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What is Water Baptism?
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There is so much confusion today about the subject of water baptism. I wonder if it's because for nearly two thousand years man has had the chance to muddy up what God has clearly taught in the Bible. If you are asking any of the following questions, I hope this information will be of help to you. Do I need to be baptized in order to become a Christian? No, you need only to "Believe" and "Receive" the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast." Eph. 2:8-9. God expects you to be baptized, but it will be because you already are saved, not in order to be saved. What is the reason for Water Baptism? 1. Submission. Jesus told His disciples to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" Mt. 28:19. If you're going to be a follower of Jesus, you need to obey Him! 2. Symbol. When a person goes down into the water, it is symbolic of when Jesus went into the grave. As He came out, so do we, to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:1-11; Col. 2:12). 3. Seal. When you are done writing a letter you insert it in an envelope. Why do you lick the flap? To seal it! So, when being baptized you are telling all of heaven and earth, "This is it, I'm going to live for God, it's sealed by my faith and my actions!" (I Pet. 3:21) Should I be immersed? The Bible pattern and even the Greek word baptizo means "to dip" or "to immerse." Sprinkling was a latter addition and although more convenient, it loses the rich symbolism of washing, burial, and resurrection. What about infant baptism? In our church, we practice what is commonly called "Believer baptism." The Bible's language of "Believe and be baptized" or "Repent and be baptized" could not possibly be fulfilled by infants. Also, there is no example of infants being baptized in the Bible. The best advice is to have the child wait until there has been an assurance of conversion, then they are a ready candidate for water baptism. Is there more than one "baptism" in the Bible? Yes, there is the baptism in water which is what this pamphlet is all about. Also, the baptism into the Body of Christ which happens the moment you are born-again (Gal. 3:26-27; I Cor. 12:13). Finally, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, which is a wonderful gift from God and subsequent to salvation. A believer can receive this at any time, all you need to do is ask for it! (Lk. 11:9-13, 24:49; Acts 2:1-4, 38; Acts 19:1-6). What do I do now? Talk with your pastor. You will have to schedule a time to be baptized, which is usually a joyous time for all church members! Also, he may have some questions for you or a class you must take before this important event in your life. |