Baptism.

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Baptism is a topic that often sparks confusion among Christians. Questions arise about its method, purpose, necessity for salvation, and who should be baptized. At Grace Christian Church, we turn to Scripture to clarify these questions, seeking wisdom as encouraged in James 1:5.

Summary

Baptism in the Bible encompasses both spiritual and physical dimensions, each with distinct purposes. The New Testament uses the word “baptize” (meaning to immerse or plunge) 71 times and “baptism” 20 times, highlighting its significance. There are three types of baptism described:

1. Baptism of Repentance: Practiced by John the Baptist, this was a physical immersion in water symbolizing a change of heart and turning to God for forgiveness (Mark 1:4, Matthew 3:11). It pointed to Jesus as the ultimate sin-bearer but did not impart spiritual life.
2. Spiritual Baptism: This occurs the moment someone believes in the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). It involves:
   • Being baptized by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6, 1 Corinthians 12:13).
   • Being baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection, resulting in forgiveness of sins, freedom from sin’s power, and new spiritual life (Romans 6:3-7, Colossians 2:12-13).
3. Physical Water Baptism: A public act of immersion in water, commanded by Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20), that serves as an outward testimony of an inward change. It follows faith in the Gospel and publicly professes one’s belief in Christ.

Salvation is by faith alone in the Gospel (Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 3:23-26), not by works such as water baptism, stopping sin, or committing to Christ. False doctrines like Baptismal Regeneration (taught by some churches) and Lordship Salvation wrongly add works to faith for salvation. Scripture clearly teaches that faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection is sufficient for salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

Water baptism, while not required for salvation, is an act of obedience to Christ’s command in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16). It symbolizes the believer’s identification with Christ’s death and resurrection and serves as a public declaration of faith, as seen in examples like the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:36-38) and Crispus’ household (Acts 18:8).

Key Points on Baptism

1. Definition: The Greek word for “baptize” means to immerse or plunge, whether spiritually (into Christ or His Body) or physically (in water). Sprinkling or pouring is not biblical baptism.
2. Types of Baptism:
   • Repentance: A preparatory act pointing to Christ (Mark 1:4).
   • Spiritual: Occurs at salvation, uniting believers with the Holy Spirit, the Body of Christ, and Christ’s death and resurrection (Acts 2:38, Ephesians 4:4-6, Romans 6:3-7).
   • Water: A post-salvation act of obedience and public profession of faith (Matthew 28:19-20).
3. Salvation: Salvation is by faith alone, not faith plus works like baptism (Ephesians 2:8-9). Passages like Acts 2:38 or Mark 16:16, when interpreted in context, do not teach baptism as a requirement for salvation.
4. Who Should Be Baptized? Adults who have believed the Gospel, as seen in Scripture (Acts 8:36-38, Acts 18:8). Infants cannot exercise saving faith, and infant baptism is not supported by the Bible.
5. Purpose of Water Baptism: It is an outward testimony of an inward change, declaring one’s faith in Christ and identification with His death and resurrection.

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