The Baptism Debate
Often held as a rite of passage and entrance into the Christian church, baptism is much more than just symbolic ritual. Baptism was commanded by Jesus Christ in the Great Commission recounted in the book of Matthew. Even though we are simplistically called to be obedient by being baptized the Christian church has long debated the aspects of this ordinance. Denominations are divided on the basic meaning, types and modes of baptism even two thousand years after the founding of the Christian church. Just as the other ordinance, the Lord’s Supper, congregations find themselves at odd with tradition, biblical interpretation and even individual understanding. However, the simple message of this awe inspiring act can be explained out of the misinformed child that views this act as being “baptarded”. Not understanding the pronunciation or the event he explains, “that you are held under the water until Jesus gets into your heart!” Even this child understands that it is obedience to Jesus Christ that forms the foundation that we will study.
Meaning and Purpose of Baptism
To understand the purpose and meaning of baptism we must first understand the foundation in scripture where we find the practice. Before the act of Christian baptism is introduced in Acts we see the example of John the Baptist. John’s baptism was an act of repentance of sin and in preparation of the coming Messiah. (Norman, 2005, pg 131) Christian baptism shows the same attributes of repentance and acceptance of Christ’s message; however, it was not complete without the death, burial and resurrection of Christ later. Even the symbolism of Christ’s sacrifice is seen in the act of baptism. At the end of His earthly ministry Christ commanded his disciples to baptize, along with discipleship in order that the new church be established. (Holy Bible, Matthew 28)
Baptism in the New Testament constitutes three broad concepts to understand. A new believer is united with Christ, he is united
Meaning and Purpose of Baptism
To understand the purpose and meaning of baptism we must first understand the foundation in scripture where we find the practice. Before the act of Christian baptism is introduced in Acts we see the example of John the Baptist. John’s baptism was an act of repentance of sin and in preparation of the coming Messiah. (Norman, 2005, pg 131) Christian baptism shows the same attributes of repentance and acceptance of Christ’s message; however, it was not complete without the death, burial and resurrection of Christ later. Even the symbolism of Christ’s sacrifice is seen in the act of baptism. At the end of His earthly ministry Christ commanded his disciples to baptize, along with discipleship in order that the new church be established. (Holy Bible, Matthew 28)
Baptism in the New Testament constitutes three broad concepts to understand. A new believer is united with Christ, he is united
Cited: "Affusion." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 27 Nov. 2010. . Furtick, Steven. "Spontaneous Baptism." Pastor Steven Furtick. Web. 27 Nov. 2010. . Hammett, John S. Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches: a Contemporary Ecclesiology. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2005. Print. The Holy Bible: New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005. Print. MacArthur, John. "Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation." Welcome to Grace to You. Web. 27 Nov. 2010. . MacArthur, John. "Understanding Baptism." Welcome to Grace to You. 29 Jan. 1989. Web. 27 Nov. 2010. . Norman, R. Stanton. The Baptist Way: Distinctives of a Baptist Church. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 2005. Print. Then, By. "Baptism." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 27 Nov. 2010. . Wright, David F., Sinclair B. Ferguson, A. N. S. Lane, and Bruce A. Ware. Baptism: Three Views. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2009. Print.