The New Testament's Teaching Concerning Baptism

Perhaps no subject is more maligned in the religious world

than the subject of baptism

Perhaps no subject is more maligned in the religious world

than the subject of baptism

It is practiced in some form by almost every group claiming to

be a part of “Christianity”

It is practiced in some form by almost every group claiming to

be a part of “Christianity”

However, by the vast majority of these it is seen as

unnecessary for salvation

However, by the vast majority of these it is seen as

unnecessary for salvation

In fact, most of these groups go to great lengths to make

people understand that they do not hold baptism to be

essential to salvation in any fashion

In fact, most of these groups go to great lengths to make

people understand that they do not hold baptism to be

essential to salvation in any fashion

The programs they produce and literature they publish

testify to their disdain for the subject

The programs they produce and literature they publish

testify to their disdain for the subject

“…an immersion in water, performed as a sign of the removal of sin…” (The Standard Manual for Baptist Churches, Edward T. Hiscox, p. 83)

“…an immersion in water, performed as a sign of the removal of sin…” (The Standard Manual for Baptist Churches, Edward T. Hiscox, p. 83)

“At length the idea came to prevail that baptism possessed saving virtue, and had power to purify and sanctify the soul, making its salvation more secure.” (The Standard Manual for Baptist Churches, Edward T. Hiscox, p. 105)

“At length the idea came to prevail that baptism possessed saving virtue, and had power to purify and sanctify the soul, making its salvation more secure.” (The Standard Manual for Baptist Churches, Edward T. Hiscox, p. 105)

“Although it be a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance [baptism], yet grace and salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it, as that no person can be regenerated or saved without it….”(The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, pp. 123, 124)

“Although it be a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance [baptism], yet grace and salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it, as that no person can be regenerated or saved without it….”(The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, pp. 123, 124)

“The efficacy of baptism is not tied to that moment when it is administered….” (The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, p. 124)

“The efficacy of baptism is not tied to that moment when it is administered….” (The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, p. 124)

“It is not the physical act of baptism that saves you….Our salvation is by faith alone, through Christ alone.”(“My Answer,” newspaper column by Billy Graham)

“It is not the physical act of baptism that saves you….Our salvation is by faith alone, through Christ alone.”(“My Answer,” newspaper column by Billy Graham)

“Baptism is a figure, a symbol, a picture of salvation. It does not save. It declares salvation….For if you put baptism in the plan of salvation you minimize the cross and salvation by grace….”(False Doctrines Answered, by John R. Rice, pp. 99, 101)

“Baptism is a figure, a symbol, a picture of salvation. It does not save. It declares salvation….For if you put baptism in the plan of salvation you minimize the cross and salvation by grace….”(False Doctrines Answered, by John R. Rice, pp. 99, 101)

“Now, I will say, once for all, that all of the external rites and ordinances of the Church, in all ages, have only been signs or pictures of an inward, invisible grace….There is nothing in any or all of them that can cleanse a soul from sin. That must be done by the power of God’s grace alone.”(Bible Tools for Busy People, by John H. Nichols, p. 132)

“Now, I will say, once for all, that all of the external rites and ordinances of the Church, in all ages, have only been signs or pictures of an inward, invisible grace….There is nothing in any or all of them that can cleanse a soul from sin. That must be done by the power of God’s grace alone.”(Bible Tools for Busy People, by John H. Nichols, p. 132)

“The Holy Ghost “shed forth” on the soul cleanses it from all sin, and takes it into spiritual relation to Christ; and “clean water” shed forth on the body in baptism takes us into visible relation to Christ, or into the visible Church.”(Bible Tools for Busy People, by John H. Nichols, p. 132)

“The Holy Ghost “shed forth” on the soul cleanses it from all sin, and takes it into spiritual relation to Christ; and “clean water” shed forth on the body in baptism takes us into visible relation to Christ, or into the visible Church.”(Bible Tools for Busy People, by John H. Nichols, p. 132)

“Baptism, then, is the outward expression of an inward salvation. Baptism follows salvation. Baptism is essential to obedience but not to salvation.”(The Truth About the Church of Christ, “Please Drown Me in the Baptistry!” by Hugh F. Pyle, p. 39)

“Baptism, then, is the outward expression of an inward salvation. Baptism follows salvation. Baptism is essential to obedience but not to salvation.”(The Truth About the Church of Christ, “Please Drown Me in the Baptistry!” by Hugh F. Pyle, p. 39)

