Holy Baptism
Christian Faith
This You Can Believe
Faith Seeking Understanding
Object:
Nature Of A Sacrament
On a visit to Washington, D.C., a family had a hard time finding a parking space. Finally they found an empty space in front of a small church. However, there was a sign reading: "No Parking. Violators will be baptized." When they read the small print at the bottom, "In the Potomac," they decided not to risk it. Apparently this church baptized by immersion and the Potomac was too much water for them!
In addition to the Word of God, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper, the church considers the Sacraments as a means of grace, the means of bringing the grace of God to repentant and believing sinners seeking salvation.
What is a sacrament? The word comes from the Latin sacra-mentum. When men entered the military, Roman soldiers took an oath of allegiance to Caesar as their only lord. Another word for sacrament is "covenant," "contract," or "testament." The Bible is divided into the Old Testament or old covenant and the New Testament or new covenant. It is the new covenant which Christ brought to us. When Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, he said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood." A sacrament is "a visible form of an invisible grace." It is essentially the Word of God with a visible sign, a visible form of the Word of God.
The Number Of Sacraments
Churches differ in the number of sacraments they celebrate. The Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches have seven, most Protestants have two, and some have none. The Baptist family of churches considers the sacraments as ordinances, not sacraments. Why do mainline Protestants have only two? They base their position on the Bible as the primary source of authority. The Bible has three conditions for a sacrament:
1. Divine Command. A sacrament is what Jesus commanded us to do. In baptism, Jesus commanded, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them ..." (Matthew 28:19). Likewise, the command to observe the Lord's Supper: "Do this in remembrance of me" (1 Corinthians 11:24). Are marriage, confirmation, or ordination commanded by Christ?
2. Divine Promise. Jesus promised a blessing to those participating in a sacrament. For Baptism, he promised: "The one who believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mark 16:16). The promise given in the Holy Communion: "This is the blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:28). Does Christ promise any blessing to a wedded couple?
3. Earthly element. Water is the sign for baptism; bread and wine are for the Lord's Supper. Is there any biblical sign connected with marriage, ordination, or penance? A ring is a sign of marriage, but it is not divinely ordered.
The Administration Of The Sacraments
In obedience to Christ's commands, the church administers the Sacraments through ordained ministers. For the sake of good order and the protection of the truth of the Sacraments, the administration is limited to the ordained ministers who at their ordination are authorized to preach the Word and to administer the Sacraments. The Augsburg Confession of 1530 A.D. states: "It is taught among us that nobody should publicly teach or preach or administer the sacraments of the church without a regular call" (Article XIV). An exception is made in the administration of Baptism when a person is dying and a pastor is not available. A Christian layman has the authority to baptize in such a case, and the baptism is to be reported to a church.
The Bible And Baptism
What is the meaning of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism? The Bible explains:
1. Baptism is an adoption -- Galatians 4:5
Because of his love, God adopts a sinner as his child. By Baptism we become members of God's family. Now the baptized can cry, "Abba, Father." Now we can pray "Our Father." If we are the adopted children of God, then we will always be his. Therefore there is no need of a second baptism as the Nicene Creed confesses: "We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins." No matter what we do or how wicked we may become, God remains our Father. We may fall from faith but can never fall from grace, because God is forever faithful to us. Years ago, a popular television show was All In The Family. Archie Bunker wants his grandson to be baptized. Michael, the father, objects to Archie's conniving to get the child baptized. Archie argues, "What's the matter, you were baptized, weren't you?" "Yes," Michael replies, "but I renounce my baptism." "You can't do that," says Archie. "You can renounce your belly button, but it won't go away." Baptism is permanent and indelible because God is faithful and will never disown his child.
2. Baptism is a death and resurrection -- Romans 6:3-4
Baptism is death to the old, sinful self. It is symbolized by immersion. The sinner is held under the water symbolically until he/she dies and is raised as a new creature in Christ. A prison chaplain baptized a repentant man for molesting his ten-year-old daughter. The only baptismal font in the prison was a plastic-lined coffin. The chaplain lowered him into the coffin of death and raised him to new life in Christ. After the baptism the prisoner said, "I'm now a free man."
3. Baptism is a new birth -- John 3:7
Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born anew to enter the Kingdom of God. This happens when a person is baptized. As the Holy Spirit came to Jesus at his baptism in the form of a dove, so the Holy Spirit is given to the baptized. Baptism is one of the mighty acts of God in giving new life to the person baptized. A baptism is not to be received or witnessed with shut eyes and bowed heads as though it were a prayer time. Our heads and eyes should look up and see the Holy Spirit coming like a dove descending on the person. At baptism a person becomes a new individual, a Christian, a child of God. Hallelujah!
