Ever wonder why we baptize the way we do?
There can be a lot of confusion about baptism. Especially, when it comes to baptism questions like, "Does Baptism save me," "what's the big deal if I am baptized or not," What if I was sprinkled as a baby" are often asked. Those are all great questions, which we can answer by looking at the Scriptures.
1. Why should we be baptized?
- Because of Jesus’ example – Matt 3:16 “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;”
- Because of Jesus' command – Matt 28:19 “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,”
- Because eyewitnesses baptized just as they saw Jesus do – Acts 8:38-39 “And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. “And when they came up out of the water,”
- Because baptism by immersion is symbolic of Christ's saving work on the cross, his burial and his resurrection. –Rom. 6:4" We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
2. Can Baptism Save Me or Should Infants Be Baptized?
- No, because every New Testament baptism occurred after a person believed and was saved. Faith in Christ must precede baptism according to the evidence in Scripture– Acts 2:40 " So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” – Acts 8:12-13 “But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. – Acts 18:8 “Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.”
3. Should I Be Baptized By Immersion or Sprinkled
- Immersed because that is the way the Scriptures describe the process – Acts 8:38-39 “Both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water.” Matthew 3:16 “as soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.”
Ever wondered what earlier church theologians, pastors, and reformers thought about Baptism?
- Martin Luther, founder of the Lutheran Church, said, “I would have those who are to be baptized, to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.”
- John Calvin, Protestant reformer, said, “The word Baptize signifies immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”
- John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church, said, “Buried in Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion.
What Next?
Are you ready to be baptized? Or you may still have questions about baptism. If you find yourself in either one of those positions, no problem. Just take a second and fill out the form below and one of our ministry area leaders will be in contact with you soon.