What does baptism mean?
The Bible presents baptism as an outward sign of faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. Christian baptism is an act of obedience to the command of Jesus, declaring the believer’s faith in and identification with their crucified, buried, and risen Savior. Baptism is a visible sermon of the gospel of Jesus Christ, identifying the Christian with his death, burial, and resurrection (Matt. 28:19–20; Rom. 6:1–11; 1 Cor. 12:13; Col. 2:12).
How is someone baptized?
The Greek word used for baptism in the New Testament, baptizo, means “to plunge, dip, or immerse in water.” For example, in the secular ancient Greek, this word was used to explain things such as the sinking of a ship that had been submerged in water. In baptism, the believer is immersed beneath the water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We baptize Christians in the same way as Jesus: immersed in water and then brought up out of the water (Mark 1:10; Acts 8:34–39).
Who should be baptized?
The New Testament consistently demonstrates that those who are baptized are people who have put their trust in Jesus and turned from sin. John the Baptizer called people to repentance before they were baptized (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3). Baptism is reserved solely for those who have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. In addition, Jesus commanded that all Christians should be baptized (Matt. 28:19). His apostles also commanded that all Christians be baptized (Acts 2:38).
What are the baptizers talking about with the believer in that tank?
As you watch baptisms on Easter (and any other Sunday), you’ll see each person who is about to be baptized talking with one of the church leaders in the tank. They’re being asked basic questions along these lines:
- “Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God?”
- “Do you believe that your sin has separated you from God?”
- “Have you repented of that sin?”
- “Do you believe that Jesus died and rose, conquering Satan, sin, and death?”
- “Then we baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
*Dunk!*
All our churches will be holding baptisms this Sunday.
