Baptism

The Biblical Evidence

WHY - Why baptize?

Because this is what Jesus said to do.  In Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:15 Jesus tells his followers to baptize new believers.  Why?  During Jesus' era, baptism was a mark of allegiance and identification.  It declared that the person was a follower of Christ and his way.  It also verified the humility of the convert to recognize a higher authority.  If Jesus is going to be your God, that person in humility will do what Jesus asked him to do.  Baptism is an action that settles the question of obedience.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Mark 16:15 (NIV)

Note: Parents are encouraged not to push their child toward baptism.  Baptism is a beginning and not an end.  Children, when baptized prematurely, often see baptism as an end rather than a new beginning.  Thus, spiritual maturity can be stunted.  There is not one message of salvation for a child and another for adults.  Children need to be able to explain, in their own words, "why" they want to be baptized and the meaning of baptism.  Choosing Christ to be one's personal savior and Lord is the prerequisite for baptism.  Choosing Christ as your Lord means that He is now directing your life.

HOW - How do we baptize people?

The New Testament suggests a pattern-immersion.  A believer should be immersed beneath the water to fulfill the basic meaning of the water used in the New Testament.  The New Testament word baptism comes from the Greek word baptizo, meaning, "to dip or immerse."  The New Testament accounts of baptism verify this word posture.  In Acts 8:36-39, the Ethiopian eunuch is "brought up out of the water."

Baptism is the symbolism Paul speaks about in Romans 6:4, "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" [37] [38] And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. [39] When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8:36-39 (NIV)

Note: Younger children are often moved to want to be baptized when they see other children being baptized.  Parents should not rush to the conclusion that the child is already saved and ready for baptism.  This may be a positive step toward understanding what Christ requires before baptism.  Take advantage of this time and affirm the child's interest and be available to answer the child's questions.

WHO - Who should be baptized?

We believe that the New Testament declares Christian baptism to be only for those who already believe in Jesus.  Thus, the term, "believer's baptism."  Right standing with God (salvation) comes by faith alone.  One must make a deliberate choice of Jesus Christ as their personal savior.  Baptism, then, follows one's confession of personal faith and trust in Christ.  Baptism symbolically shows the world a new spiritual allegiance.  New Testament evidence for this position comes from Acts 2:41; 8:12-13; 10:47-48; and Mark 16:15-16.

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand

were added to their number that day.  Acts 2:41 (NIV)

But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. [13] Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.  Acts 8:12-13 (NIV)

"Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." [48] So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.  Acts 10:47-48 (NIV)

He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. [16] Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.  Mark 16:15-16 (NIV)

Note: The word "believe" in the New Testament is an action word; it is something one does, not just what one thinks.  To "believe" in Christ is to choose to place one's total trust in what Christ has already done through His death on the cross.  Praying to accept Christ is not a formula of words but a choice one makes.

Is baptism necessary for salvation?  We do not believe it is.  If baptism were necessary for salvation, every reference concerning belief would need to be coupled with a word about the necessity for baptism.  This is not the case.  Thus, we do not believe that baptism is necessary for salvation.  The great weight of the theological thrust in the New Testament indicates that faith alone is the necessary ingredient for right standing with God.  (See John 1:22; 3:16.36; 5:24; 6:47; 7:38; 11:25; 12:46; and 14:6.)

Note: Because baptism is not necessary for the salvation of a child a parent is wise to focus on the necessary ingredients for right standing with God.  See the brochure, "Guidelines for Talking to Children About Christ & Salvation."  Your Childhood Education staff stands ready to speak with you about your child's move toward Christ and baptism.