Baptism
In Matthew 28:19 (NIV), Jesus said, "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."
All believers should be baptized but there is a lot of confusion on the topic. The following quote, by Millard Erickson, explains baptism very well.
“Baptism is, then, an act of faith, and a testimony that one has been united with Christ in His death and resurrection, that one has experienced spiritual circumcision. It is a public indication of one’s commitment to Christ.”
Sometimes in the Old Testament, external cleansing symbolized internal repentance. By Jesus’ time, water baptism had become associated with repentance and conversion, which is why John was baptizing people (Mark 1:4).
In Matthew 3, Jesus was baptized; not because he was a sinner, but to give us an example to follow and as a way of symbolizing the beginning of His ministry.
Believers should follow Jesus’ command to be baptized and His example of baptism. We also must remember that we are not saved through baptism; baptism is symbolic of what Jesus has done in a believer’s life.
Ephesians 2:8-9 - "it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast."
No work, including baptism, can save us. Salvation is a gift God gives that we receive through faith.
There are a few confusing passages on this topic. We should remember to read those in the context of Scripture. Always read confusing verses through the lens of clear ones, not the other way around. Since there are many verses that reiterate that salvation is by grace and through faith, we can be confident no other verse will say works, like baptism, will save us.
Please check out this link if you want more concerning some of the confusing passages.
Salvation is by grace, through faith, not by works. Baptism won't save you. Remember the thief on the cross in Luke 23:42-43? He was never baptized but Jesus promised him salvation when he called out to Him. Baptism won't save you but we should still follow Christ's example and command in baptism.
Who should be baptized?
All believers who have trusted in Christ. Obviously, infants haven't yet trusted in Christ and shouldn't be baptized. There is no evidence of infant baptism in Scripture.
When should you be baptized?
Why wait? Talk to your pastor or a Christian leader and tell them you'd like to be baptized.
How should you be baptized?
By immersion. The Greek word implies this and it was the practice in the early church.
We should be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Of course, that includes Jesus (Acts 2:38). You shouldn't worry too much about the wording though. This is not an incantation. It is simply a public identification with Jesus that symbolizes your death to your old way of living and your new life in Christ.
Where should you be baptized?
Wherever you have water, willingness, and witnesses. Acts 8 is a good example of this.
In Matthew 28:19 (NIV), Jesus said, "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."
All believers should be baptized but there is a lot of confusion on the topic. The following quote, by Millard Erickson, explains baptism very well.
“Baptism is, then, an act of faith, and a testimony that one has been united with Christ in His death and resurrection, that one has experienced spiritual circumcision. It is a public indication of one’s commitment to Christ.”
Sometimes in the Old Testament, external cleansing symbolized internal repentance. By Jesus’ time, water baptism had become associated with repentance and conversion, which is why John was baptizing people (Mark 1:4).
In Matthew 3, Jesus was baptized; not because he was a sinner, but to give us an example to follow and as a way of symbolizing the beginning of His ministry.
Believers should follow Jesus’ command to be baptized and His example of baptism. We also must remember that we are not saved through baptism; baptism is symbolic of what Jesus has done in a believer’s life.
Ephesians 2:8-9 - "it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast."
No work, including baptism, can save us. Salvation is a gift God gives that we receive through faith.
There are a few confusing passages on this topic. We should remember to read those in the context of Scripture. Always read confusing verses through the lens of clear ones, not the other way around. Since there are many verses that reiterate that salvation is by grace and through faith, we can be confident no other verse will say works, like baptism, will save us.
Please check out this link if you want more concerning some of the confusing passages.
Salvation is by grace, through faith, not by works. Baptism won't save you. Remember the thief on the cross in Luke 23:42-43? He was never baptized but Jesus promised him salvation when he called out to Him. Baptism won't save you but we should still follow Christ's example and command in baptism.
Who should be baptized?
All believers who have trusted in Christ. Obviously, infants haven't yet trusted in Christ and shouldn't be baptized. There is no evidence of infant baptism in Scripture.
When should you be baptized?
Why wait? Talk to your pastor or a Christian leader and tell them you'd like to be baptized.
How should you be baptized?
By immersion. The Greek word implies this and it was the practice in the early church.
We should be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Of course, that includes Jesus (Acts 2:38). You shouldn't worry too much about the wording though. This is not an incantation. It is simply a public identification with Jesus that symbolizes your death to your old way of living and your new life in Christ.
Where should you be baptized?
Wherever you have water, willingness, and witnesses. Acts 8 is a good example of this.
Here's a short video that we think will encourage you!