4. Baptism is an initiation -- 1 Corinthians 12:13
When we are baptized, we are incorporated into the body of Christ, the church. Automatically we become members of a church. A Christian and the church are inseparable. One cannot be a Christian outside the church, for the church is the society of the saved. This applies also to children who are baptized. They are not probation members but real members of the church. Baptism is the initiation into Christ and the church.
5. Baptism is a covenant -- Jeremiah 32:38
Baptism is a covenant or contract made between God and the believer. It is a bonding of Christ with the repentant one, just as a mother and a newborn baby have a time of bonding. Baptism establishes a relationship with God by faith in Christ. God is our God and we are his people. We belong to him and he belongs to us.
To understand Baptism as a covenant it is necessary to see this covenant in the perspective of past covenants God made with his people.
(1) The old covenant made between God and the nation of Israel:
Noah (Genesis 9:8-13) : No future flood of world : Rainbow
Abraham (Genesis 17:9-10) : A great nation : Circumcision
Moses (Exodus 19:3-6; 24:12) : Promised Land : Stone tablets
Jeremiah (31:31-34) : New covenant : Heart
(2) The new covenant made between God and the believer:
Jesus : Fulfillment : Empty tomb
Baptism (original) : Salvation : Water
Holy Communion (renewed) : Forgiveness : Bread, wine
(3) Promises of the new covenant:
God's Promises (Benefits)
Forgiveness = Grace
Eternal life = Grace
Deliverance = Grace
Believer's Promises (Responsibilities)
Repentance = Faith
Faith = Faith
Infant Baptism
If repentance and faith are necessary conditions for baptism, why baptize infants? I was twelve days old when I was baptized. What did I know about repentance and faith? The church has reasons for baptizing babies:
1. The tradition of the church since apostolic times. In the New Testament there are accounts of families with children being baptized.
2. The universal practice of the church. The vast majority of churches baptize infants: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, most Protestant churches.
3. Children need forgiveness of original sin.
4. Children as well as adults need to become children of God by spiritual rebirth through the Holy Spirit received at Baptism.
5. Children need to become members both of God's Kingdom and the church.
Adult Responsibilities In Infant Baptism
Since it is necessary for children to have repentance and faith to be baptized, the church calls upon adult Christians to be sponsors of the children. The sponsors (parents, godparents, members of the church) make the promises of repentance and faith in the child's behalf. The sponsors assume the responsibilities to see that the child is raised in the Christian faith, taught the Ten Commandments, taught how to pray, what to believe, and brought to the church for worship and religious instruction in the church school.
These responsibilities continue until the child is confirmed at an age when the child can understand the faith and assume responsibilities for him/herself. At confirmation the youth now confesses faith in Christ and vows loyalty to the church and her teachings. For the youth it is as great a day as when a person is baptized.
Infant baptism is not a private affair. It is an act of the church and it is to be administered when the church is assembled. Church members also are sponsors of the child in baptism. The church has the responsibility to nurture the child's faith through worship, teaching, and fellowship in the church.
The Seal Of Baptism
The External Seal: Water
In the world, an agreement or contract (covenant) must be signed by both parties. To make it legal a seal is placed on the document by a notary public. The baptismal covenant is sealed when the water is applied to the candidate.
Among the denominations there is a disagreement as to the amount of water and the method of applying the water. One church requires a body of water so that the person can be immersed. Unless the person is immersed, there is no baptism. A Baptist and Lutheran boy were playing church. They sang hymns, preached, and took up an offering. Then they wanted a baptism. One lad suggested baptizing some kittens nearby. The Baptist boy filled up a tub with water and immersed two of the kittens. A third gave him opposition. The cat scratched, bit, and drew some blood. Finally the Baptist lad said to the Lutheran: "Here, you baptize this one and let it go to hell." Immersion is based on the word "baptize," which usually means to immerse, but it also means to wash, as in Luke 11:38: "The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not first wash (baptizo) before dinner."
Most churches agree that the kind or the amount of water does not save a person but it is the Word that does it. Some churches accept any of the three modes of applying the water: immersion, pouring, and sprinkling.
The Internal Seal: Holy Spirit
As in Jesus' baptism, when we are baptized we receive the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the seal of our salvation received in baptism. Paul wrote, "In him you also ... were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 1:13). The Spirit is the guarantee of God's acceptance (2 Corinthians 1:22). The seal of the Holy Spirit is referred to as "earnest," a first installment, or as in a real estate deal, it is the down payment that secures the purchase of the property. When we receive the Holy Spirit at baptism, we can be sure of our acceptance by God.
