Baptism

There are three different ways “baptism” is used in the New Testament. Two out of three of these are metaphorical. The first of these is the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which took place on the day of Pentecost and again when Cornelius and his household believed (Acts 2:1-4; 10:44-46). The second sense is its use of the destruction which would come to the nation of Israel because of their rejection of Christ (Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16).

The primary usage of baptism in the New Testament is in relationship to becoming a Christian. When it is used in this sense, it meant an immersion in water. This is attested by the eunuch’s experience in Acts 8:36-39 and in the figures used in 1 Peter 3:21 and 1 Corinthians 10:2. Paul spoke of being buried in baptism in Romans 6:3-7 and Colossians 2:12. Thus, baptism is an immersion in water as opposed to sprinkling or pouring.

If someone wants to please God, he is commanded to be baptized (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16). Few people in the denominational world would disagree. However, there is great disagreement as to the reason for baptism. Acts 2:38 says it is for the “remission of sins” and Acts 22:16 and 1 Peter 3:21 elaborate on that statement by teaching that baptism saves us. We are saved by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 1:7; Revelation 1:5), and only way to come in contact with that blood is by being baptized. That is why baptism is essential to someone being saved.

Kyle Campbell