Baptism

The immersion of the sinner (Romans 6:2-6) into the grave of water for the forgiveness of all sins and the gifts of salvation and the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).

The Greek word for baptism (baptidzo) is defined with many theological meanings and interpretations.

What we seek to help you understand is what we believe the New Testament teaches about this important action.

In the accounts of conversion, or becoming a Christian, in the book of Acts the place of immersion is prominent. Examine the following Scriptures and you will see this importance:

 

•Acts 2:38-47 - forgiveness and gift of the Holy Spirit

•Acts 8:34-39 - follows confession of belief

•Acts 9:10-19 - after regaining his sight from the confrontation with Christ

•Acts 10:34-47 - first Gentiles who were accepted into the faith

•Acts 16:31-34 - follows confession of belief

•Acts 18:8 - follows belief in the Lord

•Acts 19:1-7 - people hear the gospel, trust in Christ, then are baptized

Paul describes baptism as the burial of the sinner into the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:3-7). When you come out of the water you are alive in Christ (Romans 8:10 and Galatians 3:27). Peter uses baptism as part for the whole (2 Peter 3:9), where one action represents the whole process of becoming a Christian. In 1 Peter 3:21 he points to baptism as a "cleansing of a guilty conscience" a "washing away" through the resurrection of Christ.

What saves is the faithful obedience of individuals to the commands of Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). Baptism demonstrates the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and a willingness to make a commitment following everything He asks of us.

Mont Smith in his book What the Bible Says about Covenant says of baptism:

"The person I once was is now dead and buried. I make that pledge. The person I am to be is alive for Christ's use. I make that pledge. I am all Christ's. My answer, Lord, is 'Yes.' I give this act my most sacred oath."

In another place Smith says

"(God) could have used any number of ways for man to respond. He chose baptism... Baptism was neither legalistic nor mechanical. It was moral. After all, how can one mean 'Yes' to God while saying 'No' to baptism."

Here at Richwood Church of Christ we seek to restore the New Testament purpose for immersion as part of the process of becoming a Christ-follower, a moment when the covenant is sealed.