The Benefits Of Baptism
1. Baptism gives assurance of being a child of God through his adoption. It answers the basic questions of life: "Who am I?" and "Where am I headed?"
2. Baptism means salvation. "He who believes and is baptized shall be saved." Baptism is a cleansing from sin, and guilt is removed. The church teaches that baptism is necessary for salvation, for without grace we cannot be saved. Baptism is a means of grace.
3. Baptism is a channel for the Holy Spirit. At baptism the Holy Spirit comes to us and creates a new person, a new creature in Christ. We are born again.
4. Baptism promises eternal life. A baptized person faithful to death can be certain that heaven is the ultimate destiny.
To those baptized, the church says, "Remember your baptism." To those not baptized, "Repent and believe." Like Jesus and Paul, seek to be baptized and receive the grace that saves.
Study Guide
Holy Baptism
Questions To Stretch Your Mind
Think seriously on these questions and, if possible, discuss them with a group. Read the chapter again for answers.
1. Should adults only be baptized? If not, why not?
2. What is the proper way to apply the water in baptism?
3. Is baptism an ordinance or a sacrament? What is the difference?
4. Is infant baptism a dedication of the child to God or the incorporation into the church? What do you mean by "incorporation"?
5. Is one saved before baptism or during it?
6. Can baptism be administered by a lay Christian?
7. May baptism be repeated? What does the Nicene Creed say?
8. What is the difference between water baptism and spirit baptism? Can it be both?
9. Is baptism optional for salvation?
10. What happens to a child who dies before baptism?
11. Is it possible for a dead person to be baptized?
12. Since Jesus was without sin, why did he ask John the Baptist to baptize him?
The Bible And Baptism
Look up the following passages dealing with baptism to learn its teachings.
1. Galatians 4:5 -- Is baptism an expression of God's love for the lost sinner?
2. Romans 6:3-4 -- How can a person die and later be raised to new life?
3. John 3:7 -- How is a person born again? How does it feel to be born again?
4. 1 Corinthians 12:13 -- Baptism makes a person a member of the church which is the body of Christ. Is it possible to be a Christian apart from the church?
5. Jeremiah 32:38 -- In baptism God becomes your God and you become God's child. How and when is this relationship established?
On a visit to Washington, D.C., a family had a hard time finding a parking space. Finally they found an empty space in front of a small church. However, there was a sign reading: "No Parking. Violators will be baptized." When they read the small print at the bottom, "In the Potomac," they decided not to risk it. Apparently this church baptized by immersion and the Potomac was too much water for them!
In addition to the Word of God, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper, the church considers the Sacraments as a means of grace, the means of bringing the grace of God to repentant and believing sinners seeking salvation.
What is a sacrament? The word comes from the Latin sacra-mentum. When men entered the military, Roman soldiers took an oath of allegiance to Caesar as their only lord. Another word for sacrament is "covenant," "contract," or "testament." The Bible is divided into the Old Testament or old covenant and the New Testament or new covenant. It is the new covenant which Christ brought to us. When Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, he said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood." A sacrament is "a visible form of an invisible grace." It is essentially the Word of God with a visible sign, a visible form of the Word of God.
The Number Of Sacraments
Churches differ in the number of sacraments they celebrate. The Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches have seven, most Protestants have two, and some have none. The Baptist family of churches considers the sacraments as ordinances, not sacraments. Why do mainline Protestants have only two? They base their position on the Bible as the primary source of authority. The Bible has three conditions for a sacrament:
1. Divine Command. A sacrament is what Jesus commanded us to do. In baptism, Jesus commanded, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them ..." (Matthew 28:19). Likewise, the command to observe the Lord's Supper: "Do this in remembrance of me" (1 Corinthians 11:24). Are marriage, confirmation, or ordination commanded by Christ?
2. Divine Promise. Jesus promised a blessing to those participating in a sacrament. For Baptism, he promised: "The one who believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mark 16:16). The promise given in the Holy Communion: "This is the blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:28). Does Christ promise any blessing to a wedded couple?
3. Earthly element. Water is the sign for baptism; bread and wine are for the Lord's Supper. Is there any biblical sign connected with marriage, ordination, or penance? A ring is a sign of marriage, but it is not divinely ordered.
