What is baptism? The term "baptism" means "to completely immerse in water". This makes sense if you realize that baptize is a transliteration of the original Greek word baptizw (baptizo). In turn, (baptizo) comes from the root word (baptw) or (bapto). The origins of baptism are somewhat obscure in the ancient traditions, but there are some things that seem clear. The original focus on the word baptism denoted a complete immersion water cleansing that was obligatory in tabernacle/temple worship prior to the Levite priests entering the tabernacle/temple and presenting themselves to God who dwelled there at that time. (Exodus 40:12-15; Leviticus 16:4, 24).1:
The Greek word 'baptizo', which is translated 'baptize' in the English translations of the Bible, does not mean to sprinkle; it means to completely wash and immerse in a liquid (see the definitions in the concordances of Robert Young and James Strong). This word is used in classical Greek concerning ships sinking and being 'baptized' (i.e. submerged) in water. It is also used with reference to a piece of cloth being dyed from one colour to another by 'baptizing', or dipping it into a dye. To change the colour of the cloth, it is evident that it had to be fully immersed under the liquid, rather than have the dye sprinkled upon it. That immersion is indeed the Biblical form of baptism.2:
The word Baptism comes from the Greek word baptismos which means to cover wholly. In order to be covered wholly you have to be submerged. This excludes sprinkling you can not be covered wholly with a sprinkling. This is a very popular belief in some religions, but it is not Biblical. Look at the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is very simple, the Gospel is his Death, Burial, and Resurrection. Like Christ we also must go through a Death, Burial, And a Resurrection. Our Repentance is symbolic of Death, because we die out to that sinful life style. Now once a Death occurs there has to be a burial, Baptism is representative of a burial (look at Romans 6:1-6). Now that we have Died out to sin, been Buried by Baptism, we become ready for a Resurrection. The Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit) is symbolic of our Resurrection.Baptism is meant as a special statement of one's testimony of rebirth, as Jesus told Nicodemous, "you must be born again." We are not reborn by any type of water, but by the blood of Jesus. Public baptism is a statement of one's faith in the rebirth through Jesus. It is desirable certainly. When Jesus went to John to be baptized, God said, "This is my only son in whom I am well pleased."
Jean Goodwin.
If baptism was all that important, it would be mentioned in every single passage regarding conversion. But It Is Not.
James Johnstone.
Matthew's statement 'baptizing them into...(28:19)' pictures the act of baptism as an initiation into a life of discipleship with Jesus. This is the meaning of the preposition 'into' in Hebrew/rabbinic usage in the context of pre-New Testament baptisms./washings. Thus, putting it in Matthew's context Water Baptism introduces the baptized into and consecrates him for a new life of discipleship. Understandably, the thief on the cross did not have that opportunity! But we have the opportunity.
Jonathen Boyle.
We are not saved by baptism, we are saved by the blood of Christ.
Derek Arnold.
We need to be baptized. However, not by water, but by the Holy Spirit.
See 1 Peter 3:21} "There is also an antitype which now saves us -baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Peter said "not the removal of the filth of the flesh." What he means is that baptism saves us -- not water baptism -- but rather baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Look at Matthew 3:11} I (John the Baptist) baptize with water those who turn from their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is far greater than I am; So much greater that I am not even worthy to be his slave. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Water baptism is an outward expression of an inward act. In other words, water baptism is a way of showing the world you have been wash clean of your sins because you have accepted Jesus as your Savoir and His Holy Spirit is living in you (Ephesians 1).
Henry S James.
How come Paul said he was not sent to baptize!!!!!! 1 Corinthians 1:17. and Paul was a disciple.
Fred Carey.
If you have been drawn to God by His Spirit and want to become a true Christian, what should you do? The inspired answer was given by the Apostle Peter on the first New Testament day of Pentecost. After coming to realize the enormity of their sins, the repentant assembly asked Peter and the rest of the Apostles: "?Men and brethren, what shall we do?? Then Peter said to them, ?Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call?" (Acts 2:37?39).
Art Black.
I believe baptism is commanded by God but not essential for salvation. It is merely an outward sign of a work that has already taken place within.
Anna Bailey.