“Believing that God has given you forgiveness of sins, and spiritual life through Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour, and that you are thus graciously prepared to receive Christian baptism, as declarative of your saving faith and covenant of obedience, you will now give avowals of your belief and purpose.”(Constitution of the Church of the Nazarene, “The Sacrament of Baptism,” p. 215)

“Believing that God has given you forgiveness of sins, and spiritual life through Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour, and that you are thus graciously prepared to receive Christian baptism, as declarative of your saving faith and covenant of obedience, you will now give avowals of your belief and purpose.”(Constitution of the Church of the Nazarene, “The Sacrament of Baptism,” p. 215)

“Baptism is the external seal of the new covenant of grace.”(Constitution of the Church of the Nazarene, “The Baptism of Infants,” p. 216)

“Baptism is the external seal of the new covenant of grace.”(Constitution of the Church of the Nazarene, “The Baptism of Infants,” p. 216)

However, man’s opinion about this matter makes no

difference

However, man’s opinion about this matter makes no

differenceThe critical question that must

be asked is, “What does the Bible say about the subject?”

The critical question that must be asked is, “What does the Bible say about the subject?”

Since the New Testament contains the word in some form

some 80 times, it does have something to say on the

subject

Since the New Testament contains the word in some form

some 80 times, it does have something to say on the

subject

There are at least seven baptisms mentioned in the New

Testament


Testament

However, the New Testament also states “there is one

baptism”


baptism”

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Ephesians 4:4, 5

33


Testament


Testament


baptism”


baptism”

What are these other six baptisms, and why does the

Bible say there is one?

What are these other six baptisms, and why does the

Bible say there is one?

Baptism of JohnBaptism of John

Mentioned in several passages in the New Testament


An immersion in water administered to Jews prior to

the crucifixion of Jesus



I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

Mark

1:8

And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

John 1:25-27

After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

John 3:22, 23







It was preceded by repentance and confession of sins and was

for the remission of sins

It was preceded by repentance and confession of sins and was

for the remission of sins

Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

Matthew 3:5, 6

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

Mark

1:4, 5

It was a preparatory baptism in anticipation of the coming

Christ and His kingdom



And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Luke 3:3, 4





Those of that time who were not baptized in accordance

with John’s baptism were not justified before God



And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

Luke 7:29, 30





It was valid for only a short period of time

It was valid for only a short period of time





And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 19:3-5


Baptism of FireBaptism of Fire

Reference to the overwhelming punishment awaiting those who

do not obey the gospel of Christ

Reference to the overwhelming punishment awaiting those who

do not obey the gospel of Christ

It, like baptism of the Holy Spirit, was to be (and it will be)

administered by Christ, the Judge

It, like baptism of the Holy Spirit, was to be (and it will be)

administered by Christ, the Judge

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Matthew 3:11, 12

And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. Luke 3:15-17

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Matthew

25:41, 46

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in

all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

II Thessalonians 1:7-10



Baptism of SufferingBaptism of Suffering

Not actually called such in the New Testament, but a

reference to the overwhelming suffering through which Jesus

would go

Not actually called such in the New Testament, but a

reference to the overwhelming suffering through which Jesus

would go

Jesus Himself referred to it as a “baptism”

Jesus Himself referred to it as a “baptism”

But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

Matthew 20;22, 23

But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:

Mark 10:38, 39

But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

Luke 12:50




Baptism of the Holy SpiritBaptism of the Holy Spirit

A promised baptism (overwhelming), like the

baptism of fire, that would be accomplished only by Jesus



I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Matthew 3:11, 12

And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. Luke 3:15-17





It was prophesied by Joel some 860 years before it occurred


And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Joel 2:28





It was a promise fulfilled to the apostles on the day of

Pentecost


Pentecost



But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

Acts 2:16, 17






Pentecost


Pentecost



It was a promise, never a command

It was a promise, never a command





Baptism for the DeadBaptism for the Dead

Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

I Corinthians 15:29

To be certain, a difficult passage

To be certain, a difficult passage

As always, must keep the context in mind

As always, must keep the context in mind

What is it, and why this solitary reference to it in the New

Testament?

What is it, and why this solitary reference to it in the New

Testament?

