What is Baptism?

 

 

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:3-6

 

 

 

Introduction

 

       Over the course of history baptism has drastically changed. It originally was performed for purity, for the cleansing of sins. It was also performed to convert Gentiles to Judaism. John the Baptist comes on the scene and performs it for repentance, for the remission of sins. After Jesus’ ascension it is performed by the early church for repentance in the name of Jesus Christ. In the 2nd century, an early father of the Roman Catholic Church named John Martyr, changed it to be done in the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Some churches today perform it as an outward show for inward faith, some sprinkle infants. What started as a required practice in the early church, is now barely performed; if even at all. They build some churches today without a baptism pool. I was raised in a baptist church. The church was founded and named because of it’s strong belief in immersion baptism.  There are many verses about this topic. Does scripture provide the answer to what happens when baptism is properly performed? As you will see, baptism was so important in Jesus’ ministry. Over the course of 2,000 years, has baptism been watered down? 

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John the Baptist Leads the Way

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     John the Baptist started this revolutionary change. We learn of his arrival in the prophecies told by Isaiah and Malachi

     Around 700 B.C.  Isaiah delivers this message to Israel; “A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” Isaiah 40:3

     Around 430 B.C. Malachi delivers this message to Israel, “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty. Malachi 3:1

     The messengers arrival is the sign of their long awaited Messiah. His role is to prepare the way for the LORD.  Jesus described John’s role more clearly when he said “Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.” Mathew 11:9 

     You will find in Luke 1-3 the messenger arrives and begins his ministry.  John is born to Zechariah and Elizabeth after longing for a child of their own. Gabriel the archangel tells them he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.  When Elizabeth is six months pregnant with John, the archangel Gabriel tells Mary a similar message. The Holy Spirit will come on her and she will have a son.  Mary quickly hurried to Judea, she walked into the home of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist didn’t just come to prepare the way, he was introduced to Jesus shortly after his conception, while still in his mothers womb. John was born, and he grew and became strong in spirit. When the appointed time arrived John went into all the country around Jordan, preaching of baptism for the repentance of sins. Baptism was a common practice of the time known as a mikveh or mikvah. It is a bath used for ritual immersion in Judaism to achieve ritual purity. 1 John told the people, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Mathew 3:11 John told them Jesus would clear his threshing floor, gather his wheat safely into the barn, and burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. 2 Chaff is the seed coverings and other debris separated from the seed in threshing grain. 3

 

1  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikveh

2  Reference to Mathew 3:12

3  https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chaff

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Jesus Begins His Earthly Ministry

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     Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. From my studies that journey was approximately 75-93 miles. This journey would have taken Jesus through diverse landscapes- from the hills of Galilee, through the Jordan Valley, to the arid regions near the Dead Sea. Each step of this journey was a step towards His public ministry, a ministry that would change the course of human history.  We must remember, that in those days, such a journey was not undertaken lightly. It would have involved several days of walking, possibly a week or more, depending on the exact route and pace. Jesus would have faced the challenges of the terrain, the heat of the day, and the cold of the night. He may have traveled alone or in the company of others making similar pilgrimages. 4   

     John realized who Jesus was and tried to deter him saying “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now, it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Mathew 3:13-15 Jesus was sinless, why did he need to be baptized? The word fulfill in Greek can vary depending on the context. “To complete or finish” is often used. 5 As soon as Jesus came up from the water the heavens opened up, and the Spirit of God descended on him like a dove. Did something change in Jesus’ earthly body when he came out of the water? Does baptism after his ascension sound similar?

     Jesus is baptized, tested by Satan, and goes throughout his ministry; healing, teaching, and training his disciples. He knew he would be crucified on the cross, buried for 3 days, and resurrected. At the very end of this ministry he gave final words to his disciples. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even until the end of the world. Amen.” Mathew 28:18-20 Paul states “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” Ephesians 2:20 Jesus, the chief cornerstone, left instructions to the disciples to build his church upon. Go make disciples of all nations. Are we all expected to be disciples of Christ?

