Baptism
Write out this week's memory verse in your favorite translation.
Romans 6:3-4: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life (RSV).”
This week, we will discuss the following:
What is baptism?
Where is baptism found in Scripture?
What are the different views on baptism?
What are the ways people baptize?
Who can baptize?
Is this a salvation issue?
How do I baptize someone?
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
In Greek, the word “baptism” is literally translated from βαπτίζω, which means submerge “immersion.” This was a practice that started before the Church, which we learned last week began in Acts 2 at Pentecost. John the Baptist was baptizing, as were the disciples. In the ancient days, the
Jews would baptize new converts to express their “cleansed” nature. Today, the symbolism of baptism goes much deeper.
WHAT ARE THE THREE VIEW ON BAPTISM?
Credobaptism – This is when a person is baptized based on their profession of faith. This is also called the “believer’s baptism” (See Acts 2:41; 8:35; 16:29-34; 19:5).
Pedobaptism – This is also known as infant baptism. It is the practice of baptizing infants and young children who are not deemed mature enough to articulate a confession of faith (See Acts 11:14, 16:15, 16:33). There are various perspectives within this ideology concerning the significance of what takes place. Some Christians believe that regeneration occurs during baptism, marking the moment when one becomes a Christian. Others interpret it symbolically as a dedication. Some people think that infant baptism is comparable to honoring the covenant established with Abraham concerning circumcision and that baptizing a child signifies their inclusion in the covenanted society. [1]
Dual Baptism - A third position on baptism is for churches to permit both views of baptism, credo- and paedo-, to be practiced side by side (See the verses for each stance above).
WHAT ARE THE THREE METHODS OF BAPTISM?
Sprinkling (Aspersion) - Aspersion is believed to have its origins in the Old Testament, where purification was achieved by sprinkling water (Numbers 8:5-7). In a similar manner, priests would sprinkle the blood of the sacrificial offering on the mercy seat as a means of atoning for the sins of Israel (Leviticus 16:14).
“It was in the early centuries exclusively reserved for sick and infirm persons too weak to be submitted to immersion or affusion. There is evidence to show that those who received the rite in this form were somewhat despised.” In the 3rd century, the question of the legitimacy of sprinkling arose, and Cyprian (the bishop of Carthidge) was asked for his opinion. He believed that aspersion was “perfectly valid” and supported his view with quotes from the Old Testament. (see Ezekiel 36:25, Numbers 8:5-7; 19:8, 12) He said, “It is not the amount of the water or the method of its application that can cleanse from sin: ‘Whence it appears that the sprinkling also of water prevails equally with the washing of salvation … and that where the faith of the giver and receiver is sound, all things hold and may be consummated and perfected by the majesty of God and by the truth of faith.’”[2]
Aspersion was accepted, although mostly as an exception, during the third century until the 13th century, when it was more widely accepted.
Pouring (Affusion) – Affusion is the act of pouring water over the head of a Christian during baptism. This creates a vivid depiction of the Holy Spirit being poured upon them (Matt 3:11; John 15:26; 16:7; Acts 2:1–4; 1 Cor 12:13).
“Affusion is a moving picture of Jesus as the dispenser of the Holy Spirit .”[3].
Baptism (Immersion) – Immersion involves entirely submerging a person in water. When we are fully immersed underwater, the symbolism represents that we go underwater as one being buried with Christ in His death. Then, as we are lifted up out of the water, we are a new creature as we rise with Him in new life.
The word for immersion is “baptize,” which is where we get the term baptized. “Baptisma and baptismos mean ‘plunging, dipping, washing,’ while the verb baptizō means ‘to submerge, immerse’. Such language was also used for dyeing fabrics that were washed in a new color. By analogy, in baptism by immersion, Christians are dipped and dyed into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3), they rise from the waters like Christ in his resurrection (Rom 6:4), and thereafter they are clothed with Christ in following his example (Rom 13:11–14; Gal 3:27).”[4]
WHO CAN BAPTIZE?
Scripture does not provide a specific set of requirements for the individual who carries out the baptism. However, it is worth noting that all those who performed baptisms in Scripture were followers of Jesus.
“We find apostles, wandering preachers (Acts 8:38), a private member of a small and persecuted community (Acts 9:18) performing the rite. In the subapostolic Church we find the same liberty of practice. Clement of Alexandria tells us that the services of Christian women were necessary for the work of Christian missions, for they alone could have access to the gynaeceum (according to dictionary.com, it is in ancient Greece and Rome the inner section of a house, used as women's quarters) and carry the message of the gospel there (Misc. iii.6). Such women missionaries did not hesitate to baptize. Whatever credit may be given to the Acts of Paul and Thecla, it is at least historical that Thecla did exist, that she was converted by Paul, that she worked as a missionary, and that she baptized her converts. Speaking generally, as participation in a sacrament has always been looked upon as the recognition of one’s presence within the Christian Church, it is an act of the Church and not of the individual believer; therefore, no one is entitled to perform the act who is not in some way a representative of the Christian community—the representative character ought to be maintained somehow.”[5]
IS THIS A SALVATION ISSUE?
There are two primary views regarding baptism in relation to salvation.
The first is that baptism “seals” your salvation, and this is the point at which you receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
The other view is that baptism is an outward confession of an inward change. (Romans 6:1-4; 1 Peter 3:21-22).
No matter where you stand on this matter, it is important to understand that in order to be an obedient Christian, you must be baptized (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21-22; Acts 22:16).
HOW DO I BAPTIZE SOMEONE?
It is important to meet with the person ahead of time to explain what baptism is and why we do it before completing the baptism. During the meeting, after discussing baptism and what the life of a follower entails, provide them with information on the following:
Do not wear white.
Bring a change of clothes (including underwear).
Bring a towel.
Most importantly, they should make sure they know the gospel, have committed their life to Christ, and understand what being baptized means.
NOTE FOR YOU
If you are baptizing someone in a baptistry, like in the video, you will not need a change of clothes.
If you are baptizing in open water like a lake, creek, or ocean, it is wise to ask someone to help you. With two, you will ensure nothing goes wrong as you lift the individual out of the water.
Encourage the person being baptized to bend their knees if they are standing up during the baptism. This will make it easier to lift them up out of the water.
If you are in open water, stand with your legs shoulder width apart, with one foot slightly more forward than the other.
WHAT DO I SAY?
Scripture does not lay out what needs to be said outside of Matthew 28:19b, “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
When you are baptizing someone, it is nice to tell those in attendance about the person you are baptizing. This can give them insight into who they are. You can even give them the mic and let them share their testimony. This can be very powerful.
Ask the following questions:
Do you believe Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God?
Do you believe He died on the cross for your sins?
Do you believe that He raised again on the third day, conquering sin and death once and for all?
Have you repented of your former life?
Do you pledge your loyalty to Him for the rest of your life?
Because of your profession of faith, I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
NOTE: As long as you say, “I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” nothing else really matters! You cannot mess it up!
I encourage you to have the baptistry filled and let women practice baptizing one another.
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What view of baptism are you more drawn to? Was this your view prior to class? If not, what made you change your mind?
2. What method of baptism are you more drawn to? Was this your view prior to class? If not, what made you change your mind?
3. Who can we pray about that you would love to baptize?
4. Ask your group members how you can pray for one another.
[1] Michael F. Bird, Evangelical Theology: A Biblical and Systematic Introduction (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013), 765.
[2] W. H. T. Dau, “Baptism,” The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1979–
1988) 419–420.
[3] Michael F. Bird, 772.
[4] Michael F. Bird, 772.
[5] W. H. T. Dau, “Baptism,” The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1979–
1988) 420.
