Water baptism is a sacred practice that has been a fundamental part of Christian tradition since the early church. The act of baptism is rich with theological significance and is seen as an outward expression of an inward transformation. The question of how water baptism should be performed according to the Bible is one that has been discussed and debated among Christians for centuries. To answer this question, we must delve into the Scriptures and examine the practices of the early church, the teachings of Jesus, and the writings of the apostles.
In the New Testament, baptism is consistently presented as an essential ordinance for believers. The Greek word for baptism, "baptizo," means "to immerse" or "to dip," which gives us a clue about the mode of baptism. This immersion symbolizes the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul writes in Romans 6:3-4, "Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life" (NASB). This passage underscores the symbolism of immersion, as it represents being buried with Christ and then rising to new life.
The practice of baptism is also evident in the ministry of John the Baptist. John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, and the account in Matthew 3:16 states, "After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him" (NASB). The phrase "came up immediately from the water" implies that Jesus was fully immersed in the river. This act not only set an example for believers but also marked the beginning of Jesus' public ministry.
The early church continued the practice of baptism by immersion. In Acts 8:36-39, we read the account of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch: "As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, 'Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?'... And they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing" (NASB). This narrative again emphasizes the act of going down into the water and coming up out of it, reinforcing the practice of immersion.
While immersion appears to be the predominant mode of baptism in the New Testament, it is essential to consider the heart and purpose behind the act. Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to follow Him. It is an outward sign of an inward change, symbolizing the washing away of sins and the believer's new life in Christ. Peter explains in 1 Peter 3:21, "Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (NASB). The emphasis here is on the appeal to God for a good conscience, highlighting the spiritual significance of baptism rather than the physical act itself.
Different Christian traditions have developed various practices and interpretations of baptism over the centuries. Some denominations practice infant baptism, while others emphasize believer's baptism, where the individual makes a personal profession of faith before being baptized. The mode of baptism also varies, with some practicing immersion and others sprinkling or pouring water. While these differences exist, it is crucial to remember that the core purpose of baptism is to publicly identify with Christ and His church.
In addition to the mode of baptism, the New Testament also provides guidance on the proper context and setting for baptism. Baptism is typically administered by a church leader or elder, as seen in the example of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. It is also often performed in the presence of a community of believers, signifying the individual's incorporation into the body of Christ. In Acts 2:41, we read, "So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls" (NASB). This mass baptism took place in the context of the early Christian community, emphasizing the communal and celebratory nature of the ordinance.
The Great Commission, given by Jesus to His disciples, also underscores the importance of baptism. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (NASB). This command highlights the Trinitarian formula for baptism and the responsibility of the church to baptize new believers as part of the disciple-making process.
While the mode and context of baptism are important, the most critical aspect is the individual's faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism without genuine faith is merely a ritual without substance. The New Testament consistently links baptism with repentance and faith. In Acts 2:38, Peter exhorts the crowd, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (NASB). This call to repentance and faith before baptism underscores the necessity of a personal relationship with Christ.
In conclusion, the Bible provides a clear framework for how water baptism should be performed. The predominant mode of baptism in the New Testament is immersion, symbolizing the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The act of baptism is a public declaration of faith and a commitment to follow Christ, performed in the context of the Christian community. While different traditions may have varying practices, the core purpose of baptism remains the same: to signify the believer's new life in Christ and incorporation into His body, the church. Ultimately, the most important aspect of baptism is the individual's faith in Jesus Christ, as it is this faith that brings about the inward transformation that baptism outwardly represents.
