In today’s study I want to dispel some false teachings, and make sure we all understand a few things about Baptism. We will go through it in sections for a clear understanding. We start off with What is Baptism? To Baptize simply means to completely submerge one self. Right away we have a problem with fellow Christians, so let’s look at the Greek for Baptism. We go to our Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible and we find G908 and it reads.
G908 baptisma pronounced bap’-tis-mah and means; 1. immersion, submersion. b. of John’s baptism, that purification rite by which men on confessing their sins were bound to spiritual reformation, obtained the pardon of their past sins and became qualified for the benefits of the Messiah’s kingdom soon to be set up. This was valid Christian baptism, as this was the only baptism the apostles received and it is not recorded anywhere that they were ever rebaptized after Pentecost. c. of Christian baptism; a rite of immersion in water as commanded by Christ, by which one after confessing his sins and professing his faith in Christ, having been born again by the Holy Spirit unto a new life, identifies publicly with the fellowship of Christ and the church. In Rom. 6:3 Paul states we are “baptized unto death” meaning that we are not only dead to our former ways, but they are buried. To return to them is as unthinkable for a Christian as for one to dig up a dead corpse! In Moslem countries a new believer has little trouble with Moslems until he is publicly baptized. It is then, that the Moslem’s know he means business, and then the persecution starts. See also discussion of baptism under G907.
G907 baptizō pronounced bap-tid’-zo and means; to make whelmed (that is fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism. 1. to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk). 2. to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one’s self, bathe. 3. to overwhelm Not to be confused with 911, bapto.
The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B.C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be ‘dipped'(bapto) into boiling water and then ‘baptized’ (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptizing the vegetable, produces a permanent change. When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. i.e. Mark 16:16. ‘He that believes and is baptized shall be saved’. Christ is saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a union with him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle!
G907 is taken from the prime of G911, but as we learned above, we should not confuse the two. But, for reason of it being the prime, or root let’s go to G911.
G911 baptō pronounced bap’-to and means; 1. to dip, dip in, immerse. 2. to dip into dye, to dye, colour.
Now, we can understand, to baptize one must be fully immersed under the water, not sprinkled. If one was to sprinkle a garment, it would leave spots and not change the color of the fabric. Christ states we must have a change about us to become a union with him. Let’s now, with that important information above start our lesson. Let Christ be our example. Matthew 3 and verse 1 reads.
Mat.3:1] In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
[2] And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
[3] For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
John the Baptist and Jesus were cousins. John’s mother Elisabeth and Mary were sisters, daughters of Aaron the priest line. Notice he said Repent. We must repent before we are baptized. The prophet Isaiah prophesied these words in Isa.40:1-5.
Mat.3:4] And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
Here are the clothing and food of a prophet.
Mat.3:5] Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
[6] And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
They came to John the Baptist for his testimony and afterwards confessed (repented) of their sins.
Mat.3:7] But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
[8] Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
John knew that these Pharisees and Sadducees are Kenites. Offspring (generation) of Cain, the serpent’s seed. But notice verse 8, even a child of Satan can come to repentance, that change of heart, and being forgiven he becomes a child of the Living God. For whosoever believeth.
Mat.3:9] And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
[10] And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
The first earth age perished with water and the second earth age will perish with fire.
Mat.3:11] I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Let’s go to Heb.12 and verse 29 reads.
Heb.12:29] For our God is a consuming fire.
Back to Mat.3 and verse 12 reads.
Mat.3:12] Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
[13] Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
[14] But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
This is understandable, John said who am I to baptize the Son of God, but Jesus being our example will calm him.
Mat.3:15] And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
To fulfill the Word of God.
Mat.3:16] And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
The second “He” is John the Baptist. He saw the Holy Spirit of God coming down as if it were a dove, and lightened on Jesus. This tells us that John the Baptist was given this sign from God to show him that this was indeed the Son of God.
Mat.3:17] And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
John alone heard this voice, confirming the baptism of Jesus Christ, the Son of God was indeed now with man. The reason for Jesus coming in the flesh we find in Heb.2 and verse 14 reads.
Heb.2:14] Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Now, let’s talk about when and how to baptize. Most people don’t think they can baptize one another or even themselves. But let’s first look at when; when one knows Jesus Christ. Let’s go to Acts 8, Philip was sent by God to a eunuch who was reading the book of Isaiah and needed a little help.
Acts 8:29] Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
[30] And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
[31] And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
[32] The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
This is in Isaiah 53:7-8.
Acts 8:33] In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
[34] And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
[35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
Isaiah was prophesying Jesus’s crucifixion. Philip knew this eunuch believed in God, and let him understand Jesus Christ, Savior.
Acts 8:36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
[37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Here is the confession needed for baptism. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Before we can baptize anyone, they must confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Acts 8:38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
When one comes to us for baptism, you must first witness that they indeed know and have professed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Now, the How to baptize. Any Christian can baptize another Christian. I prefer to see a man of his household baptize his children and wife if she isn’t baptized already. But as we learned above, we need to fully submerse them under water. While under water we say, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” The full Godhead or Trinity is to be used. Why? Because God the Father came in the flesh as The Son of God. The Son of God was crucified for our sins and not of his own. The Father and the Son left us the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Father and the Son dwelling within us. The three are One.
The meaning of being submersed is this. Jesus Christ died and went into the tomb, the going under the water. And that he rose again, the coming out of the water.
Can someone baptize him or herself? Yes, God is intelligent, and knows our hearts. If you cannot find another Christian, then simply submerge yourself, and say I baptize myself in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
When do I baptize my children? When they come to the age of accountability. What exactly does this mean? It means when they know Jesus is the Son of God, and he came to die on the cross for the remission of sins upon repentance. They of course would also need to know that not only before being baptized to repent of all sin, but that after baptism we need to repent of all sins committed after baptism as well. Many people think that “Once saved always saved” means they don’t need to repent ever again and this is not true. Sorry, they will not understand because of false teachings, but they should have read God’s Word instead of trusting in the traditions of men.
What if I am old, and cannot be under water because of a disability? God, again is intelligent, have someone pour a cup of water over your forehead or do it yourself. God will accept this as baptism. Just remember to acknowledge Jesus is the Son of God, repent, then be baptized.
Can I be baptized a second time? The answer is No. Doing so is like re-crucifying Christ over again. He died only once for our remission of sins. Now, if you were a baby and they sprinkled you, then you were never baptized, I would then be baptized. But if you didn’t like the church that baptized you then like it or lump it you are baptized. Churches don’t have any power over your baptism; it is strictly between you and God. If you didn’t know or understand because your parents pushed it on you before you came to the age of accountability, then you should stop and think for a moment. Ask yourself these simple questions; did you know Jesus, and did you repent before being baptized. If you answered no to either question, then go ahead, repent and state that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and be baptized.
I hope I answered most of your questions today. To the parents; it’s your job to bring your children to Jesus. I promise once they know Jesus, if they were to fall away like most children do, they will come back to him because you have planted that seed in them. Let’s go to his throne.
Father, we thank you for your word and ask that you bless all that love you in Jesus’s precious name, Amen.
KJV along with The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible
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