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. 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 MEANING OF BAPTISM in the Bible is immersion. The Greek word, “baptiso” = to dip, plunge, or to make fully wet. In the words of the Strongs Concordance: “The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B.C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be dipped (bapto) into boiling water and then baptised (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptising the vegetable, produces a permanent change.” ((Bible Study Magazine, James Montgomery Boice, May 1989). Baptism depicts a transformation from our old way of unbelief into a ‘new man’. It is not be confused with ‘sprinkling’.

THE VERY ACT OF BAPTISM HIGHLIGHTS ITS SIGNIFICANCE by relating it to a ‘burial’, Romans 6 provides a complete explanation which highlights it’s importance. (Please take a minute to read the whole chapter.) Upon realization of the power of the gospel message, there follows a natural desire to change one’s way of life. Baptism is the outward demonstration of what has changed within. We publicly are declaring our desire to follow Jesus. The old man is put to death, and the ‘resurrected’ man begins his new ‘life in Christ.

• 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.