What about the thief on the cross? He wasn't baptized and yet the Bible mentions that Jesus very clearly told him he would be in paradise. That kind of proves baptism in not essential for salvation.
Tim Jessop.
Paul explains in Colossians 2:12 that baptism represents a burial. The "old man, (or old self)" is symbolically put to death. We emerge a new creature. Arising from the watery grave of baptism pictures our faith in the resurrection, which is our ultimate hope to become a new creature.
Carol Dean.
Baptism is a work and we are not saved by works, we are saved by faith alone.
Allen Gill.
John 3:5-7 } Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, `You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. The water birth refers to birth from the womb, some clues are "flesh gives birth to flesh", "you must be born again" (baptized by the Holy Spirit). And this does not happen by a priest, or with water.
Jane Wyte.
Matthew 3:13-16
The Baptism of Jesus
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
John the Baptist did not know Jesus was the Son of God until after he saw Christ come up out of the water and the Spirit descend on Him. John 1:29-34:
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ?Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the World! This is the one I meant when I said, "A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me." I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel. Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.'"
John the Baptist and Jesus were cousins so they knew each other a long time. But John did not know who the Messiah was until God revealed it to him. John tells us that he would not have know except that God told him, "The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit." John did not see this confirmation until after Jesus was baptized and He came up out of the water! It was Christ?s baptism that revealed that Jesus belonged to God.
So why John?s reaction to Jesus when He came to be baptized? At the point Jesus came to him for baptism, John still did not know Jesus was the Christ. After all, this was John the Baptist who feared no man, who ate locusts and wild honey and defied a king. He wore camelhair clothes and a leather belt and lived in the wilderness. He called the Pharisees and Sadducees snakes and vipers to their faces. He loudly denounced king Herod as an adulterer. He was not one easily impressed.
And yet of Christ, he says that he was not fit to untie His shoes. And even before it was revealed to him John is so impressed by Jesus that he tries to tell Jesus that Jesus doesn?t need to be baptized, but instead he needs to be baptized by Christ.
Jesus must have led an unbelievably righteous life even at that point to cause such a stirring reaction from John?a life that could only be led by the sinless Lamb of God:
?But John tried to deter Him, saying? I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?
But Jesus would not be deterred?
Jesus replied, ?Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.? Then John consented. ?Matthew 3:14-15
Now if Christ-- who was without sin, insisted on being baptized, then we, who are His sinful followers-- and are to follow His example, need to be baptized as well. For anyone to teach that one does not need to be baptized in light of Christ?s own baptism is missing the fact that following Jesus entails following Him in this action as well.
The reasons Jesus was baptized was:
a.) to ?fulfill all righteousness?
b.) to set us an example that we should follow
c.) to reveal Himself as to belonging to God and being the Christ
If there ever was anyone who should not have needed baptism, it was Jesus Christ. But Jesus himself submitted to baptism. And so should we.
Preston Denver.
Baptize, Baptized, and Baptizing Bible references.
Matthew 3:6
Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
(Whole Chapter: Matthew 3 In context: Matthew 3:5-7)Matthew 3:11
"I baptize you with[ 3:11 Or in] water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
(Whole Chapter: Matthew 3 In context: Matthew 3:10-12)Matthew 3:13
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.
(Whole Chapter: Matthew 3 In context: Matthew 3:12-14)Matthew 3:14
But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"
(Whole Chapter: Matthew 3 In context: Matthew 3:13-15)Matthew 3:16
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.
(Whole Chapter: Matthew 3 In context: Matthew 3:15-17)Mark 1:5
The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
(Whole Chapter: Mark 1 In context: Mark 1:4-6)Mark 1:8
I baptize you with[ 1:8 Or in] water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
(Whole Chapter: Mark 1 In context: Mark 1:7-9)Mark 1:9
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
(Whole Chapter: Mark 1 In context: Mark 1:8-10)Mark 10:38
"You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?"
(Whole Chapter: Mark 10 In context: Mark 10:37-39)Mark 10:39
"We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with,
(Whole Chapter: Mark 10 In context: Mark 10:38-40)Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
(Whole Chapter: Mark 16 In context: Mark 16:15-17)Luke 3:7
John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
(Whole Chapter: Luke 3 In context: Luke 3:6-8)Luke 3:12
Tax collectors also came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?"
