Baptism (Greek translation βαπτίζω, which means “to immerse”) is an integral part of Christian beliefs and practices.
The Greek word translated as “baptize” is the verb derived from bapto or baptizo, which means to wash or to immerse.
Most contemporary lexicons say the primary meaning is “to dip, plunge, immerse.”
Merriam-Webster defines it as “a Christian sacrament marked by ritual use of water and admitting the recipient to the Christian community.”
The Origins of Baptism
Baptism, a sacred Christian ritual, originates in ancient Jewish purification rites.
Immersion in water for spiritual cleansing was a daily practice in Jewish culture, and this tradition laid the foundation for the Christian sacrament of Baptism.
The concept of Baptism as a ritual for purification and initiation was not unique to Christianity.
Many ancient religions and cultures practiced some correct form of ceremonial washing or immersion in water as a symbol of spiritual cleansing and rebirth.
In Christianity, Baptism became a central rite symbolizing the washing away of original sin and the beginning of a new life in Christ.
The early Christian church adopted and adapted the practice of Baptism from its Jewish roots, incorporating it into the process of initiation into the Christian community.
As Christianity spread and evolved, the ritual of Baptism took on new meanings and significance, becoming a fundamental sacrament in the life of the early Church.
Therefore, the origins of Baptism can be traced back to the ancient Jewish purification rites and the early Christian community’s adoption and adaptation of these practices.
This sacred ritual continues to hold profound spiritual significance for Christians worldwide.
It symbolizes purification, rebirth, and initiation into the body of Christ.
Beliefs in Christian Baptism
Christian Baptism is how a person makes a public profession of faith and discipleship.
In Baptism, a person says wordlessly, “I confess faith in Christ; Jesus has cleansed my soul from sin, and I now have a new life of sanctification.”
Christian Baptism dramatically illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
At the same time, it also represents our death from sin and new life in Christ.
As the sinner confesses to the Lord Jesus, he dies to sin (Romans 6:11) and is raised to a brand new life (Colossians 2:12).
Although Baptism is a common practice, some minor details still bring the discussion in Christian churches.
Some of these are (1) the time or age at which a believer can be baptized and (2) the method of how it should be conducted.
Early Christian Practices of Baptism
1. Immersion:
In the early Christian church, Baptism was primarily administered through immersion in water.
This practice symbolized the cleansing of sin and the believer’s identification with Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.
Immersion was seen as a powerful representation of spiritual rebirth and renewal, emphasizing the sacrament’s transformative nature.
2. Adult Baptism:
During the early centuries of Christianity, mainly the sixteenth century, such a baptism was the norm.
Individuals who chose to embrace the faith underwent a period of instruction and preparation before being baptized.
This emphasis on Baptism conferred the personal commitment and conscious decision to follow Christ, marking a significant step in the believer’s spiritual journey.
3. Baptismal Regeneration:
Early Christians viewed Baptism as essential for salvation, believing that through the sacrament, individuals were cleansed of sin and born anew in Christ.
This concept of baptismal regeneration underscored the ritual’s transformative power, emphasizing its role in the believer’s spiritual regeneration and incorporation into the body of Christ.
4. Renunciation of Sin:
Before being baptized, candidates were required to renounce sin and profess their faith in Christ.
This public declaration signified a turning away from their former way of life and a wholehearted commitment to following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Renunciation was a crucial aspect of early Christian Baptism, reflecting the believer’s repentance and desire for spiritual transformation.
5. Anointing and Laying on of Hands:
Alongside the act of immersion, early Christian Baptism often involved the anointing of the newly baptized with oil and the laying on of hands by the presiding clergy.
These additional rituals were seen as imparting the gifts of the Holy Spirit and signifying the believer’s incorporation into the wider Christian community.
6. Easter Vigil:
In the early church, Baptism was closely associated with the Easter Vigil, the most significant celebration in the Christian calendar.
Candidates for Baptism would undergo a period of preparation during Lent, culminating in their Baptism during the Easter Vigil, symbolizing their participation in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.
Early Christian baptism practices reflected a deep theological understanding of the sacrament as a transformative and essential rite of initiation into Christianity.
These ancient traditions continue to inform the diverse baptism practices in contemporary Christian denominations, highlighting the enduring significance of this sacred ritual in the life of the Church.
