Doctrine

What is Baptism?

Have you ever wondered... What does it mean to be baptised?

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What is defined as baptism?

The history behind the English word we now know as ‘baptism’ is multi-layered. The most accurate definition of the word stems from an understanding of the Greek (the original written language of the New Testament in the Bible) verb ‘baptízō’, which carries the meaning, ‘I wash’, and is used in Jewish texts to refer to ritual washing. The neuter Greek concept noun ‘báptisma’, which refers to washing or dipping, and the masculine Greek noun ‘baptismós’, a term used to refer to ritual washing, were both derived from the verb. 

Thus, the conclusive interpretation of the English word ‘baptism’ is an amalgamation of Greek terminologies, and deconstructed to mean, ‘to sink into’, ‘to immerse’ or ‘to be overwhelmed by’.

What is the history of baptism?

Within the Christian context, the first records of baptism being performed are in the Bible. According to the gospel books, the first 4 books in the New Testament, John the Baptist baptises Jesus, the One he boldly preached was the Messiah. John the Baptist is noted to have conducted the baptism of repentance with water alone whilst baptism through Jesus, after His death and resurrection, instituted the baptism of salvation with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1: 8, John 1: 26). The gospel books go on to reveal that Jesus was baptised fully immersed into water (Matthew 3: 16, John 3: 23). This reference served as a basis of the modality of baptism as a mandatory sacrament in the first few centuries.

Over time, inevitable differences in interpretation of Biblical scripture leading to divisiveness resulted in the gradual dilution of and evolution from the original purpose of the institution of baptism. 

In the third and fourth centuries, Christian denominations such as the Roman Catholics added further parameters around baptism – it no longer was a standalone sacrament but had to be accompanied by other works and practices for believers to achieve full assimilation into and understanding of the religion and determine for themselves their acceptance of it. Such practices include chrismation (also known as confirmation), exorcisms, and the recitation of creeds.

By the sixteenth century, several began to view baptism as a tradition, a symbol, a ritualistic cleansing or purification practice, distinct from salvation, while some others saw baptism as a very intentional conscious choice to be made only upon believing. 

For instance, in Judaism today, due to differences in faith and belief in Jesus Christ and His existence, baptism in relation or pertaining to salvation has intentionally been excluded and deemed as unnecessary and not aligned with the Jews’ shared understanding of what God requires of them / the laws explicitly outlined in the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament). Baptism is conducted mainly as a physical cleansing procedure, a sign of repentance and an outward expression of the individual’s determination to reconcile their relationship with God whilst awaiting the first coming of the Messiah.

From another perspective, some Baptist churches believe that baptism on its own does not possess any physical or spiritual cleansing effects that lead to salvation after death. To them, baptism is but an act of faith – even if one does not get baptised, his relationship and path to salvation are not invalidated, compromised or thrown off track. Baptists have done away with, and still do not keep the sacraments as Jesus did in the New Testament, insisting that Jesus only conducted such sacraments to demonstrate by means of symbolisms, His death and resurrection. Other Baptists believe that individuals should only receive baptism upon being committed and profess to believing and converted to the faith. This belief and practice is founded on the understanding that baptism is a sign of God’s New Covenant for His chosen people instituted by Jesus Christ in the New Testament, different from circumcision as the sign of the Old Covenant in the Old Testament.

Other denominations that view water baptism as merely a representation or commitment of their conversion to Christianity, separate from salvation, also emerged. This belief / movement was popularised by the Pentecostals. Their faith is centered around the transforming power of the Holy Spirit on the individual instead of an emphasis on the significance of baptism through water . They believe in salvation through the receiving and infilling of the Holy Spirit. The gift of the Holy Spirit accompanied by the ability to speak in tongues is one of the cornerstones of their faith, without which, the church believes that Christians have yet to become reformed members who worship in spirit and with their hearts.

How is the history of baptism in the True Jesus Church different?

Baptism in the True Jesus Church is in total adherence with the Bible. Following the examples set by Jesus Christ Himself and later, His disciples and apostles (Matthew 3: 13-17, Acts 8), baptism is a mandatory sacrament to be conducted for individuals to become members of the church, and more importantly, for the forgiveness of sins, and the receiving of salvation and eternal life (Acts 2: 38, Titus 2: 14, Hebrews 9: 12).

Baptism is held in high regard, in that individuals who are willing and able to be baptised do not and are not able to have their requests for baptism instantaneously granted. Before baptism, individuals are first required to fully believe in, earnestly repent of their sins, and be resolved to faithfully keep and follow the truth of the True Jesus Church. It is imperative that individuals are clear in their belief that Jesus Christ is the one and only Saviour of our mortal lives on earth (Acts 4: 12, John 14: 6), that the blood He shed on the cross has the power to cleanse and free us from our sins (that is, all we have done in disobedience to God’s will and commands) (Hebrews 9: 11-15), and that the True Jesus Church was first established by the Holy Spirit after Christ’s resurrection and ascension.