(Whole Chapter: Luke 3 In context: Luke 3:11-13)Luke 3:16
John answered them all, "I baptize you with[ 3:16 Or in] water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
(Whole Chapter: Luke 3 In context: Luke 3:15-17)Luke 3:21
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened
(Whole Chapter: Luke 3 In context: Luke 3:20-22)Luke 7:29
(All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John.
(Whole Chapter: Luke 7 In context: Luke 7:28-30)Luke 7:30
But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)
(Whole Chapter: Luke 7 In context: Luke 7:29-31)John 1:25
questioned him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"
(Whole Chapter: John 1 In context: John 1:24-26)John 1:26
"I baptize with[ 1:26 Or in; also in verses 31 and 33] water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know.
(Whole Chapter: John 1 In context: John 1:25-27)John 1:33
I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'
(Whole Chapter: John 1 In context: John 1:32-34)John 3:22
After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized.
(Whole Chapter: John 3 In context: John 3:21-23)John 3:23
Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized.
(Whole Chapter: John 3 In context: John 3:22-24)John 4:2
although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples.
(Whole Chapter: John 4 In context: John 4:1-3)Acts 1:5
For John baptized with[ 1:5 Or in] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
(Whole Chapter: Acts 1 In context: Acts 1:4-6)Acts 2:38
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
(Whole Chapter: Acts 2 In context: Acts 2:37-39)Acts 2:41
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
(Whole Chapter: Acts 2 In context: Acts 2:40-42)Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
(Whole Chapter: Acts 8 In context: Acts 8:11-13)Acts 8:13
Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
(Whole Chapter: Acts 8 In context: Acts 8:12-14)Acts 8:16
because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into[ 8:16 Or in] the name of the Lord Jesus.
(Whole Chapter: Acts 8 In context: Acts 8:15-17)Acts 8:36
As they travelled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?"[ 8:36 Some late manuscripts baptized?" 37 Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The eunuch answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."]
(Whole Chapter: Acts 8 In context: Acts 8:35-37)Acts 8:38
And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.
(Whole Chapter: Acts 8 In context: Acts 8:37-39)Acts 9:18
Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,
(Whole Chapter: Acts 9 In context: Acts 9:17-19)Acts 10:47
"Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have."
(Whole Chapter: Acts 10 In context: Acts 10:46-48)Acts 10:48
So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
(Whole Chapter: Acts 10 In context: Acts 10:47-49)Acts 11:16
Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with[ 11:16 Or in] water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'
(Whole Chapter: Acts 11 In context: Acts 11:15-17)Acts 16:15
When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.
(Whole Chapter: Acts 16 In context: Acts 16:14-16)Acts 16:33
At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.
(Whole Chapter: Acts 16 In context: Acts 16:32-34)Acts 18:8
Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.
(Whole Chapter: Acts 18 In context: Acts 18:7-9)Acts 19:5
On hearing this, they were baptized into[ 19:5 Or in] the name of the Lord Jesus.
(Whole Chapter: Acts 19 In context: Acts 19:4-6)Acts 22:16
And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'
(Whole Chapter: Acts 22 In context: Acts 22:15-17)Romans 6:3
Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
(Whole Chapter: Romans 6 In context: Romans 6:2-4)1 Corinthians 1:13
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into[ 1:13 Or in; also in verse 15] the name of Paul?
(Whole Chapter: 1 Corinthians 1 In context: 1 Corinthians 1:12-14)1 Corinthians 1:14
I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius,
(Whole Chapter: 1 Corinthians 1 In context: 1 Corinthians 1:13-15)1 Corinthians 1:15
so no one can say that you were baptized into my name.
(Whole Chapter: 1 Corinthians 1 In context: 1 Corinthians 1:14-16)1 Corinthians 1:16
(Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.)
(Whole Chapter: 1 Corinthians 1 In context: 1 Corinthians 1:15-17)1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel?not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
(Whole Chapter: 1 Corinthians 1 In context: 1 Corinthians 1:16-18)1 Corinthians 10:2
They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.