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4  https://christianpure.com/learn/jesus-baptism-journey-distance/

5  https://biblehub.net/searchgreek.php?q=fulfill

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Receiving the Good News after Jesus’ ascension

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     After the ascension of Jesus Christ, I located every example where the disciples share the good news. They all have one thing in common. They are all baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. You will not find one example; supported in the New Testament, where anyone was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

In Acts chapter 2, Peter is preaching the good news to God fearing Jews in Jerusalem. After they heard his message they asked what shall we do. “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38 He first instructed them to repent and be baptized. He then tells them once this is completed, you will receive the gift of Holy Spirit. That same day 3,000 accepted the message and were baptized, adding to their number. 

     In Acts chapter 8, Phillip is preaching to the Samaritans. “But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike.” Acts 8:12 Also in Acts chapter 8 Philip was instructed to go to Gaza. He encounters an Ethiopian eunuch and tells him the good news about Jesus. As soon as the eunuch saw water he said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” Acts 8:36 His question tells us that Philip told him being baptized in water was standing in his way. They were in a desert where water would have been scarce. If baptism was not required, Philip could have told him he was saved by his faith. Does that mean when Phillip told him the good news, he told him he must repent and be baptized in water? 

     In Acts 22 a disciple named Ananias obeys instructions from the Lord to heal Saul of blindness. As soon as Saul regained his sight, Ananias said, “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” Acts 22:16.

     In Acts chapter 10 Peter preached to Cornelius’ house. “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.” Acts 10:44 Peter recognizes they received the Holy Spirit. They taught baptism was to wash away sins to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  He still ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. He did exactly what he was preaching, baptism must take place. This event was unusual; proof of the Holy Spirit coming on them prior to baptism, he still stood firm in his teaching. Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ must take place.

     In Acts 16 Lydia hears Paul and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the words he spoke. She and her household were baptized. Also in Acts 16 the Phillipian jailer asked what must he do to be saved? Paul responded believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. He took them that very hour of the night and immediately baptized him and his household. This event was unusual also; it was late at night. Why didn’t they wait until daybreak?

     In Acts 18 Crispus, his household, and many of the Corinthians heard Pauls message. They believed and were baptized. 

     In Acts 19 Paul encounters disciples when he arrives at Ephesus. He asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” Pay very close attention to this question. This question shows that Paul directly links receiving the Holy Spirit when you believe.  But when does receiving the Holy Spirit take place? When they said they had not even heard there is a Holy Spirit, Paul asked them then what baptism did you receive? As soon as Paul hears their answer he immediately questions them about baptism. Does this question link baptism to receiving the Holy Spirit? When they responded John’s baptism, Paul explained the difference in John’s baptism and the baptism in Jesus’ name. “Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 19:4-5  As soon as Paul learned they had never heard there is a Holy Spirt he acted quickly. He understood the importance. He didn’t just baptize them in the name of Jesus, he clearly explained the difference in the two baptisms. He made sure they knew what was going to take place. If they were clear believers of Jesus Christ, but had not been baptized in the name of Jesus, why was correcting this error so important? This example of correcting the error in baptism reminds me of a similar practices today. The practice of baptizing new believers for an outward show of faith, to show the world that you are a believer. The bible never states this is why baptism must take place, it is not supported in scripture. The practice of baptizing infants by sprinkling in the Catholic Church is another example. There is not one verse found in the 66 books of the Bible to support this practice. This example in Acts 19 teaches not only the importance of baptism, but the importance of baptism supported by the ministry of Jesus Christ. Paul’s very first question is of most importance, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” Paul did not depart from these disciples until he was 100% sure they received the Holy Spirit. He shows how this is accomplished after his questions are answered. In this one example, we learn many lessons. It not only teaches us the importance of baptism on the path to salvation, it teaches us it must be done for the correct reason. If we encounter someone who has been baptized by any other reason than for the remission of sins, in the name of Jesus Christ, to receive the Holy Spirit; should we act quickly, just as Paul did?

     Some believed after hearing God’s word, others late at night, one believed on a road in the desert, some were witnessed to already receiving the Holy Spirit, some were disciples who had even been baptized by John the Baptist. The one thing they all have in common; they were immediately sent to be baptized for the remission of their sins in Jesus’ name to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. There was no waiting for a congregation to witness it, no waiting for the deacons to vote, or whatever reason we have for putting it off. It happened immediately. 

