THE NEED FOR BAPTISM

Suggested reading: Acts 2:37-47; Psalm 51; Psalm 103; Psalm 119:1-16; Acts 10:34-43

It is necessary that we appreciate that the Bible has it’s own unique terminology to express some exclusive concepts. One such example is how ‘baptism’ is introduced in the New Testament as the means by which the believer is to be connected with the sacrifice and life of the Lord Jesus Christ. THE MEANING OF BAPTISM in the Bible is best described as immersion. The Greek word “baptiso” is to dip, plunge, or to make fully wet. The act of Baptism depicts a transformation from our old way of unbelief into a ‘new man’. All examples of baptism in the New Testament are clearly full immersion. It is not to be confused with ‘sprinkling’. It’s full meaning will become evident toward the end of this series, but we present the key points here to provide a foundation with some context which will help us appreciate the fullness of this ritual that is a cornerstone of belief for the saints in Christ.

THE NEED FOR BAPTISM:

• Baptism is instituted by John the Baptist: Mark 1:4; Matthew 3:8,15
  
• It is pronounced by Jesus as essential for salvation: Mark 16:16, Acts 8:38
• It provides the means for a ‘covering’ of sin: Galatians 3:27
• It also stipulates how we receive forgiveness of and washing away our sins: Colossians 2:12-14
• Baptism brings us into covenant relationship with God. Ephesians 2:12
• Baptism is figurative of death and burial of our ‘old’ self: Romans 6:3-5
• Also symbolic of resurrection and rebirth into a ‘new’ life: John 3:5-6

THE VERY ACT OF BAPTISM HIGHLIGHTS ITS SIGNIFICANCE and is referred to as a ‘burial’. Please take a moment and read all Romans 6 which provides a detailed explanation of the importance of baptism with comparing it to burial, dead to sin, baptised into Christ, resurrected (as Jesus) to a new life, all of which highlight the sacredness of the act. Once the believer is awakend to the power of the gospel message, he is ‘pricked in his heart’ (cp Acts 2:37) and realizes a need to change. Baptism is the outward demonstration of what has changed within. Baptism declares a deliberate choice to follow Jesus. The old man, ie. our old way of living, is put to death, and the new ‘resurrected’ man begins his life in Christ. Note some of the key points:

• We become associated with Jesus by being ‘planted together’ in the likeness of his death! Rom. 6:4,5
• This results in being in the likeness of his resurrection: Rom. 6:5.
• The ‘old man’ is crucified (dies) with him: IE the body of sin must be destroyed: Rom. 6:6
• This ‘new man’ walks with a renewed and transformed life. Rom. 6:4 & Rom. 12:2
• Baptism covers sin by putting on Christ: Gal. 3:27 Compare this to Adam & Eve being covered with skins.
• This ‘new man’ henceforth no longer serves sin. Rom. 6:6, 22

THERE ARE TWO KEY REQUIREMENTS FOR BAPTISM

1. Belief of the gospel/truth: Romans 1:16, Acts 8:12 The scriptural significance of Baptism does not allow for the baptism of those without the ability to believe. Therefore, baptism is not for babies. It can only be effective when an ‘enlightened’ individual makes an informed decision to follow God and his son Jesus Christ. Scriptures provide no examples of children or any without understanding as being baptized. A pricked conscience and a confession of faith is necessary. Acts 2:38; Matthew 3:2; 4:17
   
2. Repentance: (a ‘reversal of direction’) Our responsibility to God is founded upon understanding! Understanding brings realization: “What must we do to be saved?” Acts 2:37. A decision needs to be made: should we continue on as we always have (the old man) or do we repent and change our heart to the ‘new man in Christ’? Baptism is fulfilling all righteousness just as Jesus demonstrated. It is a public confession of the realization that we need God and want salvation as offered in Jesus. This is evidenced in this one act of obeying the gospel. Many people hear the truth, but few accept it. Baptism declares that we choose to obey God. Matthew 3:7-8.