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◄ Being Baptized►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Significance

Baptism is a Christian sacrament and ordinance that signifies the believer's faith in Jesus Christ, symbolizing purification, regeneration, and admission into the Christian community. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation, representing the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The practice of baptism is rooted in the New Testament, where it is presented as an essential step in the life of a believer. John the Baptist, a forerunner to Christ, emphasized the importance of repentance and baptized many in the Jordan River as a sign of their commitment to a new way of life (Matthew 3:1-6). Jesus Himself was baptized by John, marking the beginning of His public ministry (Matthew 3:13-17). This event is significant as it demonstrates Jesus' identification with humanity and His endorsement of baptism as a divine ordinance.

The Great Commission

Jesus commanded His disciples to baptize new believers as part of the Great Commission. InMatthew 28:19-20 , He instructed, "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, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This directive underscores the importance of baptism in the process of discipleship and the spread of the Gospel.

Theological Implications

Baptism is more than a mere ritual; it holds deep theological significance. It symbolizes the washing away of sins and the believer's new life in Christ. InRomans 6:3-4 , the Apostle Paul explains, "Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life." This passage highlights the transformative power of baptism, as it unites the believer with Christ's redemptive work.

Modes and Practices

While the mode of baptism can vary among Christian denominations, the most common forms include immersion, pouring, and sprinkling. Immersion, which involves the complete submersion of the individual in water, is often seen as the most biblically faithful representation of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. However, the essential element is the believer's faith and repentance, rather than the specific method of baptism.

Infant vs. Believer's Baptism

The practice of infant baptism is observed in many Christian traditions, signifying the inclusion of children in the covenant community. Proponents argue that it parallels the Old Testament practice of circumcision as a sign of the covenant (Colossians 2:11-12). Conversely, believer's baptism, which is practiced by many evangelical denominations, emphasizes the individual's personal confession of faith and decision to follow Christ, as seen in the accounts of baptisms in the Book of Acts (Acts 2:38, 8:36-38).

Conclusion

Baptism remains a vital and sacred practice within Christianity, serving as a public declaration of faith and a means of grace. It is a profound expression of the believer's union with Christ and commitment to live according to His teachings.

Topical Bible Verses

Acts 2:38
Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
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Galatians 3:27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
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Acts 22:16
And now why tarry you? arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
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Library

Another Objection: Abraham Pleased God WithoutBeing Baptized...
... Chapter XIII."Another Objection: Abraham Pleased God WithoutBeing Baptized Answer
Thereto. Old Things Must Give Place to New, and Baptism is Now a Law....

Articles xiii and xiv Original Sin Will Condemn no Man.
... these words: "If you wish to be a Catholic, be unwilling to believe, declare, or
teach, that infants who are prevented by death frombeing baptized, can attain...

Note
... of South India, and I entirely endorse Miss Carmichael's views as to the actual
risks run by students and others desirous of breaking caste andbeing baptized....

Laurentius,Being About to Follow Mellitus and Justus, and to Quit...
... was greatly afraid; and abjuring the worship of idols, and renouncing his unlawful
marriage, he received the faith of Christ, andbeing baptized, promoted and...

JesusBaptized by John in the Jordan.
... Moreover, it should be noted that this protest of John's needed to be made, for
it saved Jesus frombeing baptized without explanation, as if he were a sinner....

Of the Baptism of Infants when There is Some Doubt of theirBeing...
... The Sixth Ecumenical Council. Canon LXXII. (Greek lxxv.) Of the baptism of infants
when there is some doubt of theirbeing alreadybaptized....

In Baptism, which is the Similitude of the Death and Resurrection...
...baptized into the death of Christ proves that we are dead to sin, it follows that
even infants who arebaptized into Christ die to sin,being baptized into His...

Things Omitted from John's Gospel.
... Mark refers to the Lord Jesusbeing baptized by his forerunner, and Matthew
and Luke each describe at length the attendant circumstances....

Thoughts Upon Christian Education.
... as People of all Nations are capable ofbeing made his Disciples, so none now are,
nor ever can be made so any other way, than bybeing baptized according to...

How the West Saxons Received the Word of God by the Preaching of...
... the Gospel in the aforesaid province, it happened that when the king himself, having
received instruction as a catechumen, wasbeing baptized together with his...