (Acts 8:38-39). These verses back-up the requirement for full immersion.
What does water baptism signify?
The key verses are: Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12, 1 Peter 3:21 & 1 Corinthians 12:13
In water baptism we are acknowledging that we were crucified with Christ, that we were buried with Him and now are partakers of a new life (re-generation, ‘born again’) through the resurrection of Jesus.
Water baptism also signifies what has already been accomplished by personally believing that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross brought about forgiveness of sin and a cleansing from all un-righteousness. We now have a clear conscience toward God.
It also signifies our entry into one body; the body of Christ. We are joined together as one, with all other believers in Christ.
What about ‘infant baptism’?
There is no mention, anywhere in the scriptures of ‘infant baptism’.
A believers baptism is only possible and valid for a person who has repented of their sin, who believes that Jesus was crucified, buried and rose again in order to purchase our salvation and that person is now able to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Many churches practise infant dedications instead. This is where the parents will dedicate the child to the Lord and the parents and congregation will pray to the Lord stating that they will bring up the child to be aware of the Lord’s teaching and presence.
Who can baptise a person?
Well, we go straight back to the ‘great commission’ (Matthew 28:18-20) and see that all believers are able to do this. There doesn’t appear to be anywhere in scripture where it says that only a minister, pastor or priest can do the baptising. There are some other verses that would imply this is open to any believer:
Acts 8:38 – Philip baptises the Ethiopian eunuch.
1 Corinthians 12:17 – Paul left most baptisms to others (not specified)
Acts 9:18 – It’s not definitely certain, but it looks like Ananias may have baptised Saul (who became Paul).
One final thought
There are always great blessings given when we are obedient to the commandments of the Lord. As we saw right at the beginning, when we get baptised, we do so as an act of obedience.
After getting baptised, many people are able to look back at that occasion with a great sense of joy.
Look what happened to Jesus when he submitted himself to baptism (Matthew 3:13-16). The heavens opened and not only did the Holy Spirit alight on Him like a dove, but Jesus heard affirmation and confirmation from the Father that He is His Son and was well pleased with Him.
Therefore, if you haven’t already been baptised, please do so and do it with a great sense of pleasing God and you will feel His joy and pleasure. It’s always good to make sure someone has a camera handy too. I have the picture of my baptism in a special place that my wife and I have filed under ‘memorables’. This photo and the cards that I received with verses never fail to warm my heart.
