Text:\u00a0Matthew 28:18-20\u00a0\u00a0Acts 2:37-41<\/p>\n
Definition:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cReligious rite of immersing person in, or sprinkling him with, water in sign of purification and of admission to the Church.\u201d\u00a0 (Oxford Dictionary)<\/p>\n Origin of the Word:<\/strong> from the Greek \u201cbaptidzo\u201d meaning \u201cto dip in\u201d or \u201ccleanse in water\u201d.<\/p>\n Origin of Baptism<\/strong><\/p>\n Ceremonial purification by washing with water was practised in Old Testament times during the Exodus. God gave clear instructions to Moses in these words:<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water\u201d<\/em> (Exodus 29:4).<\/p>\n In various other instances we read of ceremonial washing of uncleanness (Leviticus 14:8,9;\u00a0 Numbers 19:13;\u00a0 2 Kings 5:10; 2 Chronicles 4:2, 6).<\/p>\n From these accounts ceremonial cleansing may be regarded in the Old Testament as the forerunner of Christian Baptism.<\/p>\n When John came preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, he declared, \u201cRepent ye: for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand\u201d (Matthew 3:2). Those who heeded his warning were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Because of this particular aspect of his ministry, he became known as John the Baptist.<\/p>\n John the Baptist baptized Jesus<\/strong><\/p>\n At the commencement of His ministry, our Lord Jesus came from Galilee to Jordan,<\/p>\n 129<\/p>\n to be baptized by John. John recognized Jesus as the sinless Son of God, so \u201cJohn forbade Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?\u201d (Matthew 3:14). But Jesus replied, \u201cSuffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness\u201d (Matthew 3:15). John then baptized Jesus.<\/p>\n Why did our Lord request to be baptized? That it was not as a sign of cleansing of sin is certain. Jesus was the sinless Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. He was made sin for us, who knew no sin. The reasons for His going through the ceremony are:<\/p>\n In the Gospel accounts there is no record of Jesus having ever baptized anyone. However, His disciples were commanded to do so: \u201cAnd Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost\u201d<\/em> (Matthew 28:18,19).<\/p>\n At Pentecost, the promised outpouring of the Holy Ghost came upon the Apostles. Filled with new courage and power, Peter preached a mighty sermon to the assembled multitude.\u00a0 When the Jews realized that Jesus whom they had crucified was the Lord and Christ sent from God, they were pricked in their hearts. They said to Peter and to the rest of the Apostles,\u00a0 \u201cMen and brethren, what shall we do?\u201d (Acts 2:37). Then Peter said unto them,\u00a0 \u201cRepent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost\u201d<\/em> (Acts 2:38). On that day, those who believed and were baptized were about 3,000 souls.<\/p>\n Since Pentecost, those who believe have submitted themselves, in obedience to our Lord\u2019s command to the sacrament of holy baptism by water.<\/p>\n BAPTISM is one of the two SACRAMENTS commanded by our Lord. (The other is HOLY COMMUNION or THE LORD\u2019S SUPPER). While it is only a SYMBOLIC CEREMONIAL ACT, nevertheless it has profound meaning in the life of a believer.<\/p>\n BAPTISM does not<\/strong> save anyone. Only FAITH in CHRIST can save. In the case of a BELIEVER\u2019S BAPTISM, baptism is defined as the OUTWARD SIGN of an INWARD FAITH. Therefore, a person who does not have faith in CHRIST for salvation must not be baptized by water. On the other hand, he who believes and is saved already, should not hold back, but should seek WATER BAPTISM in obedience to our Lord\u2019s command to publicly confess Him and be identified with Him.<\/p>\n There are three main aspects to the meaning of BAPTISM:<\/p>\n BELIEVER\u2019S BAPTISM,\u00a0 then, means,\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 CLEANSING FROM SIN, and\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 DYING TO ONE\u2019S SINFUL PAST.<\/p>\n In the NEW TESTAMENT, the same COVENANT is extended to ALL – JEWS and GENTILES like in the Old Testament. With this, the rite of CIRCUMCISION lapsed and its place was taken by BAPTISM.<\/p>\n WATER BAPTISM, then, signifies entry into this new COVENANT or AGREEMENT with GOD in CHRIST.<\/p>\n It may be likened to MARRIAGE, when the BRIDE gives herself exclusively to the BRIDEGROOM for LIFE. It is a happy, proud and expectant event. It is the same with BAPTISM. The believer publicly declares his love for and allegiance to JESUS CHRIST, for HIS great and undying love. With profound happiness, pride and expectation, he gives himself totally and exclusively to CHRIST, our HEAVENLY BRIDEGROOM – for LIFE.