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Receiving the Good News Before Jesus’ Ascension

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     Before Jesus’ ascension they also had one thing in common, they all had a face to face encounter with Jesus Christ himself. The thief on the cross, the tax collector, the paralytic man, the woman who bled for 12 years, the disciples of Jesus; these are just a few examples. John the Baptist said that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Jesus said, “But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” Mathew 9:6 If Jesus had the power to forgive sins, would they need to be baptized? 

     Many say baptism is considered a work, and works aren’t required for salvation. If Jesus said to believe and be baptized in his name for the remission of sin, is that considered a work or a commandment? In an article by Randy Acorn titled “Does Scripture Say Baptism Is Necessary to Be Saved? He elaborately uses many scripture to explain why baptism is not necessary. Near the end he says “Let me finish by saying this: even though baptism is not necessary for salvation, it is certainly necessary for discipleship. It is strongly emphasized in scripture and is a matter of obedience.” His closing statement is “If you know Jesus but haven’t been baptized, by all means you should do so. It’s not optional. Jesus said, “If you love me you’ll keep my commandments.” And no commandment is more basic or central than to be baptized, therefore publicly proclaiming your identity with Jesus first, and His people second.” 6 After proving baptism isn’t necessary at the very end he says it is not optional. He says it is necessary for discipleship. It is a basic commandment of Jesus himself. If you haven’t been baptized you should do so. Did he prove it’s importance after an entire article stating it isn’t necessary?

     In John chapter 3, Jesus told a Pharisee named Nicodemus, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” When Nicodemus asked how this is possible, Jesus replied. “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ This statement by Jesus is very important. It plainly says you are not allowed into the kingdom of God unless you are born again. When does the second birth occur? He states the second birth occurs when we are born of water and the Spirit, that the Spirit gives birth to spirit. Baptism involves water and the disciples taught that after baptism you receive the Holy Spirit. These words came directly out of the mouth of Jesus Christ, choose wisely.

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6  https://www.epm.org/resources/2021/Mar/24/baptism-necessary-saved/

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Baptism Mentioned in Other Places

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     There are many other references of baptism found in the Bible. In Colossians 2 Paul talks about the spiritual fullness of Christ. “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ.” Colossians 2:9-15 While we were dead in our sins and in the uncircumcision of our flesh, Christ circumcises us in baptism. He uses the word flesh, not spirit. It states at the end, this is when God makes us alive.

     In Acts 18 Apollos is presenting the gospel. It states he is very knowledgable of the scriptures and taught about Jesus accurately. It says he only knew of the baptism of John. Aquila and Priscilla heard him and privately explained him the way of God more adequately. If they heard him preaching the baptism of John, would they redirect him to the baptism in Jesus’ name? This reminds me of the example when Paul encounters the disciples at Ephesus who had been baptized by John.

     Pauls letter in 1 Corinthians 10 states the Israelites were baptized into Moses when they passed through the sea. Paul also says “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body- whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free- and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 Can you be apart of the body if you are not baptized by one Spirit? Paul also says “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you were baptized into Christ having clothed yourselves with Christ.” Galations 3:26 Can one be clothed in Christ if they were not baptized into Christ? Jesus tells James and John, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with.” Mark 10:38

   In Ephesians 5:26-27, Paul states: Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,  so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,  that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. Having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word. In baptism we are washed of water by saying the name of Jesus Christ. In Acts 4:8-12; Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people,  if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well,  let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by this name this man stands here before you in good health. He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” 

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Conclusion

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     In conclusion, John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus. He practiced baptizing people for the repentance of sins, not the ritual practice for purity. He also baptized Jesus, this act started Jesus’ earthly ministry. Jesus completed many tasks during his ministry, just as it was foretold by the prophets. Before his ascension into heaven, Jesus gave clear instructions to his disciples; Go make disciples. Acts gives us many examples of the practices of baptism in the early church. They performed baptism in the name of Jesus Christ to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus came to set a perfect example, to show us how to be like him. Jesus doesn’t ask us to do anything he didn’t do himself. The first act God required of Jesus was baptism, to fulfill all righteousness. Does God also require proper baptism to be our first act?

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