The Bible teaches that baptism is an important act of obedience for believers in Jesus Christ. However, there is some debate among Christians regarding the proper mode or method of baptism. This article will examine what the Bible says about the meaning and method of baptism.
The Meaning of Baptism
The word “baptize” comes from the Greek word baptizo which means “to immerse, dip, or plunge.” In the New Testament, baptism is closely associated with conversion, repentance, and the receiving of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 22:16). It signifies dying with Christ and being raised to new life in Him (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12). While baptism does not impart salvation, the New Testament presents it as an act of obedience for believers to publicly identify themselves with Jesus Christ.
Several passages indicate that baptism symbolizes cleansing from sin. Acts 22:16 connects baptism with having sins washed away. Titus 3:5 speaks of the “washing of regeneration.” First Peter 3:21 states that baptism “now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” So baptism is an outward sign of the inward cleansing that occurs through faith in Christ.
Overall, the New Testament presents baptism as the initiatory rite into the Christian life and community. It represents repentance, forgiveness, and new life in Christ. The imagery of baptism as burial and resurrection pictures the believer’s spiritual death to sin and new life in Christ (Romans 6:4).
Immersion as the Biblical Mode of Baptism
Several lines of biblical evidence indicate that immersion (dipping, plunging) was likely the normal mode of baptism in the New Testament church.
First, as mentioned above, the Greek word baptizo means to immerse or submerge. If sprinkling or pouring were being practiced, different Greek words would have been used.
Second, the symbolism connected to baptism in the New Testament implies immersion. It represents cleansing (Acts 22:16; Titus 3:5) and purification rites in Judaism often involved immersion. Also, its depiction as burial and resurrection with Christ (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12) suggests an immersive method.
Third, the accounts of baptisms in the New Testament imply the need for “much water” consistent with immersion (John 3:23; Acts 8:36). Matthew 3:16 describes Jesus as coming up out of the water after being baptized.
Fourth, immersion was the commonly accepted mode of baptism in the early church. Several early church fathers and writings indicate that immersion was the standard practice.
Overall, while the mode of baptism is not extensively detailed in the New Testament, the evidence suggests that immersion (dipping or plunging) was the normal method in the early church. This fits with the meaning of the Greek word, the symbolism of dying and rising with Christ, and the need for adequate water supplies.
Objections to Immersion
Some objections are sometimes raised against the view that immersion was the original mode of baptism practiced in the New Testament church. Let’s examine some of these.
1. Lack of archaeological evidence of immersion. Some argue that archaeology has uncovered very few ancient baptismal pools large enough for immersion, even from later centuries. However, absence of archaeological evidence does not disprove immersion. Most early Christians met in homes, so immersion would not have required special pools. Also, archaeology has unearthed some ancient Christian immersion fonts.
2. Lack of water supplies in some regions. Critics argue that in arid regions like Palestine, sufficient water for immersion baptisms would have been impractical. However, wild areas near rivers like the Jordan provided adequate water. Also, the early church considered baptism so important that they would have gladly carried and conserved water supplies for immersions.
3. Alternative meanings of baptizo. Some argue the Greek word baptizo can refer to modes other than immersion. However, the predominant usage and meaning refers to dipping or plunging. Word meanings develop from their most basic concrete senses, which for baptizo refers to immersion.
4. Later acceptance of pouring and sprinkling. Opponents of immersion point out that in later centuries pouring and sprinkling were increasingly practiced or permitted, especially where water was scarce, or for sickbed baptisms. However, later divergence from New Testament practice does not constitute biblical evidence against immersion.
In summary, these objections may indicate immersion was not uniformly practiced in all times and places. But none provide conclusive evidence against immersion being the normal mode of baptism in the New Testament church.
Conclusion on Baptismal Mode
While the New Testament does not mandate the mode of baptism, the preponderance of evidence indicates immersion was most likely the normal practice of the early church based on the meaning of the Greek word, its symbolism of dying and rising with Christ, the need for “much water”, and early church history. At the same time, the New Testament emphasizes the act of baptism more than the specific mode.
Therefore, immersion seems the most biblically consistent approach to baptism. However, Christians can reasonably disagree on whether the mode is essential or if alternatives like pouring or sprinkling suffice. The key is to thoughtfully examine what the Bible says and come to a biblically-based conviction either for immersion or another mode. Regardless of the mode, baptism remains a sacred ordinance representing cleansing from sin and commitment to follow Jesus Christ as Lord.
Baptism and Salvation
One additional issue that requires biblical examination is whether baptism is required for salvation. Does a person need to be baptized to be saved? What is the relationship between baptism and salvation?
Scripture presents baptism and faith as closely connected but distinct. Passages such as Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38 seem to connect baptism with salvation. However, other verses indicate that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5).
Based on the entirety of biblical teaching, baptism does not seem required for salvation but is a subsequent act of obedience for those who have already been saved. The thief on the cross next to Jesus demonstrates salvation by faith alone (Luke 23:39-43). The proper order seems to be: repentance and faith in Christ bringing conversion and regeneration, followed by obedience in baptism and public identification with Christ.
Therefore, baptism is not necessary for salvation but is an important act of obedience that should follow conversion as the first step of discipleship. Regarding children, they can profess faith in Christ and be baptized when able to understand the gospel and their decision. For groups that practice infant baptism, it seems this should follow or be accompanied by earnest prayers for the child’s subsequent conversion and personal faith.
In conclusion, baptism is an ordinance rich in biblical meaning but with some disagreement on the proper mode. Examining Scripture as a whole indicates immersion as the likely original mode of baptism. But the most crucial issue is each Christian being baptized out of love and obedience to Christ, by the method they believe most biblical.