As aforementioned, upon baptism, individuals become members of the church. This also means that they are now the spiritually circumcised children of God (Colossians 2: 11-13) and part of His spiritual family (1 Corinthians 12: 12-13, Galatians 3: 27-29), emphasising the gravity of what it means to be baptised into the True Jesus Church, into the body of Christ. 

Thus, the True Jesus Church is resolute and sure in her belief that baptism speaks to, is both a tangible and spiritual binding answer to God’s call to walk in His divine will and promise for all mankind to be removed and set apart from the sins of the world and ultimately receive eternal life in Him.

Related Topics

Baptism

See Also

Should We Conduct Infant Baptism?

Should We Conduct Infant Baptism?

Some argue that as infants are unable to believe, they should not be baptised. They quote the incident of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, where Philip told him that if he believed with all his heart, he could get baptised (Acts 8:36-37). However, the True Jesus Church believes that we should, in fact, conduct infant baptism! While it is true that water baptism is an act of faith, it is more than just a confession of one’s faith, but also carries with it important spiritual implications. Let us look at it from a few angles. Firstly, water baptism is necessary for salvation. We can see this from Jesus’ command to the disciples to preach the gospel and baptise people. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16 NKJV Some argue that it is the faith that saves and not baptism. However, in 1 Pet 3:21, Peter mentions explicitly that baptism saves! “There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” I Peter 3:21 NKJV Baptism saves, because through it we now have a good conscience before God. That means our sins are forgiven! And this is corroborated by Acts 2:38 and Acts 22:16. “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38 NKJV “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’” Acts 22:16 NKJV From these verses, we can see that water baptism is necessary for salvation, because our sins are washed away through baptism. The Bible tell us that death came into the world through the sin of Adam. And death spread to all man, because all sinned! Death is a result of sin, and all are condemned because of Adam’s offence. “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—” Romans 5:12 NKJV “And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification.” Romans 5:16 NKJV All humans, from the point of their birth, are subject to death. That is a reflection of the sin that is in us. We are, by default, because of Adam’s sin, sinners as well, and subject to eternal condemnation. That means that if an infant dies, he/she will also be condemned eternally! As such, water baptism should also be conducted for infants for the remission of their sins. Infants also need salvation! Secondly, it is through baptism that we become part of the body of Christ. “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” I Corinthians 12:13 NKJV “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” I Corinthians 12:27 NKJV Paul also links the idea of the body of Christ to salvation, saying that Jesus Christ has reconciled both Jews and Greek, in one body, to God. “and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.” Ephesians 2:16 NKJV Without baptism, infants are not part of this body of Christ that is reconciled to God. How then, can they be saved without baptism? Thirdly, baptism in the new testament, is likened to circumcision in the old testament. “In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” Colossians 2:11-12 NKJV Interestingly, circumcision was also a requirement to be considered a part of God’s people! Even foreigners who want to be included as God’s people, and keep the Passover, also have to be circumcised. “And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”” Genesis 17:14 NKJV “And when a stranger dwells with you and wants to keep the Passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as a native of the land. For no uncircumcised person shall eat it.” Exodus 12:48 NKJV We can see from the above verses that circumcision was very important, and was a requirement to be the people of God. But, what was the significance behind the action? Was it just a physical act, or a work of the law? “And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.” Romans 4:11-12 NKJV Paul explains that circumcision was a sign given to Abraham of his righteousness, as a result of his faith in God! And that he might be a father of faith, to those who believe (but are uncircumcised), and those who are not only circumcised, but walk in faith! That is to say, circumcision is actually a sign that one is a descendant of Abraham, the father of faith, and likewise walks in faith in God. When then is circumcision performed on the Israelites? When they are merely 8 days old! “He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant.” Genesis 17:12 NKJV Even though it is a sign of faith, we can see that God commanded the Israelites to be circumcised when they were only eight days old, an age where it is basically impossible for these neonates to show any signs of faith. God wants these children to be part of His people as early as possible! Since baptism is likened to circumcision in various ways, namely an act required to be part of God’s people, and also a sign of faith in God, why should infants be denied baptism, the way of entry into the body of Christ, simply because they are too young to confess their faith? The Bible places an importance on parental faith. In the case of the Philippian jailer, by his faith, his whole household was saved. That would have included his children as well. “So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.” Acts 16:31-33 NKJV We can also see how Jesus saved the children of the nobleman and the Canaanite woman, because they both had faith in Jesus. “The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!” Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.” John 4:49-50 NKJV “Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” Matthew 15:28 NKJV The Bible also tell us that it is the parent’s responsibility to train up children in fearing God. “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 NKJV “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NKJV Therefore, children of believers, who are not old enough to understand the concept of faith, should still be baptised, if their parents have faith. In fact, they need to be baptised to be part of the body of Christ and to have their sins forgiven! The responsibility of teaching them how to fear God and walk in faith thereafter, lies with their parents. In conclusion, let us remember that Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God (Mk 10:13-16).” Let us not deny these children from being a part of His body and salvation.

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