Understanding Baptism: The Ordinance of the Believer

The subject of baptism, though often discussed, is frequently misunderstood in its true biblical context. It is an ordinance ordained by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, not a mere ritual or tradition. For the sincere follower of Christ, understanding baptism is crucial, for it is an act of obedience and a powerful testimony of one's faith. This article will delve into the Scriptures to illuminate who should be baptized and how it should be performed, according to the King James Version of God's holy Word.

What Baptism Is Not: Dispelling Common Misconceptions

Before exploring what baptism is, it is vital to clarify what it is not. Many err in believing baptism to be a means of salvation or a prerequisite for it. The Bible is unequivocally clear that salvation is by grace through faith alone, apart from any works, including baptism.

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.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Baptism does not wash away sins; only the shed blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse from sin (1 John 1:7). The thief on the cross was saved without baptism, demonstrating that salvation is an immediate result of faith in Christ (Luke 23:43). To suggest that baptism is necessary for salvation is to diminish the all-sufficient work of Christ on the cross and to add a human work to God's free gift of grace. It is an outward act symbolizing an inward change, not the cause of that change.

The Profound Meaning of Believer's Baptism

Biblical baptism is rich in symbolism, picturing the very essence of the gospel: the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. More than that, it symbolizes the believer's identification with Christ in these momentous events. When a believer is immersed in water, it signifies their death to sin and their burial with Christ. When they are raised out of the water, it signifies their resurrection to a new life in Christ.

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Romans 6:3-5

This passage from Romans 6 beautifully illustrates that baptism is a dramatic reenactment of the believer's spiritual transformation. It is a visible declaration that the old self, dead in sin, has been crucified with Christ, and the new self now lives unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Who is the Candidate for Baptism? The "Who"

The Scriptures consistently present baptism as an act for those who have already placed their faith in Jesus Christ. It is "believer's baptism." The order is always: hearing the Word, believing, repenting, and then being baptized. Consider the following examples:

  • On the Day of Pentecost, Peter commanded, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38). Repentance, a change of mind leading to a change of direction, precedes baptism.
  • When Philip preached Christ to the Ethiopian eunuch, the eunuch believed and then requested baptism. Philip affirmed, "If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest." Upon the eunuch's confession of faith, he was baptized (Acts 8:36-38). Faith was the prerequisite.
  • The household of Cornelius heard Peter preach, believed, and received the Holy Ghost, and then Peter commanded them to be baptized (Acts 10:44-48). Their belief and reception of the Spirit preceded their baptism.

There is no biblical precedent for infant baptism. Infants cannot repent, believe, or make a conscious decision to follow Christ. Baptism is a conscious act of obedience by one who has personally trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. Only those who are able to understand and make a personal profession of faith are candidates for scriptural baptism.

The Scriptural Mode of Baptism: The "How"

The method of baptism is also clearly indicated in Scripture: it is by immersion. The Greek word from which "baptize" is transliterated is `baptizo`, which literally means "to dip," "to immerse," or "to submerge." This understanding is supported by several biblical facts:

  • The Meaning of `baptizo`: Lexicons and early Christian writings confirm that `baptizo` signifies immersion. It is distinct from `rantizo` (to sprinkle) or `cheo` (to pour).
  • Geographical Context: John the Baptist baptized in Aenon near Salim "because there was much water there" (John 3:23). If sprinkling or pouring were the mode, "much water" would not be necessary.
  • Jesus' Example: When Jesus was baptized by John, He "went up straightway out of the water" (Matthew 3:16), implying He had gone down into it.
  • Symbolism: As previously discussed, baptism symbolizes a burial and resurrection (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). Immersion perfectly portrays this "burial" in water and "rising" to new life, whereas sprinkling or pouring do not convey this powerful imagery.

    • Therefore, the biblical mode of baptism is immersion of a believer in water, symbolizing their identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

    The Purpose and Significance of Baptism

    Having understood the "who" and "how," let us consider the purpose and significance of this divine ordinance. Baptism is not merely a suggestion but a command from our Lord Jesus Christ, part of the Great Commission given to His disciples:

    Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

    Matthew 28:19-20

    Baptism serves several key purposes for the believer:

    • An Act of Obedience: It is a direct command from Christ to His followers. Obedience is a hallmark of true discipleship.
    • Public Declaration of Faith: It is a public testimony to the world, to the church, and to spiritual forces, that one has died to sin and risen to new life in Christ. It is a visible confession of an invisible faith.
    • Identification with Christ: As seen in Romans 6, it signifies the believer's union with Christ in His saving work.
    • Identification with the Local Church: While not a prerequisite for church membership in all denominations, historically and biblically, it is often seen as the initial public step of identifying with the local body of believers.

    Baptism is a beautiful and powerful expression of a believer's commitment to Christ, a spiritual milestone that marks the beginning of their walk in newness of life.

    Conclusion: A Call to Obedience

    In conclusion, biblical baptism is an ordinance for believers only, performed by immersion, symbolizing the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, and the believer's identification with Him in these events. It is an act of obedience, a public testimony of faith, and not a means of salvation. For those who have truly put their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, the next step of obedience, according to the Scriptures, is to follow Him in believer's baptism.

    If you have trusted Christ for salvation but have not yet been baptized, consider the clear command of Scripture and the profound significance of this ordinance. Let your life bear witness to the glorious truth of the gospel by humbly obeying the Lord in baptism, declaring before God and man that you are dead to sin and alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.