baptism has been a highly debatable topic among Christian groups and denominations for a long time. the water medium and method of declaration over a baptism varies if even believed to be necessary. i hope to persuade some to take a deeper look at this subject and identify the necessity, method, and declaration that is Biblical for every believer. each person is responsible for seeking their salvation, regardless of tradition or what someone else (even me) would try to convince you.
baptism was not a new invention for the New Testament church or the early disciples of John. the Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica write, “Ritual immersion has traditionally played an important part in Judaism, as a symbol of purification (in the mikvah, a postmenstrual or ritual bath used by women) or as a symbol of consecration (in rituals of conversion, accompanied by special prayers).” (Baptism, Christianity, https://www.britannica.com/topic/baptism) people and the religious institution did not have a problem with baptism because it had been around for some time. as the forerunner of Christ, John was baptizing people unto repentance and preparing individuals for One who would come after him. the Old Testament practice of blood sacrifice had been rendered obsolete by Jesus’ death and His blood is applied to your life through baptism.
the New Testament instructs us in purification from sin with repentance and baptism. the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Mark 16 that he who believes and is baptized shall be saved, but saved from what? the wages of sin. Acts 2:38 is a response to those that have realized they had errored and asked how they were to correct their mistake. Peter told them to repent and be baptized “for the remission of sins.” this word remission means to pardon or complete forgiveness. baptism is more than an outward expression of an inward commitment. it is more than a ceremony to join a church. baptism washes away our sins (Acts 22), pardoning us from sin and saving us from the sentence of spiritual death. when we repent, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, but according to Acts 2:38, you must be baptized for “complete forgiveness.”
from crosswalk.com, “The Greek word for “baptism” is “βαπτιζω.” The English letters look like this: “baptidzo.” The Greek word “baptidzo” literally means to “dip” or to “immerse.” (https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/baptism-what-is-it-meaning-and-definition.html) the method of baptism, in a Biblical sense, is water immersion. the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are at the very core of the believer’s doctrine. in repentance, we die out to the unrighteous man that we were and turn away from sin. through baptism, we are buried with Him in the likeness of His death (Romans 6). to immerse completely in water signifies the burial of our sinful self. “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:” (Romans 6:5). immersion is the Biblical method practiced for more than 1,200 years before pouring or sprinkling appeared for convenience and practicality. (https://www.bible.ca/catholic-flip-flops-baptism-immersion-sprinkling.htm) when we see things change from the Bible method, whether it be from a church organization or a council, we must hold to the truths gleaned from the Word of God. let God be true, but every man a liar.
Jesus taught in Mathew 28:19, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” we see in Acts, the history book of the Christian church, that everywhere and every time someone was baptized, they declared it was in the name of Jesus. why would Jesus’ chosen disciples go against His teachings? this group of men had a unique perspective of Jesus and knew that He had come in the name of the Father (John 5:43). they knew that Jesus and the Father were one (John 10:30). in the preceding scripture (Matthew 28:18), Jesus declares that all power has been given to Him in heaven and in Earth. there is no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). in Matthew 28:19, Jesus’ disciples knew precisely to whom He was talking about when He said, “baptizing them in the name.” the authority is in the name. Jesus was reconciling the world unto Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19). the titles do not authorize the inheritance, but it is specifically the name that activates the redemption power for complete forgiveness. i cannot complete a banking institution transaction based on my status as a father or a son. i must place my name over the appropriate location for the authorization of any binding legal actions. we pray over our food in Jesus’ name. why would we not follow the scriptures in the correct formula for baptism?
clearly, baptism is necessary for salvation as we have previously read that he who believes and is baptized shall be saved. also, the Bible method and declaration is water immersion in the name of Jesus. Many people will not agree with these findings and want to argue about the various forms of baptism. I highly recommend researching the Bible with all salvation issues and not depending solely on traditions and teachings. A foundation built upon the Bible and a love for truth will keep us from believing a strong delusion.
– Thanks for the inspiration to The Ledger Network podcast! (theledgernetwork.com, https://youtu.be/r55J4nPvTAE)