Baptism is one of the foundational ordinances of the Christian faith. For some it is a rite of passage into Christianity. It is the sign one is a member of the universal (global) Christian church.

Certain Christian denominations believe it is a salvific act (meaning that is effectuates one’s eternal salvation and right standing with God), while others believe it is an outward expression of Christian faith. Here are two quotes that demonstrate these two different interpretations of baptism:

“Here’s my bottom-line answer to the question: faith precedes baptism. That’s why I’m a Baptist. Faith precedes baptism and is operative in baptism. So we are justified at the very first act of genuine saving faith in Christ, and then baptism follows, and preferably would follow soon, as an outward expression of that inward reality” – John Piper (Baptism is not salvific)

Just as a man cannot live in the flesh unless he is born in the flesh, even so a man cannot have the spiritual life of grace unless he is born again spiritually. This regeneration is effected by Baptism: “Unless a man is born again of water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (Jn 3:5)  – St. Thomas Aquinas (Baptism is salvific)

Theology of Baptism

First, it is important to note that baptism is commanded to every single Christian believer. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commanded the apostles to baptize new disciples “in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” The only other Christian ordinance directly given by Jesus to his disciples was the observance of the Lord’s Supper (i.e., Matthew 26:17-30; 1 Cor. 11:26).

Second, baptism is to be done by water. Jesus himself was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. He also indicated water baptism is one of the signs of faith in Christ, “Truly, truly, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:3, 5).

Third, baptism is a sacred act that is symbolic of Christ’s own life, death, burial, and resurrection. In baptism, the believer identifies himself with the very person and work of Christ on the cross. The apostle Paul puts it best:

Romans 6:4 – “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

Colossians 2:12 – “Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.”

Fourth, baptism is trinitarian in nature. Christian baptism is not to be done in the name of the church. Rather, it is to be done in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Just as there is fellowship within the trinity, the believer professes his/her union with God himself.

I personally adhere to the baptismal view of the Baptist Faith and Message which states,

It [baptism] is an act of obedience symbolizing the believers faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith inn the final resurrection of the dead” – Article VII

This doctrine well attested in Scripture (Matthew 3:13-17; 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Mark 1:9-11; 14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; 20:7; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:16,21; 11:23-29; Colossians 2:12). Some denominations believe there is a separate type of baptism the believer experiences called the “baptism in the Holy Spirit.”

The idea of baptism in the Holy Spirit is most commonly held among Pentecostal denominations such as the Assemblies of God, The Church o God in Christ, Church of God, Pentecostal Holiness Church, and others. Here’s a quote from the Assemblies of God stance on baptism,

“The most distinguishing features of the baptism in the Holy Spirit are that: (1) it is theologically and experientially distinguishable from and subsequent to the new birth, (2) it is accompanied by speaking in tongues, and (3) it is distinct in purpose from the Spirit’s work of regenerating the heart and life of a repentant sinner” (ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL PRESBYTERY IN SESSION AUGUST 9-11, 2010).

Differences on the theology of baptism usually translate into the various ways baptism is practiced.

Pedobaptism, Sprinkling, and Dunking!

Christians baptize people in many different ways. For the sake of keeping this article short, I will offer only a few examples.

First, Pedobaptism, mostly known as “infant baptism,” is the practice of baptizing infants. Christian denominations that practice infant baptism include: the Roman Catholic Church, Lutherans, and some Reformed churches, including Presbyterians.

Though there is no explicitly commandment in Scripture for the baptism of infants, those who adhere to this idea believe infant baptism is prefigured in the Old Testament circumcision of infants as God commanded his people to enter into the Abrahamic covenant. Therefore, baptism is a sign of the covenant between God and his people, and each Christian household must adhere to it. Supporting texts: Luke 1:59; Acts 10:47-48; 16:15, 30-36.

Second is baptism by sprinkling, which is common among the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Church of the Nazarene, and Methodists. These denominations base their idea for baptism from the Westminster Confession (28.3), which states, “Dipping of the person into the water is not necessary; but baptism is rightly administered by pouring, or sprinkling water upon the person.”

Side Note: Some baptize by “affusion” – which is where water is poured on the head of the person being baptized.

Baptism by sprinkling is primarily based on a verse from Ezekiel 36:25, “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols” (Ezekiel 36:25). Since this event was to coincide with the giving of the Holy Spirit (vv. 26-27) some believe it refers to the cleansing symbolized by baptism. 

Third, the most common practice among evangelicals is baptism by full immersion. Denominations who practice full immersion baptism include Anabaptists, Baptists, Church of Christ, Pentecostals, Non-denominational, and others.

Baptism by full immersion from such churches is not practiced on the infant, because these denominations adhere to what is known as “believer’s baptism” (my personal baptismal view). In other words, a person must be fully aware of his or her decision to be baptized.

Arguments for believers baptism are based on the biblical evidence of John the Baptist who preached repentance and immersed people into the Jordan River. Further, that Jesus was baptized as an adult by full immersion and that according to the Great Commission, baptism is part of the context of disciple-making. It follows that repentance precedes baptism by a person who is fully aware of their sinfulness and need of salvation (Acts 2:38; 41; 8:12-13; 18:8). Further, Galatians 3:26-27 and Colossians 2:11-12 indicate that “faith” is a prerequisite for baptism.

Therefore, baptism does not save a person. Only Christ does. He also regenerates the believer. The believer is sanctified and justified (made right before God), at the moment of conversion, not baptism. It is also at the moment of conversion that the believer receives the Holy spirit. So, baptism does not impart grace, nor does it effectuate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the believer. It does, however, symbolize a full commitment to the person and work of Jesus Christ.

David Mathis summarizes it well, “Baptism demonstrates objectively and externally the subjective and internal ‘appeal to God for a good conscience.’ Baptism saves not as an outward act but through the inward faith it expresses.” In other words, as Watchman Nee once said, “Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith.” Supporting texts: Matthew 3:6-12; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 10:47, 11:17-18; Mark 1:9-11; 14:22-26; Luke 3:21-22; 22:19-20; John 3:23; Acts 2:41-42; 8:35-39; 16:30-33; 20:7; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:16,21; 11:23-29; Colossians 2:12.

Christ followers are commanded to be baptized by the Lord himself. Baptism is best through a conscientious decision by a person who understands she is a sinner in need of a Savior, who understands she must repent before God. Certain churches choose to offer baptism classes, others offer resources, others simply invite others to be baptized immediately after conversion. Through baptism we declare to the world we belong to Christ.

Got Water? If you have not yet…I pray you will soon!!

Written by Daniel Messina