Biblical BaptismsBiblical Baptisms

IntroductionIntroduction

In the New Testament, one reads of In the New Testament, one reads of various Biblical baptisms. However, various Biblical baptisms. However, only one is obligatory and binding only one is obligatory and binding today. today.

Ephesians 4:4-6 says, “Ephesians 4:4-6 says, “There is one There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one Lord, one faith, one baptismone baptism, one , one God and Father of all who is over all God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all” (NASB95).and through all and in all” (NASB95).

MeaningMeaning

The Greek verb The Greek verb baptizōbaptizō means “to means “to dip, immerse, plunge, sink, dip, immerse, plunge, sink, submerge, wash, etc.” submerge, wash, etc.”

The noun The noun baptismabaptisma describes the describes the result of such action. As Vine says, it result of such action. As Vine says, it consists of “the processes of consists of “the processes of immersion, submersion and immersion, submersion and emergence.” emergence.”

UsageUsage

Used metaphorically, baptism is Used metaphorically, baptism is descriptive of some sort of descriptive of some sort of overwhelming, immersive overwhelming, immersive experience. experience.

Used literally, baptism describes the Used literally, baptism describes the physical immersion of an individual physical immersion of an individual in water. in water.

Symbolic UsageSymbolic Usage

The baptism of suffering (Matthew The baptism of suffering (Matthew 20:20-23; 26:36-39; Mark 10:35-40; 20:20-23; 26:36-39; Mark 10:35-40; Luke 12:49-53).Luke 12:49-53).

The baptism of Moses (1 Corinthians The baptism of Moses (1 Corinthians 10:1-4; cf. Exodus 14:19-22 & also 1 10:1-4; cf. Exodus 14:19-22 & also 1 Peter 3:20-22).Peter 3:20-22).

The baptism of the Holy Spirit The baptism of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4; 10:44-48; John 1:33; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4; 10:44-48; 11:15-18).11:15-18).

Actual Usage Actual Usage The baptism of John was preparatory The baptism of John was preparatory

(Matthew 3:1-6; 3:11; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:7-(Matthew 3:1-6; 3:11; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:7-9; 7:24-30 ; Acts 18:24-26; 19:1-7).9; 7:24-30 ; Acts 18:24-26; 19:1-7).

The baptism of Christ is permanent. The The baptism of Christ is permanent. The importance of Christian baptism is seen in importance of Christian baptism is seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20; the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16), and also in the cases of Mark 16:15-16), and also in the cases of conversion recorded in Acts: those on conversion recorded in Acts: those on Pentecost (Acts 2:38, 41), the Samaritans Pentecost (Acts 2:38, 41), the Samaritans (Acts 8:12-13), the Ethiopian nobleman (Acts 8:12-13), the Ethiopian nobleman (Acts 8:35-39), Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:3-6, (Acts 8:35-39), Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:3-6, 17-19; 22:12-16), etc. 17-19; 22:12-16), etc.

BenefitsBenefits

The centrality of Christian baptism is seen The centrality of Christian baptism is seen in its benefits: in its benefits:

Baptism brings us into a covenant Baptism brings us into a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-relationship with Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:26-27). 4; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:26-27).

It affords spiritual cleansing (1 Corinthians It affords spiritual cleansing (1 Corinthians 6:11; Colossians 2:11-12; Ephesians 5:25-6:11; Colossians 2:11-12; Ephesians 5:25-27). 27).

It results in spiritual renewal and salvation It results in spiritual renewal and salvation (Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21-22).(Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21-22).

Conclusion Conclusion

The baptisms of John and the Holy The baptisms of John and the Holy Spirit are now historical. The only Spirit are now historical. The only baptism that has continued baptism that has continued significance is the baptism of Christ significance is the baptism of Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6). (Ephesians 4:4-6).

Have you been baptized into Christ Have you been baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins? If not, we for the forgiveness of sins? If not, we urge you to obey while there is time urge you to obey while there is time and opportunity (Acts 2:38; 10:48).and opportunity (Acts 2:38; 10:48).