What is baptism in water?

Today we will explain what baptism is, and who can be baptised. It is important that we go to the Scriptures to find the answers to our questions. We want to do what Jesus commissioned his disciples to do the way the first disciples did it! They were taught and trained by Jesus and did everything according to his instructions. We want to carry out the great commission of Jesus the same way.

What is baptism?

The word baptise comes from the Greek word baptizo which means to immerse, bathe, dip under or in a liquid. The Greeks often used the word when they spoke about dyeing fabric by dipping it into a bath of dye. The material was said to have be baptised when it was completely coloured because it had been immersed in the liquid dye.

There is general agreement among Bible researchers that baptism in the New Testament was performed by complete immersion in water. There is no argument to be found to say that just a handful of water was enough. In several places it is clear that a lot of water was necessary to perform a baptism:

Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptised him. When they came up out of the water… (Acts 8:38-39)

Now John also was baptising at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptised. (John 3:23)

Exercise:

Explain the Biblical mode of baptism.

Who can be baptised?

The Bible gives a very clear answer to this. Baptism is only for those who repent and believe in Jesus Christ. People who want to be Jesus’ disciples, to learn from him can/should be baptised. Age and sex mean nothing. The only criteria for baptism in the Bible are personal faith and confession of Jesus Christ as Lord.

“Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptised?» Philip said, «If you believe with all your heart, you may.» The eunuch answered, «I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” …and Philip baptised him. (Acts 8:36-38)

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptised, 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)

“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptised and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” (Acts 22:16)

What about babies?

We find no basis for baptising babies given in the Bible. In the New Testament baptism is always connected with personal belief. This is also clear on those occasions where it says that the whole household was baptised or where someone was baptised with all his family. Those who were baptised had first heard the gospel and received it by faith. Baptism was a confirmation of faith in Jesus.

Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved - you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptised. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God - he and all his family. (Acts 16:30-34)

Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptised. (Acts 18:8)

Exercise:

What was the condition that Philip required of the Ethiopian in order to baptise him?

What did the apostle Peter say people had to do to be saved (Acts 2:38)?

Make sure that you know the Great Commission by heart together with the other Bible verses you have been asked to memorise.

“All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in 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 always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt. 28:18-20)