Understanding Water Baptism – Part 1 – By Tom Buckle

Understanding Water Baptism

Part I

 

A First Step of Discipleship

 

The twenty-first century has brought about many changes in our protestant worship styles that vary greatly from past generations.   Amazing developments in communication technology and the emphasis on stage settings, maximum sound systems and video screens have changed the manner of church worship.  Many evangelical churches have become focused on staying contemporary with the culture more than teaching the important doctrines of the Christian faith, including the doctrine of baptism.

 

With the development of Para-church ministries (e.g. Inter-Varsity, Child Evangelism, World Missions, etc.) and Inter-denominational evangelists, the focus has been on individuals being saved.   Nothing then is said about the need to follow Christ in baptism.

 

Baptism is important and stands as a symbol whereby the body, spirit and soul become more involved with Christ’s life.  It is similar to the use of our body to praise and worship the Lord in a church service.  By proclaiming Christ through baptism we become related to the events of the gospel in a living way through faith.  

 

Many Christians today have not been baptized.  Either they have been putting it off or they lack knowledge of its importance.  It is my intention to show the scriptural importance of baptism for the Christian and to provide a historical background of the different modes of baptism.

 

The New Testament’s strongly emphasizes the baptism of a Christian.  Although it is not an issue of salvation, it is an act to follow soon after conversion.  It is described as a covenant, a seal and is a witness to the church that a new believer is following Christ in obedience.  The first step of discipleship should be following Christ in baptism.

 

The experience of following Christ in baptism can be exciting.  I remember one lady coming up out of the baptismal water being so touched with the Holy Spirit that she continually shouted praise to God with overwhelming joy.  Whatever the baptismal experience, there is great joy that results in a sense of peace by obeying the Lord.

 

Let’s examine the subject and doctrine of water baptism in the New Testament.

 

Baptism and Its Early Usage in Judaism

 

The Greek verb for “baptize,” is baptizein, and is taken from baptein which means to “immerse, plunge, to dye, dip, dip frequently or intensively.”   In Plato’s era and forward we find the word used figuratively, such as, “baptized (soaked) in wine.”  In Jewish purification rites, Baptizein and baptein are also used.  For instance, touching a corpse was considered unclean and immersion (baptism) to wash away one’s defilement was warranted.  The same process was required for a woman after her menstrual period to be cleansed before worship (Lev. 15).

 

It is in the Jewish rules of purification from paganism’s uncleanness that baptism signifies a cleansing of the body.  Ritual purification was important to observe in preparation for Sabbath worship and service in Judaism.  In Leviticus 16:4, 24Leviticus 16:4, 24
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4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches on his body, and shall put on the linen sash, and he shall be dressed with the linen turban. They are the holy garments. He shall bathe his body in water, and put them on. ²⁴ Then he shall bathe himself in water in a holy place, and put on his garments, and come out and offer his burnt offering and the burnt offering of the people, and make atonement for himself and for the people.

WP-Bible plugin the high priest used immersion before and after the rites of atonement. 

 

During the Diaspora (Jews taken from their homeland and made captive in foreign lands after the Babylonian captivity) some Gentiles sought admittance into the Jewish religion.  In order to be accepted into Judaism these proselytes were required to be circumcised, make public repentance and accept Mosaic Law.  Lastly, they were immersed in water, symbolizing a ritual cleansing from the defilements of the taboo and paganism. 

 

 

John the Baptist  

 

In the Diaspora period the synagogue buildings were developed for worship, instruction and baptism.  Closer to Jesus’ time the Jews placed more emphasis on ceremonial washings as a cleansing from impurity.  John the Baptist’s baptism went beyond the Jewish proselyte’s baptism.  He preached a call to repentance to persuade Jews and Gentiles to live righteously in the coming reign of God’s Kingdom.   John also proclaimed that one coming after him would be greater than he and that the coming Messiah would baptize with the Spirit and fire (Matt. 3:11Matt. 3:11
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11 I indeed baptize or, immerse you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit. TR and NU add “and with fire”

WP-Bible plugin).  He was the forerunner of Christ’s earthly ministry.

 

The gospel of Mark records that John drew great crowds.  Many came out to hear him, repented and were baptized by him (Mark 1:5Mark 1:5
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5 All the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins.

WP-Bible plugin).  The rite of baptism gained greater significance and authority when Jesus came to John to be baptized.  In coming to John, Jesus recognized that John’s ministry was “from heaven”.   Jesus showed John’s ministry to be the fulfillment of an act of righteousness (Matthew 3:15; 21:25Matthew 3:15; 21:25
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15 But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. ²⁵ The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men?” They reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

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(16) “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. (17) And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’” (Matt. 3:16-17Matt. 3:16-17
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16 Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him. ¹⁷ Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

WP-Bible plugin). By this example Jesus was able to identify with unrighteous men and set an example for others to follow.  The voice from heaven and the coming of the Spirit symbolized by the dove, witnessed God’s revelation of Himself in Jesus.