Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and OriginBaptism is a Christian sacrament of initiation and purification, symbolizing the believer's faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The term "baptism" is derived from the Greek word "baptizo," meaning "to immerse" or "to dip." This practice is rooted in the ministry of John the Baptist, who called for repentance and baptized individuals in the Jordan River as a sign of their commitment to a new way of life (
Matthew 3:1-6).
Old Testament ForeshadowingWhile the explicit practice of baptism is not found in the Old Testament, several rituals and events foreshadow its significance. The ceremonial washings prescribed in the Mosaic Law (
Leviticus 16:4, 24) and the crossing of the Red Sea (
Exodus 14:21-22) are seen as types of baptism, symbolizing purification and deliverance.
John the BaptistJohn the Baptist is a pivotal figure in the New Testament, known for his role in preparing the way for Jesus Christ. He preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (
Mark 1:4). John's baptism was a precursor to Christian baptism, emphasizing the need for repentance and the coming of the Messiah.
Jesus' BaptismJesus Himself was baptized by John in the Jordan River, marking the beginning of His public ministry (
Matthew 3:13-17). This event is significant as it demonstrated Jesus' identification with humanity and His endorsement of John's ministry. The descent of the Holy Spirit and the voice from heaven affirmed Jesus' divine sonship.
The Great CommissionBefore His ascension, Jesus commanded His disciples to baptize believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (
Matthew 28:19). This directive, known as the Great Commission, underscores the importance of baptism in the life of the Church and its role in making disciples.
The Apostolic PracticeThe early Church followed Jesus' command, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles. On the day of Pentecost, Peter called for repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, resulting in about three thousand baptisms (
Acts 2:38-41). Baptism was consistently practiced as an integral part of conversion and entry into the Christian community (
Acts 8:12, 10:47-48, 16:31-33).
Theological SignificanceBaptism is a profound theological act, symbolizing the believer's union with Christ in His death and resurrection. The Apostle Paul explains that through baptism, believers are buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life (
Romans 6:3-4). It signifies the washing away of sins (
Acts 22:16) and the believer's incorporation into the body of Christ (
1 Corinthians 12:13).
Modes and ControversiesThroughout Christian history, various modes of baptism have been practiced, including immersion, pouring, and sprinkling. While immersion is often seen as the most biblically faithful mode, reflecting the original meaning of "baptizo," other traditions have developed based on theological and practical considerations. Debates have also arisen regarding the subjects of baptism, particularly the practice of infant baptism versus believer's baptism.
ConclusionBaptism remains a central and sacred rite within Christianity, symbolizing the believer's faith, repentance, and new life in Christ. It serves as a public declaration of allegiance to Jesus and a means of grace, marking the believer's entry into the covenant community of the Church.
Library
The TwoBaptisms
... XXVIII THE TWOBAPTISMS. Luke iii.16.... It is illuminating, kindling, the work of
the Holy Ghost. One of thesebaptisms prepares for the other....
Baptisms.
... Homily III. Chapter LXXIII."Baptisms. And having thus spoken, he afterwards
said: "Whoever of you wish to be baptized, begin from...
Cassius of Macomades Said: "Since There Cannot be TwoBaptisms...
... Book VI. Chapter 29. " 55. Cassius of Macomades said: "Since there
cannot be twobaptisms? "55. Cassius of Macomades [1695...
Hortensianus of Lares Said: "How ManyBaptisms There Are...
... Book VI. Chapter 28. " 53. Hortensianus of Lares said: "How manybaptisms
there are? "53. Hortensianus of Lares [1691] said...
Whether Three Kinds of Baptism are Fittingly Described ---viz....
... Therefore there should not be threeBaptisms.... Therefore we should not reckon two
otherBaptisms. Objection 3: Further, Damascene (De Fide Orth....
Conclusion.
... Ghost. "He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire," not as some imagine,
I think erroneously, that there are to be twobaptisms, first that of the Holy...
American Baptist Board of Foreign Missions.
... stations and out-stations, sixteen; missionaries and assistant missionaries,
twenty-eight; native assistants, ten; churches, sixteen;baptisms reported the...
Whether the Baptism of Blood is the Most Excellent of These?
... On the contrary, Augustine (Ad Fortunatum) speaking of the comparison betweenBaptisms
says: "The newly baptized confesses his faith in the presence of the...
A Passage Quoted by the Heretics against Repentance is Explained...
... But Christ was crucified once, and died to sin once, and so there is but
one, not severalbaptisms. 11. But what of the passage...
Hebrews vi. 3-Jan
... 2863] let us go on unto perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance
from dead works, and of faith toward God; of the doctrine ofbaptisms, and of...
Thesaurus
Baptisms (4 Occurrences)...Baptisms (4 Occurrences).
... Hebrews 6:2 of the teaching of
baptisms, of laying on
of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
...Lutheran
... baptism of John and of the disciples of Christ prior to the Day of Pentecost, and
the Christian sacrament of baptism, are literalbaptisms (baptismus fluminis...
Nonimmersionist
... We are told (John 4:1, 2) that, although Jesus Himself did not baptize, His disciples
did, and that theirbaptisms were more numerous than those of John....
Non-immersionist
... We are told (John 4:1, 2) that, although Jesus Himself did not baptize, His disciples
did, and that theirbaptisms were more numerous than those of John....
View (86 Occurrences)
... We are told (John 4:1, 2) that, although Jesus Himself did not baptize, His disciples
did, and that theirbaptisms were more numerous than those of John....
Holy (1097 Occurrences)
... receive: for the Spirit was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified."
These are the specific references in the four Gospels to thebaptisms of the...
Spirit (706 Occurrences)
... receive: for the Spirit was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified."
These are the specific references in the four Gospels to thebaptisms of the...
Doctrine (52 Occurrences)
... baptism of John and of the disciples of Christ prior to the Day of Pentecost, and
the Christian sacrament of baptism, are literalbaptisms (baptismus fluminis...
Baptismal (1 Occurrence)
... Confirmation is, in a sense, the completion of baptism. "The doctrine of laying
on of hands" is accordingly connected with "the doctrine ofbaptisms," and both...
Interpretation (45 Occurrences)
... occur, though the latter is not used in the New Testament of the ordinance of baptism
except by implication (Hebrews 6:2, "the teaching ofbaptisms") where the...
Resources
What are the seven baptisms mentioned in the Bible, and what do they mean? | GotQuestions.orgWho is permitted to baptize / perform baptisms? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Christianization? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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