WATER BAPTISM
Water Baptism is a wonderful and significant moment in the life of the Christian and is something that every believer should submit themselves to in obedience to the word of God and in following the example of Jesus Christ.
Please take a moment to read the following short study for a good understanding of what baptism is really all about.
WHAT IS “FULL IMMERSION” BAPTISM?
To get a correct understanding of what “full immersion” water baptism is, firstly, let’s look at what it isn’t. Baptism isn’t a sprinkling with water when you were a baby. None of the “infant dedications” that are performed by religious institutions can be compared with “full immersion” water baptism as demonstrated in Scripture.
Baptism, as spoken of in the Holy Bible, is a full plunging beneath the water that is carried out in obedience to the Word of God AFTER a person has come to faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, nowhere in scripture are we taught to “christen” babies as an alternative to adult baptism.
The pattern found in the bible is always one of full immersion and always AFTER CONVERSION.
I go to length to make this clear as many good, God loving Christians have not been properly taught on the subject and wrongly assume that a “christening” or some other tradition carried out when they were an infant is the same thing, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Please consider the following. A baby brought for christening does not come by their own free will or choice but by the will of the parents. There is no act of obedience or submission on the part of the infant.
Baptism, on the other hand, is something that is submitted to by a believer AFTER they have acknowledged their need of the Saviour and have come to faith in Jesus Christ.
Let’s have a look at some of what the Bible has to say on the subject.
THE BIBLICAL EXAMPLES:
The bible tells us that Jesus gave us an example to follow (1 Peter 2:21). Jesus submitted Himself to John, to be baptised, in order that “all righteousness be fulfilled” (Matt 3:13-17) and if that be the case, then we aught do likewise and follow His example.
Jesus Christ declared to the disciples “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age”. (Mat 28:19-20).
Jesus’ command to the disciples was crystal clear, and so we see this expectation was also relayed in the ministry of the disciples. Peter commanded the new believers recorded in Acts 2:37-41 to be baptised. Upon repentance, some 3000 followed his instruction.
Philip baptised new converts in Samaria (Acts 8:12) and also baptised the Ethiopian eunuch when he came to faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, you will see that the eunuch had both an expectation and a desire to be baptised which is expressed in him saying “there is water, what hinders me from being baptised?” Philip’s response is both wonderful and perfect “If you believe with all your heart, you may” to which the eunuch replies ” I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God”. There was no waiting, simply faith followed by obedience. (Acts 8 :26-38).
Please note that in this marvellous example, the bible records the men “going down into the water” again showing that this was not simply a “sprinkling” with water but a full immersion.
The original word used for “baptise” in the Greek text here is the word “batizo” (Strong’s G907) which translates as ” to make whelmed (that is, fully wet)”. “Baptizo” comes from the word “bapto” (G911) which means “to cover wholly with a fluid”. This leaves no doubt whatsoever that the intention of baptism is to plunge the believer beneath the water, thereby “fully immersing” them.
The Apostle Paul was water baptised after his life changing experience with Jesus on the road to Damascus. (Act 9:17-18). Further, in Paul’s own testimony later in the book of Acts, he stressed the urgency and expectation accompanying Ananais’ command to be baptised:
Act 22:16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’
The Philippian jailer who was saved along with “his whole house” were also immediately baptised when they came to faith after God Almighty freed Paul & Silas from their prison chains. (Act 16:30-33).
From reading just these few scriptures it clear that full immersion baptism was an expected act of obedience following salvation and repentance according to the Lord’s own command.
THE IMPORTANT SYMBOLISM & IDENTIFICATION WITH JESUS’ DEATH, BURIAL & RESURRECTION
Following our Lord Jesus through the waters of baptism is an incredibly important event in our Christian faith and life. It is far more than simply a religious ritual but a public declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ and our new birth in Him. It is, in fact, an “outward sign of an inward change”.
Romans Chapter 6, speaks of our identification with Jesus’ death and burial and resurrection. Please stop and take the time to read Romans 6 now.
Further to Romans 6, Galatians 2:20 says “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me”.
These two pieces of scripture demonstrate why the symbolism of full immersion is so powerful. You DIED WITH CHRIST, you were BURIED WITH CHRIST and, you have been RAISED WITH CHRIST and you now walk in NEWNESS OF LIFE. Nothing but full immersion baptism conveys these wonderful truths.
THE PUBLIC WITNESS AND THE LORD’S PROMISE
Water baptism is also a powerful public witness and testimony of our faith in Jesus Christ that he, himself, will reward. Jesus said that whoever acknowledges or confesses him before man, he will acknowledge before his Father and the angels in heaven (Matt 10:32 & Luke 12:8). I cannot think of a more fitting opportunity to confess our Lord before man than in a public baptismal service.
In recent times dozens of people have gathered with us to celebrate the public confession of Christ and the full immersion baptism of believers and it is always a wonderful celebration of His work in our lives.
IN CONCLUSION
It is good to be clear that water baptism is not essential to salvation. Salvation is something that comes entirely by God’s grace, through faith in Christ’s work upon the cross, His death and resurrection alone and not by any works. (Eph 2:8-9). The example of the thief on the cross demonstrates this perfectly. (Luke 23:39-43). However, as recipients of this grace, it is only fitting that, in gratitude and obedience we submit ourselves to baptism just as Jesus commanded.
Therefore, if you are a born again believer, in other words, if you truly believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that God raised Him from the dead and you have received Him as your saviour and in repentance have turned from your sin and submitted your life to His lordship – then you should follow the example and command of Jesus and be baptised.
Please contact us at hvclc@bigpond.net.au or on 0418 664498 if we can assist you in any way – it would be our honour to serve you in this most important part of your Christian journey.