In this article, we will examine these discussions, find common ground among opposing sides, and study the impact of these arguments and their significance for Christians.
The Symbols of Baptism
Christ’s death
Baptism symbolizes Christ’s death (submersion to the water) and resurrection (rising from the water), as seen in Colossians 2:12 and Romans 6:3-4.
Christians believe that the decision to take part in it means a public declaration of their belief that Christ died on the cross for their sin, descended into death, and rose again on the third day.
The Bible teaches that commitment to Christ always precedes Baptism.
In fact, Baptism is your personal testimony of surrendering your life to Christ.
Acts 19:4 and Mark 1:4 also mention that John’s Baptism was a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Submission to Christ
It is also symbolic of believers’ declaration of faith and submission to Christ.
We can see this in the same verse, Acts 8:34-38 when Philip met the Eunuch and shared the Gospel.
The Eunuch declared his belief in Christ (Acts 8:37), and Philip baptized him at the nearby body of water.
Individuals baptized with the Holy Spirit are also “baptized into Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:3).
This received Baptism applies to Jesus’ anointed followers, who will rule with Him in heaven.
By being baptized into Jesus, they become members of His anointed congregation.
He is the Head, and they are the body.
As we go under the water, we reconfirm that our sins are forgiven, and as we come out of the water, we are resurrected to live a new life in Christ.
1 Peter 3:21, “and this water symbolizes Baptism that now saves you also—not removing dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.
It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
A wedding ring reminds us and tells others we belong to someone special.
In the same way, Baptism reminds us and others that we are devoted to Christ and belong to Him.
Baptism represents our personal identification with Christ.
Paul declared in Romans 6:3-4
“We were buried with Christ in baptism, and we are raised to walk in a new life” as forgiven followers of Christ empowered by the Spirit of God.
Jesus Christ’s Example and Great Commission
Jesus’ Baptism
One important event in the New Testament is Jesus’ Baptism at the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13-17).
Before the start of Jesus’ ministry, Jesus went to John the Baptist to be baptized.
John followed Jesus and baptized Him, although he had some hesitations.
After John’s Baptism, heaven opened, and a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17).
What is the significance of Jesus’ Baptism?
Jesus’ Baptism at the Jordan River showed an act of submission to the Father’s will.
The Great Commission
“Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15)
This illustrates Christ’s earnest devotion to obeying the Father.
What relevance does this have for Christians?
It reminds them to obey God’s commands faithfully.
One of these commandments is written in Matthew 28:19-20, known as the Great Commission.
“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 everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Jesus commanded Christians to make disciples.
Part of making disciples is baptizing them and teaching them to obey Jesus’ teachings and commandments written in the Bible.
Since Christian churches desire to follow Christ, they make disciples, teach God’s word, and baptize believers.
In the waters of Baptism, a person says wordlessly, “I confess faith in Christ; Jesus has cleansed my soul from sin, and I now have a new life of sanctification.”
Baptism allows us to demonstrate our connection with Jesus and with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
We’re all members of one body under the authority of the same Lord.
But it’s important to remember that Ephesians 2:8-9 says faith in Jesus Christ is the only requirement for salvation, not Baptism.
However, to fulfill His command, we must be baptized after we decide to accept Him into our lives.
Ongoing Dialogues About Baptism
Baptism symbolizes Christ’s death and resurrection for Christians and their faith and submission to Christ.
Jesus’s Baptism in the Jordan River is an example of following God’s will.
Obeying the Great Commission, which also includes the Baptism of disciples, is a big challenge for Christians.
We are “born again” through Baptism and made new creatures in Christ; our sins are forgiven.
From the passage Acts 22:16, “And now what are you waiting for?
Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on his name.”
We become members of the body of Christ, the Church.
We receive the Holy Spirit; we are saved.
Let us discuss two pressing issues for Christian churches – age and method of Baptism.
When Should One Be Baptized?
The Bible does not definitively answer the question of when one should be baptized.
It outlines some general principles, but no one-size-fits-all answer to the specific question exists.
Ultimately, the age at which a person is baptized depends on their own decision and on their parents’ guidance.
There are two competing ideas about the right age for Baptism.
One group emphasizes the baptizing of infants is part of a covenant.
Another group advocates it as an informed individual decision by an adult believer.
