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Biblical Baptisms. Introduction. In the New Testament, one reads of various Biblical baptisms. However, only one is obligatory and binding today.
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Introduction • In the New Testament, one reads of various Biblical baptisms. However, only one is obligatory and binding today. • Ephesians 4:4-6 says, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all” (NASB95).
Meaning • The Greek verb baptizō means “to dip, immerse, plunge, sink, submerge, wash, etc.” • The noun baptisma describes the result of such action. As Vine says, it consists of “the processes of immersion, submersion and emergence.”
Usage • Used metaphorically, baptism is descriptive of some sort of overwhelming, immersive experience. • Used literally, baptism describes the physical immersion of an individual in water.
Symbolic Usage • The baptism of suffering (Matthew 20:20-23; 26:36-39; Mark 10:35-40; Luke 12:49-53). • The baptism of Moses (1 Corinthians 10:1-4; cf. Exodus 14:19-22 & also 1 Peter 3:20-22). • The baptism of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4; 10:44-48; 11:15-18).
Actual Usage • The baptism of John was preparatory (Matthew 3:1-6; 3:11; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:7-9; 7:24-30 ; Acts 18:24-26; 19:1-7). • The baptism of Christ is permanent. The importance of Christian baptism is seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16), and also in the cases of conversion recorded in Acts: those on Pentecost (Acts 2:38, 41), the Samaritans (Acts 8:12-13), the Ethiopian nobleman (Acts 8:35-39), Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:3-6, 17-19; 22:12-16), etc.
Benefits • The centrality of Christian baptism is seen in its benefits: • Baptism brings us into a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:26-27). • It affords spiritual cleansing (1 Corinthians 6:11; Colossians 2:11-12; Ephesians 5:25-27). • It results in spiritual renewal and salvation (Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21-22).
Conclusion • The baptisms of John and the Holy Spirit are now historical. The only baptism that has continued significance is the baptism of Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6). • Have you been baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins? If not, we urge you to obey while there is time and opportunity (Acts 2:38; 10:48).