SURVEY
OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE
by Andrew Corbett
Chapter 29
WATER BAPTISM
We begin a three part series on sacraments with the doctrine of water baptism by full immersion. Webster's dictionary defines a sacrament as a sacred ceremony conducted by the church. We understand a sacrament to be something instituted by God with real and symbolic consequences. Water baptism is in this category. It is a ceremony that the church has conducted since its inception. Some see little relevance to it today, while others say that salvation is impossible without it. In almost every era of the Church it has brought some form of controversy. We will examine history to observe its past function but look exclusively to the Word of God for our final basis of our beliefs.
1. What was the particular divisive issue that Paul addressed in 1Corinthians 1:13-15, and why?
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2. What are listed among the elementary teachings of Hebrews 6:1? (Note the order)
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DEFINITION OF BAPTISM
The Greek word for baptism is baptizo. In every instance of its use in the New Testament and classical Greek literature, it meant to fully immerse or plunge under. Although the Greek language has changed to its modern form, the word for baptise still means to fully immerse. It was the word used by Greeks to describe a ship that had sunk!
3. How does the incident of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:36 suggest a type of baptism practised by the early Church?
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CHRISTIAN ORIGINS
4. What is the first occasion in the New Testament that we read of water baptism? (What sort of baptism was it?)
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5. What were the disciples of Jesus doing in John 3:22 and how was it different?
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From the Dead Sea Scrolls discoveries made at Qumran, archaeologists have found that the Jewish sect living there practised water baptism as an initiation rite into their community. Water baptism didn't start with Christians! There is evidence to suggest that it had been around for a long time as an outward display of inward change.
From the records of the second century church we read that water baptism was a regular part of Christian initiation. Hermes (100-140 A.D.) taught that baptism was the very foundation of the Church. Justin said that baptism brought salvation and illumination. The issue of infant baptism wasn't raised until 185A.D. by Irenaeus, who made a fleeting reference to it. We know that the Church had developed a formal ceremony for baptism where the candidate would have to recite a creed as a declaration of their faith before being dunked three times (once for each member of the Trinity).
MODERN CONCEPTS OF WATER BAPTISM
Listed below are the main points of view with those who hold them-
Non-practising - this includes the Salvation Army and the Quakers. They believe that the grace of God does not require any ceremonies such as baptism in water. They see the Christian baptism as one in the Holy Spirit only.
Roman Catholic- they believe that baptism does away with a person's sin and guarantees them salvation regardless of their commitment (or lack of it) to the Lord.
Protestants- teach that faith and repentance is necessary to accompany water baptism, although a child may be baptised on the basis of the parents faith.
Baptists- emphasize the importance of baptism, faith and repentance. They hold strongly to baptism by immersion, while other protestants allow sprinkling or pouring.
SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTISM
6. Why is Matthew 28:19-20 significant regarding baptism?
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7. What did Peter preach in Acts 2:37-38?
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Water baptism played a major role in gospel proclamation amongst the early believers. It was obviously something more than just symbolic. In a mysterious way it brought a unique blessing from God to the one baptised.
8. How does Romans 6:4 portray water baptism?
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One of the most significant aspects of baptism is the picture of dying and being resurrected. It contains a symbolism of dying to self (our old ways and desires), and being resurrected to a new way of living (with Christ). Water baptism is also an aspect of obedience. Even if the LORD had told us to do some strange thing after salvation, wouldn't we who love the LORD with all our hearts not do it? Therefore, despite how mysterious something is to us, it shouldn't rob us of the blessing of obedience. Part of the blessing of water baptism is the step of humility it takes to go through with it. Many people refuse to be baptised merely because of their pride. This is actually one of the major things that has to be put to death.
There are also some striking parallels to life of Christ in water baptism.
9. What are some of these mentioned in Col.2:12?
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Many of the things that Christ did were directly done as an example for us. Occasionally He prayed prayers and said that these were for the benefit of the hearers rather than His Father (Jn.11:42). In a similar way He was baptised as an example for us (Mtt. 3:15).
Baptism also speaks of signing or sealing a covenant. In denouncing circumcision of the flesh, Paul cites water baptism as the seal of the New Covenant (Col. 2:11-14). It makes an interesting study to research the blessings associated with keeping the Old Covenant, and seeing how those same blessings are available to New Covenant believers. If forming a covenant with God, is like entering into marriage agreement, when is it officiated? Studying Biblical covenants, two parties firstly made an agreement to be united. All believers do this when they accept the terms of the New Covenant and invite Christ into their lives. When two people today decide to make a covenant they do the same- they agree to get married. After two parties had agreed on the terms of the covenant, they would then set a date to get married. After we're saved, we too have a public sealing of our covenant with God. For those getting married, its their wedding ceremony, where the terms of the covenant are pronounced before witnesses, and vows are exchanged. For the New Testament believer, this sealing of the covenant with God is water baptism. It becomes like our marriage ceremony with God.
Because of these reasons we believe in water baptism as a step of obedience for every person who has committed their life to Christ. It is not an optional extra but a Biblical mandate.
Amen.