Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Significance Water baptism is a Christian sacrament and ordinance that symbolizes the believer's faith in Jesus Christ, repentance from sin, and the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation and commitment to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior. Biblical Foundation The practice of water baptism is rooted in the New Testament and is commanded by Jesus Christ. In the Great Commission, Jesus instructed His disciples, "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" (Matthew 28:19). This command establishes baptism as an essential practice for believers. John the Baptist and Jesus' Baptism John the Baptist, a forerunner to Christ, preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Mark 1:4 states, "John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." Jesus Himself was baptized by John, not for repentance, but to fulfill all righteousness and to set an example for His followers. Matthew 3:16 records, "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him." The Apostolic Practice The early church continued the practice of water baptism as an integral part of the conversion process. On the day of Pentecost, Peter exhorted the crowd, "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" (Acts 2:38). This indicates that baptism was closely associated with repentance and the reception of the Holy Spirit. Symbolism and Meaning Water baptism symbolizes the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Romans 6:3-4 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 nature of baptism, signifying the believer's death to sin and new life in Christ. Mode of Baptism The mode of baptism, whether by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling, has been a topic of theological discussion. However, the New Testament examples, such as Jesus' baptism and the Ethiopian eunuch's baptism in Acts 8:38-39 , suggest immersion as the practiced mode, as they "went down into the water" and "came up out of the water." Eligibility for Baptism Baptism is reserved for those who have made a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ. It is an act of obedience following conversion, as seen in the account of the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:31-33 , where he and his household were baptized after believing in the Lord Jesus. Theological Implications While water baptism is a significant act of obedience and public declaration of faith, it is not considered a means of salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Baptism is a response to salvation, not a prerequisite for it, serving as a testimony to the believer's faith and commitment to Christ. Conclusion Water baptism remains a vital practice within the Christian faith, symbolizing the believer's union with Christ and commitment to live a life transformed by His grace. It is a public declaration of faith and an essential step in the journey of discipleship. Topical Bible Verses Matthew 3:11I indeed baptize you with water to repentance. but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Topicalbible.org Acts 8:38 John 3:23 Acts 8:36-39 Acts 22:16 Greek 909. baptismos -- (the act of) a dipping or washing ... always in the plural in the NT); (figuratively) ceremonial washings (Mk 7:4; Heb 9:10) or the profound realities of spiritual and water baptism (Heb 6:2). See ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/909.htm - 7k 3067. loutron -- a washing, a bath Library Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... Q. What is the Meaning of Such a Water Baptism? Whether Immersion in Water is Necessary for Baptism? Whether Plain Water is Necessary for Baptism? Whether Water is the Proper Matter of Baptism? The Sacrament of Holy Baptism The Ordinances of the New Testament. Whether Three Kinds of Baptism are Fittingly Described ---viz. ... Reply to the Suggested Objection that we are Baptized "Into Water. ... Commentaries and Standards on the Birth of Water and Spirit. Resources Did Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the meaning of Jesus walking on water? | GotQuestions.org Do the news reports of rivers turning blood red have anything to do with the end times? | GotQuestions.org Water: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Water in Times of Scarcity, Sold at an Enormous Price Water of Bitterness or of Jealousy Water of Separation or of Uncleanness Water of the Gifts and Graces of the Holy Spirit Water was Used by Jews for Culinary Purposes Water was Used by Jews for Legal Purification Water was Used by Jews for Washing the Person Water was Used by Jews: As Their Principal Beverage Water: (Covering the Sea) of the General Diffusion of The Water: (Deep) of Counsel in the Heart Water: (Deep) of Severe Affliction Water: (Deep) of the Words of the Wise Water: (Difficulty of Stopping) of Strife and Contention Water: (Its Instability) of a Wavering Disposition Water: (Its Weakness) of Faintness and Cowardice Water: (Many) of a Variety of Afflictions Water: (Many) of Different Nations and People Water: (Noise of Many) of the Word of Christ Water: (Poured Out) Faintness by Terror Water: (Poured Out) the Wrath of God Water: (Pouring, out of Buckets) a Numerous Progeny Water: (Rapidly Flowing Away) the Career of the Wicked Water: (Spilled on the Ground) Death Water: (Still) the Ordinances of the Gospel Water: Artificial Mode of Conveying, Into Large Cities Water: Collected in The Clouds Water: Covered the Whole Earth Water: Drops from the Clouds in Rain Water: Frequently Brackish and Unfit for Use Water: God Originally: Collected Into One Place Water: God Originally: Created Fowls and Fishes From Water: God Originally: Created the Firmament to Divide Water: Kept for Purification in Large Waterpots Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Jaw-Bone of an Ass Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Rock Water: Miracles Connected With: Consumed by Fire from Heaven Water: Miracles Connected With: Divided and Made to Stand on Heap Water: Miracles Connected With: Healing Powers Communicated To Water: Miracles Connected With: Iron Made to Swim In Water: Miracles Connected With: Our Lord Walking On Water: Miracles Connected With: Trenches Filled With Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Blood Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Wine Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Jehoshaphat's Army Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Samson Water: Miraculously Supplied: To the Israelites Water: Necessary to the Comfort and Happiness of Man Water: Necessary to Vegetation Water: One of the Elements of the World Water: Rises in Vapour to the Clouds Water: some Plants Particularly Require Water: The Want of, Considered a Great Calamity Water: The World and Its Inhabitants Once Destroyed By Water: The World not to be Again Destroyed By Water: Wearing the Hardest Substances Related Terms Water-springs (12 Occurrences) |