(Whole Chapter: 1 Corinthians 10 In context: 1 Corinthians 10:1-3)1 Corinthians 12:13
For we were all baptized by[ 12:13 Or with; or in] one Spirit into one body?whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free?and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
(Whole Chapter: 1 Corinthians 12 In context: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14)1 Corinthians 15:29
Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?
(Whole Chapter: 1 Corinthians 15 In context: 1 Corinthians 15:28-30)Galatians 3:27
for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
(Whole Chapter: Galatians 3 In context: Galatians 3:26-28)Matthew 3:13
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.
(Whole Chapter: Matthew 3 In context: Matthew 3:12-14)Matthew 21:25
John's baptism?where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or from men?"
(Whole Chapter: Matthew 21 In context: Matthew 21:24-26)Mark 1:4
And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
(Whole Chapter: Mark 1 In context: Mark 1:3-5)Mark 1:9
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
(Whole Chapter: Mark 1 In context: Mark 1:8-10)Mark 10:38
"You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?"
(Whole Chapter: Mark 10 In context: Mark 10:37-39)Mark 10:39
"We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with,
(Whole Chapter: Mark 10 In context: Mark 10:38-40)Mark 11:30
John's baptism?was it from heaven, or from men? Tell me!"
(Whole Chapter: Mark 11 In context: Mark 11:29-31)Luke 3:3
He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
(Whole Chapter: Luke 3 In context: Luke 3:2-4)Luke 3:21
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened
(Whole Chapter: Luke 3 In context: Luke 3:20-22)Luke 12:50
But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed!
(Whole Chapter: Luke 12 In context: Luke 12:49-51)Luke 20:4
John's baptism?was it from heaven, or from men?"
(Whole Chapter: Luke 20 In context: Luke 20:3-5)Acts 1:22
beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."
(Whole Chapter: Acts 1 In context: Acts 1:21-23)Acts 10:37
You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached?
(Whole Chapter: Acts 10 In context: Acts 10:36-38)Acts 13:24
Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel.
(Whole Chapter: Acts 13 In context: Acts 13:23-25)Acts 18:25
He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervour[ 18:25 Or with fervour in the Spirit] and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.
(Whole Chapter: Acts 18 In context: Acts 18:24-26)Acts 19:3
So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied.
(Whole Chapter: Acts 19 In context: Acts 19:2-4)Acts 19:4
Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus."
(Whole Chapter: Acts 19 In context: Acts 19:3-5)Romans 6:4
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 live a new life.
(Whole Chapter: Romans 6 In context: Romans 6:3-5)Ephesians 4:5
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
(Whole Chapter: Ephesians 4 In context: Ephesians 4:4-6)Colossians 2:12
having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
(Whole Chapter: Colossians 2 In context: Colossians 2:11-13)Hebrews 6:2
instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
(Whole Chapter: Hebrews 6 In context: Hebrews 6:1-3)1 Peter 3:21
and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also?not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge[ 3:21 Or response] of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
(Whole Chapter: 1 Peter 3 In context: 1 Peter 3:20-22)Matthew 3:7
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
(Whole Chapter: Matthew 3 In context: Matthew 3:6-8)Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[ 28:19 Or into; see Acts 8:16; 19:5; Romans 6:3; 1 Cor. 1:13; 10:2 and Gal. 3:27.] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
(Whole Chapter: Matthew 28 In context: Matthew 28:18-20)Mark 1:4
And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
(Whole Chapter: Mark 1 In context: Mark 1:3-5)John 1:28
This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
(Whole Chapter: John 1 In context: John 1:27-29)John 1:31
I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel."
(Whole Chapter: John 1 In context: John 1:30-32)John 3:23
Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized.
(Whole Chapter: John 3 In context: John 3:22-24)John 3:26
They came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan?the one you testified about?well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him."
(Whole Chapter: John 3 In context: John 3:25-27)John 4:1
The Pharisees heard that Jesus was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John,
(Whole Chapter: John 4 In context: John 4:1-2)John 10:40
Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. Here he stayed
(Whole Chapter: John 10 In context: John 10:39-41)
Copyright © 2003 - 2005 K2Lministry.com All Rights reserved