<\/p>\n IMMERSION or SPRINKLING?<\/strong><\/p>\n Both immersion and sprinkling have their proponents, but when it is realized that the act is purely SYMBOLIC, the amount of water is unimportant as long as water is used. Baptists and some other denominations practise immersion. Presbyterians, Methodists, Anglicans and some others sprinkle.<\/p>\n Scriptural support can be found for either methods.<\/p>\n For example:<\/strong>\u00a0 John the Baptist was baptizing in the river Jordon, and Jesus, after He was baptized, went up straightaway\u00a0 \u201cout of the water\u201d.<\/strong> The suggestion is that our Lord had been immersed. But this is by no means certain because the Jordan during the dry season of the year is practically dried up in parts, or at any rate very shallow. In these circumstances immersion would be a physical impossibility and sprinkling would be the most likely method. The interpretation of the phrase \u201cout of the water\u201d could very well be that Jesus stepped into the shallow river water, and after he was sprinkled (OT method of sprinkling) he walked \u201cout of the water.\u201d<\/p>\n So the debate goes on. The truth is that the method is not the important thing. Otherwise the Bible would have clearly defined it. Consider also the impossibility of immersion in the North Pole or for a sick or dying person.<\/p>\n We allow that both IMMERSION and SPRINKLING may lawfully be practised. Each believer must clearly understand the significance of the rite and be fully persuaded of the correctness of the method he chooses. Those who prefer immersion should join a doctrinally sound church that practises it. Believers who have been baptized by immersion in another church may be received into membership of the B-P Church without having to be re-baptized by sprinkling.<\/p>\n Our church, as well as certain others (Methodist, Anglican, Presbyterian) practises Infant Baptism\u00a0 i.e. baptism of infants and children. There are Scriptural grounds for this practice.<\/p>\n When God called Abraham to be a father of many nations, He also instituted the ceremonial rite of circumcision. \u201cAnd God said to Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee;\u00a0 Every man child among you shall be circumcised … and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you\u201d<\/em> (Genesis 17:9-11). This was God\u2019s agreement for blessing His chosen people, the Jews. This blessing was also extended to the Gentiles.<\/p>\n In the New Testament times, the covenant of blessing was extended to the Gentiles, i.e. all nations and people who believed in Jesus. The ceremonial rite of circumcision was superseded by the sacrament of baptism. Colossians 2:11-12, \u201cIn whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.\u201d<\/em> The Christian\u2019s circumcision is now baptism.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What is the significance, then, of including children in the new covenant of baptism? It may be objected to on the grounds that the child does not yet understand its meaning, and is not able to exercise faith in Christ for salvation. (After all, we have agreed that the definition for believer\u2019s baptism is only an outward sign of an inward faith). Please NOTE that this definition of water baptism is for believers only and not to be applied to infants. In the OT there were adults (believers) who were circumcised as adults and infants who were circumcised as infants. It was the same act of circumcision but with a different meaning.<\/p>\n Just as in Old Testament times, when believing parents brought their sons in faith for circumcision, so likewise in New Testament times parents bring their children in faith for baptism. In both instances, the parents are claiming God\u2019s covenant blessing for their children. This is more than just a \u201cdedication.\u201d The Jews circumcised their infants because they were already part of the people of God. The parents were commanded by God to circumcise their infants. Their infants would be cut off i.e. die if they did not, which means that the parents would be telling God that they do not wish their children to enjoy the covenant blessings and that they do not desire to bring their children up in the ways of God.<\/p>\n Believers baptise their infants for the same reason in that our children are already part of the covenant blessing that God will bestow on us as believers. Salvation is personal but the blessing that comes with salvation is covenantal. That is why God says that our children are holy in His sight. 