The Administration Of The Sacraments
In obedience to Christ's commands, the church administers the Sacraments through ordained ministers. For the sake of good order and the protection of the truth of the Sacraments, the administration is limited to the ordained ministers who at their ordination are authorized to preach the Word and to administer the Sacraments. The Augsburg Confession of 1530 A.D. states: "It is taught among us that nobody should publicly teach or preach or administer the sacraments of the church without a regular call" (Article XIV). An exception is made in the administration of Baptism when a person is dying and a pastor is not available. A Christian layman has the authority to baptize in such a case, and the baptism is to be reported to a church.
The Bible And Baptism
What is the meaning of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism? The Bible explains:
1. Baptism is an adoption -- Galatians 4:5
Because of his love, God adopts a sinner as his child. By Baptism we become members of God's family. Now the baptized can cry, "Abba, Father." Now we can pray "Our Father." If we are the adopted children of God, then we will always be his. Therefore there is no need of a second baptism as the Nicene Creed confesses: "We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins." No matter what we do or how wicked we may become, God remains our Father. We may fall from faith but can never fall from grace, because God is forever faithful to us. Years ago, a popular television show was All In The Family. Archie Bunker wants his grandson to be baptized. Michael, the father, objects to Archie's conniving to get the child baptized. Archie argues, "What's the matter, you were baptized, weren't you?" "Yes," Michael replies, "but I renounce my baptism." "You can't do that," says Archie. "You can renounce your belly button, but it won't go away." Baptism is permanent and indelible because God is faithful and will never disown his child.
2. Baptism is a death and resurrection -- Romans 6:3-4
Baptism is death to the old, sinful self. It is symbolized by immersion. The sinner is held under the water symbolically until he/she dies and is raised as a new creature in Christ. A prison chaplain baptized a repentant man for molesting his ten-year-old daughter. The only baptismal font in the prison was a plastic-lined coffin. The chaplain lowered him into the coffin of death and raised him to new life in Christ. After the baptism the prisoner said, "I'm now a free man."
3. Baptism is a new birth -- John 3:7
Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born anew to enter the Kingdom of God. This happens when a person is baptized. As the Holy Spirit came to Jesus at his baptism in the form of a dove, so the Holy Spirit is given to the baptized. Baptism is one of the mighty acts of God in giving new life to the person baptized. A baptism is not to be received or witnessed with shut eyes and bowed heads as though it were a prayer time. Our heads and eyes should look up and see the Holy Spirit coming like a dove descending on the person. At baptism a person becomes a new individual, a Christian, a child of God. Hallelujah!
4. Baptism is an initiation -- 1 Corinthians 12:13
When we are baptized, we are incorporated into the body of Christ, the church. Automatically we become members of a church. A Christian and the church are inseparable. One cannot be a Christian outside the church, for the church is the society of the saved. This applies also to children who are baptized. They are not probation members but real members of the church. Baptism is the initiation into Christ and the church.
5. Baptism is a covenant -- Jeremiah 32:38
Baptism is a covenant or contract made between God and the believer. It is a bonding of Christ with the repentant one, just as a mother and a newborn baby have a time of bonding. Baptism establishes a relationship with God by faith in Christ. God is our God and we are his people. We belong to him and he belongs to us.
To understand Baptism as a covenant it is necessary to see this covenant in the perspective of past covenants God made with his people.
(1) The old covenant made between God and the nation of Israel:
Noah (Genesis 9:8-13) : No future flood of world : Rainbow
Abraham (Genesis 17:9-10) : A great nation : Circumcision
Moses (Exodus 19:3-6; 24:12) : Promised Land : Stone tablets
Jeremiah (31:31-34) : New covenant : Heart
(2) The new covenant made between God and the believer:
Jesus : Fulfillment : Empty tomb
Baptism (original) : Salvation : Water
Holy Communion (renewed) : Forgiveness : Bread, wine
(3) Promises of the new covenant:
God's Promises (Benefits)
Forgiveness = Grace
Eternal life = Grace
Deliverance = Grace
Believer's Promises (Responsibilities)
Repentance = Faith
Faith = Faith
Infant Baptism
If repentance and faith are necessary conditions for baptism, why baptize infants? I was twelve days old when I was baptized. What did I know about repentance and faith? The church has reasons for baptizing babies:
1. The tradition of the church since apostolic times. In the New Testament there are accounts of families with children being baptized.
2. The universal practice of the church. The vast majority of churches baptize infants: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, most Protestant churches.
3. Children need forgiveness of original sin.
4. Children as well as adults need to become children of God by spiritual rebirth through the Holy Spirit received at Baptism.