Infant Baptism
Kevin DeYoung noted in his article A Brief Defense of Infant Baptism that contrary to others’ belief that some Christians baptize infants out of superstitions, some churches, like the Catholic Church, practice infant baptism because they believe it is part of the covenant.
Catholic.com elaborated that even if nothing else was said in Scripture implying infant baptism, we could conclude it to be necessary just from this simple fact: babies need to have original sin removed from their souls.
St. Paul, being a Jew, and all of the apostles understood the idea that true religion is a family affair.
A Jew became a Jew when he was circumcised on the eighth day after his birth.
They did not have to first “accept Moses as their personal prophet” before they could be circumcised.
According to the apostle Paul, Baptism is the fulfillment of circumcision:
In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of flesh in the circumcision of Christ. . . . You were buried with him in Baptism (Col. 2:11-12).
For some churches, the modern-day equivalent of this is infant baptism.
Note that churches only allow infants to be baptized if the child’s parents are Christians, also known as sacramental Baptism in Catholic church history.
St. Augustine recognizes infant baptism as a “tradition received from the apostles.”
This can be seen in Acts 2:38-39 when Peter addresses the crowd, saying:
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
For the promise is to you and your children and to all far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.”
What does the Bible say about infant Baptism or christening?
The Bible does not mention the terms “christen” or “christening,” nor does it teach that infants should be baptized.
Infant baptism is not compatible with the Scriptures.
The Bible teaches that a person who wants to get baptized must meet certain requirements.
For example, he should understand at least the basic teachings of God’s Word and be living in harmony with those teachings.
He should have repented of his sins.
In the gospel message, we find a close association between Baptism and circumcision.
In Galatians 3:27-28, apostle Paul says:
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
There is neither Jew nor Greek.
There is neither slave nor free; there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Apostle Paul pointed out that Baptism is more inclusive than its Old Testament antecedent.
You had to be a free male Jew to be circumcised.
When were males generally circumcised in the Old Testament, by the way?
Eight days after birth (Genesis 17:12).
The point of Apostle Paul is that in the New Testament, Baptism is open to all.
Of course, babies would be included.
This idea of Baptism as the circumcision of Christ, therefore opening up the legitimacy of infant baptism, is at least implied in other biblical texts as well.
You’ll recall that on Pentecost, Peter preached to thousands of Jews, who already had an understanding of their faith involving a family covenant, and said,
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. . . .
For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are far off, everyone whom the Lord calls to him” (Acts 2:38-39).
Adult Baptism
This, sometimes called believer’s Baptism, is common in Christian churches.
Proponents argue that one should decide to follow Christ before being baptized.
To make this decision, an individual should understand the gravity of one’s sin, the need for a Savior, the fact that Jesus is the only way to be saved, and the need to receive Christ in one’s life.
Believer’s baptism proponents argue that an infant cannot make a conscious decision to follow Christ and that infants do not carry their parents’ faith.
The apostle Paul addressed this in 1 Corinthians 1:13–16:
“Is Christ divided?
Was Paul crucified for you?
Were you baptized in the name of Paul?
I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized in my name.
(Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.)”
Advocates of believer’s Baptism also pointed out that infant baptism should not be considered similar to circumcision, which is the practice of Israelites in the Old Testament.
As modeled in Matthew 3 and Acts 8:26-38, Baptism involves confession of one’s sin, which infants are incapable of doing, and declaration of belief in Jesus Christ, as seen in Acts 8:37.
Common Ground
There is no one age that’s considered the “right” age for Baptism since it’s a personal choice for the individual.
Given that, many parents and churches prefer to wait until the age of accountability (usually considered anywhere from eight to thirteen, depending on the individual and their level of maturity) so that the individual can decide to follow Jesus with a clear understanding of what it means.
It’s not so much the age of Baptism that matters as the transformation that transpires in a person’s life when they dedicate their eternal life to the Lord Jesus.
Whether as an infant, in the trusting arms of faithful parents, or as an adult, with a conscious, firm declaration of faith—it’s a step towards becoming part of the Kingdom of God.
Though there may be differences in interpretation, all followers of Jesus Christ can agree on Baptism’s sanctity and significance.
It is indeed a powerful testament to God’s promise and our new eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Amid these varying perspectives on infant and believer’s Baptism, the heart of the matter is the personal relationship each of us cultivates with our Savior, Jesus Christ.
