Saturday, September 24, 2011
HOW IS BAPTISM DONE?
Some people say, "All baptisms, in order to be valid, must be performed by immersion."
But God’s Word says, "There is also an antitype which now saves us -- baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 3:21).
This whole week we have spent talking about the blessings and grace of God found in Baptism. Throughout the week the entire emphasis has been and continues to be on the Word of God. In our day we often hear many claiming exactly how the water must be applied. That idea right there should draw some concern because immediately we see that the emphasis is no longer on the Word but on the application of the water. Truly, if it was necessary to apply the water in a specific way in order for a Baptism to be valid, Jesus would have certainly indicated how to apply the water in His "Great Commission" of Matthew 28:19-20. But Christ's emphasis was and always is on His word and the promises He graciously gives. Isn't that what Baptism is all about?
We are often in danger of adding to or taking away from God's Word. To command to do something that is not commanded in Scriptures is certainly a false practice. 1 Peter 3:21 says that Baptism's focus is "not the removal of filth from the body." Baptism washes away sin and saves by uniting us in a real, spiritual way to Christ's death and resurrection! (Acts 2:38, 22:16). The word "baptize" in the original language simply means "to wash." A baptism may be administered by sprinkling water, pouring water, or by immersion. We can therefore rejoice again that God has not limited us in how we are to apply the water in a Baptism. And in view of all the blessings which God gives to us in our baptisms, He certainly has not limited the love and forgiveness that He pours out on us and into our hearts. Praise to the Lord! I am baptized into Christ. May the Lord continue to bless me as I continue to hear all the wonders that He has done for me.