The context of First Corinthians 15 is the resurrection, not

baptism

The context of First Corinthians 15 is the resurrection, not

baptism

So, whatever is here stated is in reference to the resurrection

of the body

So, whatever is here stated is in reference to the resurrection

of the body

Baptism (something they already understood) is here

used as an illustration concerning bodily resurrection (something they did not clearly

understand)

Baptism (something they already understood) is here

used as an illustration concerning bodily resurrection (something they did not clearly

understand)

So many of these Corinthians had come from pagan

backgrounds

So many of these Corinthians had come from pagan

backgroundsThe pagan view of evil was that the body was the seat of it and, to leave the body was to leave

the source of all ills

The pagan view of evil was that the body was the seat of it and, to leave the body was to leave

the source of all illsTo be told that they would one day re-enter the body posed

grave problems for those who still held some vestiges of their

earlier beliefs

To be told that they would one day re-enter the body posed

grave problems for those who still held some vestiges of their

earlier beliefs

So, to prove the resurrection of their bodies, Paul alluded to

their baptism

So, to prove the resurrection of their bodies, Paul alluded to

their baptismBaptism is a picture of a burial

and a resurrectionBaptism is a picture of a burial

and a resurrection

Some of them were now denying a resurrection of the

body

Some of them were now denying a resurrection of the

bodyWhat, then, of their baptism?What, then, of their baptism?

It portrayed the very thing they now questioned- resurrection!

It portrayed the very thing they now questioned- resurrection!

Why were they baptized for (Gr.- huper), with reference to,

the state from which they would come forth by

resurrection, if there would be no resurrection?

Why were they baptized for (Gr.- huper), with reference to,

the state from which they would come forth by

resurrection, if there would be no resurrection?

Their view actually nullified their baptism

Their view actually nullified their baptism

Thus, this is just an illustrative use of baptism for the purpose of explaining resurrection and

is not actually a different baptism

Thus, this is just an illustrative use of baptism for the purpose of explaining resurrection and

is not actually a different baptism






Baptism unto MosesBaptism unto Moses

Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

I

Corinthians 10:1, 2

Reference is made back to the crossing of the Red Sea by the

children of Israel under the leadership of Moses

Reference is made back to the crossing of the Red Sea by the

children of Israel under the leadership of Moses

Their passage from Egypt to the wilderness proper took

them through the Red Sea, and the Lord’s presence in a cloud

(by day) and pillar of smoke (by night) enveloped them

Their passage from Egypt to the wilderness proper took

them through the Red Sea, and the Lord’s presence in a cloud

(by day) and pillar of smoke (by night) enveloped them

With the cloud over them and the waters of the Sea walled on

either side, they were overwhelmed

With the cloud over them and the waters of the Sea walled on

either side, they were overwhelmed

This “baptism” was figurativeThis “baptism” was figurative

Water was not sprinkled on them from the cloud above nor sprayed on them from the Sea

on either side

Water was not sprinkled on them from the cloud above nor sprayed on them from the Sea

on either side

By this figure they passed out of Pharaoh and into Moses

By this figure they passed out of Pharaoh and into Moses

Prior to this point in their journey their control was still disputed by Pharaoh, and by their presence in the land of

Egypt

Prior to this point in their journey their control was still disputed by Pharaoh, and by their presence in the land of

Egypt

However, when they passed through the Red Sea (were “baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea”), they

were brought into a new relationship to Moses they had not had previously- complete

and undisputed control of their movements

However, when they passed through the Red Sea (were “baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea”), they

were brought into a new relationship to Moses they had not had previously- complete

and undisputed control of their movements

In this figurative baptism is pictured the true baptism of

the penitent believer in Christ

In this figurative baptism is pictured the true baptism of

the penitent believer in Christ

Baptism takes him to a new relationship not known before-

complete and undisputed control of his movements by

the Christ

Baptism takes him to a new relationship not known before-

complete and undisputed control of his movements by

the Christ

The symbolism involved in this figurative baptism of Moses is

very important to a proper understanding of New

Testament baptism

The symbolism involved in this figurative baptism of Moses is

very important to a proper understanding of New

Testament baptism







Baptism for the Remission of Sins


As we shall see in our continuing study, this is the

“one baptism” noted by Paul in Ephesians 4

As we shall see in our continuing study, this is the

“one baptism” noted by Paul in Ephesians 4

These others either involved only specific individuals and

were temporary, were figurative of this “one

baptism,” or were figurative of something else (i.e. baptism of

fire)

These others either involved only specific individuals and

were temporary, were figurative of this “one

baptism,” or were figurative of something else (i.e. baptism of

fire)

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, 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 2:37, 38

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Ephesians 4:4-6









Six “baptisms” to teach us something about and lead us

to the “one baptism”

Documents

The New Testament's Teaching Concerning Baptism