How Should One Be Baptized?
Baptism is important, but the New Testament provides very little instruction.
There is no “how-to” manual, and perhaps this is why there are many different views on Baptism.
As a result, there was no uniform or consistent mode of Baptism in the ancient church before the fourth century.
In some churches, the parish priest or the royal priesthood sprinkle or pour water over the head, while others have the lay person or ordinary minister immerse the whole body in water.
This is commonly known as water baptism.
Some immerse three times, while others immerse only once; some immerse backward, and others forward, that is, face first.
Again, the word baptism does not mean “sprinkle or “pour.”
The Greek word translated “baptidzo” literally means to “dip” or to “immerse.”
Throughout the years, Baptism by immersion has taken several forms.
Sprinkling and Pouring
Sprinkling (aspersion) and pouring (affusion) are less popular ways of water baptism in Christianity.
While both are used in Roman Catholicism or the Roman Catholic church as a way of Baptism, it is contested in some Christian circles.
Advocates of sprinkling and pouring point out two instances where Baptism by immersion is impractical.
- When a candidate has a medical condition, such as those tracheostomies, immersion is impossible.
- It is impractical when a candidate lives in areas with scarce water resources.
According to an article at https://strivingfortruth.com/, sprinkling or pouring Baptism was so commonly associated with bedridden ill people that it became known as “baptism of the sick.”
That name indicates that the normal practice of Baptism in church history was immersion.
With the high infant mortality rate in the early centuries, the concept of baptizing babies as soon as possible came into vogue.
Since it is not necessarily good to push baby heads underwater, the idea of sprinkling took hold.
Again, the word baptism does not mean “sprinkle or “pour.”
The Greek word “baptize” literally means to “dip” or to “immerse.”
The vast majority of baptisms in the early centuries were immersion.
However, when someone couldn’t be immersed, Baptism by aspersion (sprinkling) or affusion (pouring) was used instead.
Apparently, prisoners and those bedridden due to illness were “aspersed” or “affused” with water even in the early centuries.
In both instances, Baptism by sprinkling or pouring is acceptable.
Water baptism is symbolic of Spirit baptism.
It is a visible symbol of the unseen spiritual reality that applies Jesus’s saving work to our souls.
Full Immersion
Those who argue that it should only be done by immersion use Matthew 3 (Jesus’s Baptism) and Acts 8:34-38 (Baptism of Eunuch by Philip) to defend their argument.
Immersion advocates highlight how Christ’s death and resurrection can only be established through immersion.
Moreover, the very Greek translation is βαπτίζω which means “to immerse” supports their claim.
No passage in the New Testament speaks of Baptism that does not allow for or require immersion in water.
One example is John 3:23: “Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized.”
If sprinkling or pouring were in view, John’s Baptism could have been done anywhere with a well or even the tiniest stream—”plenty of water” would not have been necessary.
Beyond immersion, the Bible does not say if immersion is forward, backward, or straight down.
The most common understanding is single immersion because triple immersion is never mentioned in Scripture.
Those who immerse three times do it because Baptism is in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—emphasizing the three Persons of the Trinity.
The command to be properly baptized does not imply anything other than single immersion.
If triple immersion were the only proper method, we would expect that it would have been clearly articulated.
Furthermore, Matthew 28:19 uses one Lord, one body, one spirit, and one God, which emphasizes such unity in the Trinity.
In the end, triple immersion would seem to be an allowable, although not required, way to baptize.
Baptismal Regeneration
Baptismal regeneration is the belief that Baptism is necessary for salvation or, more precisely, that regeneration does not occur until a person is water-baptized.
Although numerous Christian denominations tenet baptismal regeneration, it is most strenuously promoted by churches in the Restoration Movement, specifically the Church of Christ and the International Church of Christ.
Advocates of baptismal regeneration point to Scripture verses such as Mark 16:16, John 3:5, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Galatians 3:27, and 1 Peter 3:21 for biblical support.
Granted that those verses seem to indicate that Baptism is necessary for salvation.
Advocates of baptismal regeneration typically have a four-part formula for how salvation is received.
They believe that a person must believe, repent, confess, and be baptized in order to be saved.
They believe this way because biblical passages indicate that each action is necessary for salvation.
For example, Romans 10:9–10 links salvation with confession, and Acts 2:38 links salvation with repentance and Baptism.