1 Corinthians 7:12-14, \u201cBut to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.<\/strong>\u201d<\/em> [Emphasis added]<\/p>\n In bringing their children for baptism, believing parents are acknowledging that they would like to claim God\u2019s promise of blessing upon them. At the same time, they promise God to faithfully bring up their children in the fear and knowledge of God and in the doctrines of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n At a later stage, when the child is old enough to confirm his own faith in Jesus Christ, the Church then publicly receives him into membership at a Confirmation Service, also referred to as \u201cReaffirmation of Faith\u201d.<\/p>\n In several New Testament accounts, we have reason to believe that the Apostles Peter and Paul received children in baptism.\u00a0 At Pentecost, Peter said to the new converts: \u201cRepent, and be baptized every one of you<\/strong> … for the promise is unto you, and to your children<\/strong>\u201d (Acts 2:38, 39). [Emphasis added]<\/p>\n Paul at Philippi baptized Lydia and her household<\/strong> (Acts 16:15) [Emphasis added], and the keeper of prison, \u201che and all his, straightway\u201d (Acts 16:33).<\/p>\n We reaffirm that baptism by itself does not save any one. A child is not born again by baptism.\u00a0 It is only a sign of the parents\u2019 faith, that the child belongs to God and that the parents will bring the child up in the fear and admonition of the LORD.<\/p>\n For the child,<\/strong> the sign comes first, and the faith comes afterwards.<\/p>\n TO BE BAPTIZED OR NOT?<\/p>\n This is a difficult question for some, especially young people facing parental objection. However, under normal circumstances, a person should seek water baptism only if the following conditions are fulfilled:<\/p>\n Our Lord\u2019s Word serves to guide those who are encountering parental or other objection:\u00a0 \u201cHe that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me … he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me\u201d<\/em> (Matthew 10:37, 38). Our love for God must come before all others. There may be initial difficulties, but no price is too high to pay in order to win Christ. He is the<\/p>\n LOVER OF OUR SOULS, THE ALTOGETHER LOVELY ONE.<\/p>\n If He has so loved us, ought we not also to love Him?<\/p>\n NOTE: The Singapore law says that the church, as a registered body with the Registrar of Society, cannot baptise anyone below the age of 21 years without parental consent.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lesson 12: Baptism<\/p>\n BIBLE KNOWLEDGE QUIZ 12: BAPTISM<\/p>\n Fill in the blanks:<\/p>\n Water Baptism does\u00a0 __ __ __\u00a0 save.<\/p>\n Underline the correct answers:<\/p>\n (c) disowning his family.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" BAPTISM Text:\u00a0Matthew 28:18-20\u00a0\u00a0Acts 2:37-41 Definition: \u201cReligious rite of immersing person in, or sprinkling him with, water in sign of purification and of admission to the Church.\u201d\u00a0 (Oxford Dictionary) Origin of the Word: from the Greek \u201cbaptidzo\u201d meaning \u201cto dip in\u201d or \u201ccleanse in water\u201d. Origin of Baptism Ceremonial purification by washing with water was practised […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-447","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ilekt.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/447","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ilekt.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ilekt.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ilekt.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ilekt.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=447"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ilekt.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/447\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":449,"href":"https:\/\/ilekt.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/447\/revisions\/449"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ilekt.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=447"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}BAPTISM IN THE NEW TESTAMENT<\/h4>\n
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JESUS\u2019 COMMAND TO BAPTIZE<\/h4>\n
JESUS\u2019 COMMAND OBEYED<\/h4>\n
THE MEANING OF BAPTISM<\/h4>\n
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CONCLUSION<\/h4>\n
INFANT BAPTISM<\/h4>\n
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CONCLUSION<\/h4>\n
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