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.