Ecumenical Dialogues
Also called interdenominationalism or ecumenicalism, it is the concept and principle that Christians who belong to different Christian denominations should work together to develop closer relationships among their churches and promote Christian unity.
Thus, the adjective ecumenical is applied to any non-denominational initiative that encourages greater cooperation and union among Christian denominations and churches.
The fact that all Christians belonging to mainstream Christian denominations profess faith in Jesus believe that the Bible is inspired by God (John 1:1), and receive one Baptism according to the Trinitarian formula is seen as a basis for ecumenism and its goal of Christianity unity.
Ecumenists cite John 17:20–23 as the biblical basis for striving for church unity.
In this passage, Jesus prays that “may all be one” in order “that the world may know” and believe the Gospel message.
In recent years, efforts toward ecumenical dialogue have fostered discussions among different Christian denominations about one Baptism.
These dialogues aim to find common ground on theological understandings of Baptism and address differences in practice and interpretation.
Theological and Cultural Contexts
The historical and cultural disparities between christening and Baptism are rooted in the diverse practices and beliefs that have evolved within the Christian tradition over centuries.
Theological interpretations, regional customs, and historical developments within various Christian denominations influence these differences.
Common Ground
While debates regarding the “biblical” way of Baptism are still unresolved, both parties agree that faith in Jesus Christ is more important than the mode of Baptism and that Baptism does not affect salvation.
The forms and rituals of the various Christian churches may vary.
Still, Baptism almost invariably involves water and the baptismal formula,
“I baptize you: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Despite the various debates surrounding Baptism within different Christian churches, several facts unite believers:
Sacred Symbolism
Across denominations, there is a shared recognition of the sacred symbolism inherent in Baptism.
It is viewed as a visible sign of initiation into the Christian faith, representing spiritual cleansing, rebirth, and incorporation into the body of Christ.
Scriptural Foundation
While interpretations may differ, Baptism is grounded in biblical teachings and narratives, particularly in the New Testament.
Christians generally agree on the importance of passages such as Matthew 28:19-20, which instructs believers to baptize disciples in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Significance of the Trinitarian Formula
The baptismal formula—invoking the names of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is significant across denominations.
It underscores faith and belief in God’s triune nature and the communal aspect of Baptism within the Christian community.
Spiritual Transformation
Regardless of the mode or timing of Baptism, there is a common understanding that it signifies a spiritual transformation in the new life of the believer.
Whether it is viewed as a sacrament or an ordinance, Baptism is seen as a means of grace through which individuals experience forgiveness of sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Commitment to Faith
Baptism is universally regarded as a public declaration of one’s commitment to follow Jesus Christ.
Whether it occurs in infancy or adulthood, believers see Baptism as a visible expression of their faith and allegiance to Christ and his teachings.
While debates may arise over specific aspects of Baptism, these common grounds serve as foundational principles that unite Christians in their understanding and practice of this sacred sacrament.
Conclusion
While there are unresolved issues regarding Baptism, this does not erase the importance of this practice—declaring one’s union in Christ.
Therefore, Christians practice it as Jesus Christ commands in the Great Commission.
Rather than focusing on the nitty-gritty issues surrounding Baptism, Christians should focus more on the meaning behind it—that Jesus died for the world.
At the same time, we were yet sinners to demonstrate His love, the need for a Saviour to save people from their sins, and Christ’s victory over death and sins.
In Baptism, the Holy Ghost moves us to answer Jesus Christ’s call to holiness.
We are asked to walk by the light of Christ and have faith and trust in His wisdom.
We are invited to submit our hearts to Jesus Christ with ever-deeper love.
For those who choose to follow Jesus, accepting Christ brings freedom from the slavery of sin.
This is due to God’s gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus.
It is not due to their practices, rituals, or efforts to comply with the current church and societal norms.
Despite these differences, common grounds unite Christians in their understanding of Baptism.
It is a sacred physical act that signifies a believer’s identification with Christ’s death and resurrection, the forgiveness of sins, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
It marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith and discipleship within the Christian community.
In conclusion, Baptism serves as a visible expression of spiritual truths shared among Christians worldwide.
While interpretations and practices may vary, its core significance remains steadfast as a symbol of initiation, purification, and commitment to the Christian faith.