5. Children need to become members both of God's Kingdom and the church.
Adult Responsibilities In Infant Baptism
Since it is necessary for children to have repentance and faith to be baptized, the church calls upon adult Christians to be sponsors of the children. The sponsors (parents, godparents, members of the church) make the promises of repentance and faith in the child's behalf. The sponsors assume the responsibilities to see that the child is raised in the Christian faith, taught the Ten Commandments, taught how to pray, what to believe, and brought to the church for worship and religious instruction in the church school.
These responsibilities continue until the child is confirmed at an age when the child can understand the faith and assume responsibilities for him/herself. At confirmation the youth now confesses faith in Christ and vows loyalty to the church and her teachings. For the youth it is as great a day as when a person is baptized.
Infant baptism is not a private affair. It is an act of the church and it is to be administered when the church is assembled. Church members also are sponsors of the child in baptism. The church has the responsibility to nurture the child's faith through worship, teaching, and fellowship in the church.
The Seal Of Baptism
The External Seal: Water
In the world, an agreement or contract (covenant) must be signed by both parties. To make it legal a seal is placed on the document by a notary public. The baptismal covenant is sealed when the water is applied to the candidate.
Among the denominations there is a disagreement as to the amount of water and the method of applying the water. One church requires a body of water so that the person can be immersed. Unless the person is immersed, there is no baptism. A Baptist and Lutheran boy were playing church. They sang hymns, preached, and took up an offering. Then they wanted a baptism. One lad suggested baptizing some kittens nearby. The Baptist boy filled up a tub with water and immersed two of the kittens. A third gave him opposition. The cat scratched, bit, and drew some blood. Finally the Baptist lad said to the Lutheran: "Here, you baptize this one and let it go to hell." Immersion is based on the word "baptize," which usually means to immerse, but it also means to wash, as in Luke 11:38: "The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not first wash (baptizo) before dinner."
Most churches agree that the kind or the amount of water does not save a person but it is the Word that does it. Some churches accept any of the three modes of applying the water: immersion, pouring, and sprinkling.
The Internal Seal: Holy Spirit
As in Jesus' baptism, when we are baptized we receive the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the seal of our salvation received in baptism. Paul wrote, "In him you also ... were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 1:13). The Spirit is the guarantee of God's acceptance (2 Corinthians 1:22). The seal of the Holy Spirit is referred to as "earnest," a first installment, or as in a real estate deal, it is the down payment that secures the purchase of the property. When we receive the Holy Spirit at baptism, we can be sure of our acceptance by God.
The Benefits Of Baptism
1. Baptism gives assurance of being a child of God through his adoption. It answers the basic questions of life: "Who am I?" and "Where am I headed?"
2. Baptism means salvation. "He who believes and is baptized shall be saved." Baptism is a cleansing from sin, and guilt is removed. The church teaches that baptism is necessary for salvation, for without grace we cannot be saved. Baptism is a means of grace.
3. Baptism is a channel for the Holy Spirit. At baptism the Holy Spirit comes to us and creates a new person, a new creature in Christ. We are born again.
4. Baptism promises eternal life. A baptized person faithful to death can be certain that heaven is the ultimate destiny.
To those baptized, the church says, "Remember your baptism." To those not baptized, "Repent and believe." Like Jesus and Paul, seek to be baptized and receive the grace that saves.
Study Guide
Holy Baptism
Questions To Stretch Your Mind
Think seriously on these questions and, if possible, discuss them with a group. Read the chapter again for answers.
1. Should adults only be baptized? If not, why not?
2. What is the proper way to apply the water in baptism?
3. Is baptism an ordinance or a sacrament? What is the difference?
4. Is infant baptism a dedication of the child to God or the incorporation into the church? What do you mean by "incorporation"?
5. Is one saved before baptism or during it?
6. Can baptism be administered by a lay Christian?
7. May baptism be repeated? What does the Nicene Creed say?
8. What is the difference between water baptism and spirit baptism? Can it be both?
9. Is baptism optional for salvation?
10. What happens to a child who dies before baptism?
11. Is it possible for a dead person to be baptized?
12. Since Jesus was without sin, why did he ask John the Baptist to baptize him?
The Bible And Baptism
Look up the following passages dealing with baptism to learn its teachings.
1. Galatians 4:5 -- Is baptism an expression of God's love for the lost sinner?
2. Romans 6:3-4 -- How can a person die and later be raised to new life?
3. John 3:7 -- How is a person born again? How does it feel to be born again?
4. 1 Corinthians 12:13 -- Baptism makes a person a member of the church which is the body of Christ. Is it possible to be a Christian apart from the church?
5. Jeremiah 32:38 -- In baptism God becomes your God and you become God's child. How and when is this relationship established?
