Questions About Baptism

       Baptism is one of the most debated and discussed topics of the Bible. There are those that believe Baptism is essential to salvation, while others believe it is just to show your faith. Some claim it is commanded, others say it is recommended. Many say full immersion is the only way, while others prefer sprinkling and pouring of water. Honestly, the differences are numerous, and there is no way to have enough room on post to touch on all the issues, but let's discuss some of these questions. And, as always, since there are so many opinions, the statements in my blog will always be given with the backing of scripture and God's Word. This is what God has told us, and not my personal, or any man's decision.
       Is Baptism essential for our salvation? Today, many church organizations have changed their doctrine from one of Baptism IS essential, to it is just a sign of faithfulness. When we read scriptures though, it is clear that Baptism is indeed, essential. Mark 16:16 "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be damned." Now many claim that because baptize is left out of the second part of the verse, this means it is not essential. However, if you don't believe, you will not be baptized, so therefore there is no need to say it twice. Look at what Peter said on the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2 after he had given his sermon about what had happened to Christ. The Jews were "pricked in their hearts" and wanted to know what they must do to be saved. Peter answers in 2:38, saying "Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Notice that Peter didn't give any other option such as, just believe, or ask forgiveness. The same goes for Paul, the Eunuch, and every other example we find in the Bible. It is essential!
       Who needs to be Baptized? Every example we are given in the Bible (with the exception of Christ Himself), we see that one must be able to choose to be baptized to wash away his/her sins. Sin is a choice that a person chooses to do (1 John 3:4), and since sin separates us from God, we must be baptized to wash those sins away. The sinful person must be able to accept the Grace of God by hearing and believing (Heb. 11:6, John 8:24, etc.) the teachings of Christ. One must have faith in the Lord, for without it, you cannot submit to it (Mark 16:16). Also, one must be able to repent of the sins they committed in their past (Acts 2:38). There are many in the religious world today who argue that a child must be baptized, but since a child (infant) cannot confess Christ, commit sin, or be able to repent, an infant needs not to be baptized. They are innocent, and if something tragic happens to them, they are safe with Christ. Also notice, in all of the accounts given in the Bible of Baptism, there is not one instance of an infant! Jesus could have been baptized while a youth, but even He waited to give us the perfect example. I know many argue form original sin, but these instances should counter that, but even so, another post will cover that in the future.
       How is Baptism to be done? For the first few centuries after Christ, there was only way that baptism was done, by full immersion. Why? First of all, full immersion was the only way it was done in the Bible. In fact, the word Baptize comes from the Greek word 'baptizo', which literally means 'to go under' or 'fully immerse'. So in the original writings of the Bible, when one saw the word baptize, they were actually seeing, 'to go into the water'. In every account of a Baptism in the Bible, it was always by the person who is being baptized, going fully under the water. When Philip was travelling with the Eunuch in Acts 8:34ff, the Eunuch saw a pool of water and chose that spot. Surely they had water in their chariot, so why didn't they just use it to pour over his head? Also, when one is Baptized, they are buried with Christ, and raised up to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-4, Col. 2:12). When you rise up out of the water, you are a new person. Sprinkling and pouring is not burying, and there is no rising up. Sprinkling and pouring was a man-made institution to make things easier for some, and does not follow either the commands, nor the examples as set forth in the Bible. How was Jesus baptized to show His example to us? That is the way to follow.
       When should Baptism be done? This should easily be seen by studying the scriptures. As soon as one hears the Word, believes in Christ as savior, repents of their sins and confirms Christ, they should be baptized. Since we have seen that you cannot be saved until Baptism (Mark 16:16 Acts 2:38), it should be done immediately! Why wait? What if something happens while you are waiting? There are some organizations who wait to do baptisms once or twice a year, but where do they get their authority to do that? That is not found in God's Word at all! Besides, why would you want to wait to walk with God?
       Where should one be Baptized? In the accounts found in the Bible, there is no special location to do this, other than a spot with enough water for someone to be fully immersed. The Eunuch did it in the first body of water he came across. Many churches today use rivers or creeks, while some have a baptistery in the building to perform them. There are many people who wish to wait to be Baptized in the Jordan River itself, but there is no passage found that says you must be baptized in the Jordan. Any body of water will do.
       Finally, who is to do the baptizing? Many people believe that only a Christian or the Minister is to perform the baptizing. The truth is, the Bible does not give any qualifications as to who can do it. The importance is in the one who is being Baptized. Some people believe that only an 'ordained' Minister or Priest must be allowed, but again, there is no authorization of this in the Bible, but something man has decided later on.
       There are of course many more questions to be gone through, and each of these questions that we just discussed we could do its own post on. But as you can see for yourself, I only used what the scriptures said to try to prove the truth of Baptism, and why/how it should be done. As always, I'm sure everyone has their own opinion of it, so please let me know in the comments or by Face Book, and I would love to discuss it with you further. I do not do these posts to try to debate, or put down anyone's belief's, but am just trying show people the truth of God's Word, and to show that there are many people out there who try to twist the scriptures to fit their own false beliefs. The danger is always in listening to others before what God has told us. The Truth is in His Word!