Copy of T2L6 Baptism [Discipleship Class]

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TERM 2 LESSON 6: BAPTISM

KEY VERSE TO MEMORIZE

"Or don't you know that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:3-4

LESSON OVERVIEW

Baptism is one of the two ordinances that Jesus gave to His church. It's a beautiful symbol of what happens when someone becomes a Christian - death to sin and new life in Christ. Today we'll study what the Bible teaches about baptism, examining the original meaning, mode, and subjects of this important ordinance. We'll also learn how baptismal practices developed throughout church history.

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

THE MEANING OF THE WORD

The word "baptism" comes from the Greek word "baptizo," which means to dip, plunge, or immerse:

"John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for remission of sins." (Mark 1:4)

"John was baptizing in Enon near Salim, because there was much water there. They came, and were baptized." (John 3:23)

The fact that John chose locations with "much water" suggests immersion was the practice.

BAPTISM IS A SYMBOL

Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward spiritual reality:

"Or don't you know that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4)

"in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead." (Colossians 2:11-12)

BAPTISM REPRESENTS DEATH AND RESURRECTION

The symbolism of baptism pictures our spiritual death and resurrection:

• Going under the water: Death to sin and our old life

• Coming up from the water: Resurrection to new life in Christ

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

JESUS' EXAMPLE OF BAPTISM

JESUS WAS BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION

Jesus' own baptism demonstrates the biblical mode:

"Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him." (Matthew 3:16)

"It happened in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Immediately coming up from the water, he saw the heavens parting, and the Spirit descending on him like a dove." (Mark 1:9-10)

The phrases "went up from the water" and "coming up from the water" indicate Jesus was immersed.

WHY JESUS WAS BAPTIZED

Jesus was baptized not for the forgiveness of sins (He had none), but to fulfill righteousness:

"But Jesus, answering, said to him, 'Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he allowed him." (Matthew 3:15)

Jesus set an example for all believers to follow.

JESUS COMMANDED BAPTISM

Jesus made baptism part of the Great Commission:

"Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)

"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned." (Mark 16:16)

THE BIBLICAL MODE OF BAPTISM

IMMERSION IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

The New Testament consistently describes baptism as immersion:

"They went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away." (Acts 8:38-39)

The Ethiopian eunuch and Philip both "went down into the water" and "came up out of the water."

THE SYMBOLISM REQUIRES IMMERSION

The symbolic meaning of baptism as burial and resurrection requires complete immersion:

"We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4)

"having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him." (Colossians 2:12)

Sprinkling or pouring cannot adequately represent burial and resurrection.

HISTORICAL EVIDENCE

Early church history confirms that immersion was the original practice:

• Early church fathers like Justin Martyr and Tertullian described immersion as the normal practice

• Archaeological evidence shows early baptisteries were designed for immersion

• Church buildings had baptisteries large enough for people to stand in water

THE BIBLICAL SUBJECTS OF BAPTISM

BELIEVERS WHO CAN UNDERSTAND

The New Testament shows that baptism was for those old enough to believe and understand:

"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned." (Mark 16:16)

"Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins." (Acts 2:38)

Belief and repentance require understanding, which infants cannot possess.

EXAMPLES FROM ACTS

Every example of baptism in Acts involves people old enough to believe:

The Ethiopian Eunuch: "Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' He answered, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.'" (Acts 8:37)

Saul/Paul: "Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received his sight. He arose and was baptized." (Acts 9:18)

Cornelius and his household: "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word." (Acts 10:44)

The Philippian jailer: "They spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his house. He took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household." (Acts 16:32-33)

FAITH PRECEDES BAPTISM

The pattern in the New Testament is always faith first, then baptism:

"But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning God's Kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." (Acts 8:12)

"Many of the Corinthians, when they heard, believed and were baptized." (Acts 18:8)

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HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF BAPTISMAL PRACTICES

EARLY CHURCH PRACTICE (1ST-2ND CENTURIES)

The early church practiced immersion of believers:

• Baptism was by immersion in natural bodies of water when possible

• Candidates were required to understand the gospel and make a profession of faith

• Baptism was often performed by bishops or specially appointed ministers

• The practice closely followed New Testament examples

GRADUAL CHANGES (3RD-5TH CENTURIES)

Several factors led to changes in baptismal practices:

Growing Acceptance of Infant Baptism:

• Some church leaders began to practice infant baptism

• The doctrine of original sin led some to believe infants needed baptism for salvation

• The desire to include children in covenant community influenced this practice

• Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) strongly promoted infant baptism

Alternative Modes:

• In cases of illness or insufficient water, pouring (affusion) was sometimes used

• Sprinkling began to be practiced in some areas for practical reasons

• These were initially considered exceptions to the normal practice of immersion

MEDIEVAL DEVELOPMENTS (6TH-15TH CENTURIES)

During the medieval period, changes became more widespread:

• Infant baptism became the norm in many areas

• Sprinkling became more common, especially in colder climates

• The Roman Catholic Church officially endorsed infant baptism and alternative modes

• Some groups continued to practice believer's immersion

REFORMATION AND BEYOND (16TH CENTURY-PRESENT)

The Reformation brought renewed examination of baptismal practices:

• Some Reformers like Luther and Calvin retained infant baptism but reformed its meaning

• Anabaptists ("re-baptizers") returned to believer's baptism by immersion

• Various Protestant denominations developed different practices

• Some churches maintained infant baptism with sprinkling or pouring

• Others returned to New Testament practice of believer's immersion

UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT PRACTICES TODAY

Many sincere Christians practice baptism differently based on their understanding of Scripture and church tradition:

• Infant baptism by sprinkling/pouring (not taught in scripture): Practiced by many Protestant denominations and the Catholic Church

• Infant baptism by immersion (not taught in scripture): Practiced by some Orthodox churches

• Believer's baptism by immersion (biblical): Practiced by Baptist, Pentecostal, and many evangelical churches

• Believer's baptism by pouring (not taught in scripture): Practiced by some Protestant churches

SEEKING BIBLICAL ACCURACY

We should seek to understand what Scripture teaches:

• Study the biblical examples and their context

• Consider the meaning of the original Greek words

• Examine the symbolism that baptism represents

• Allow Scripture to guide our understanding

THE MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF BAPTISM

BAPTISM IS NOT OPTIONAL

Jesus commanded baptism for all believers:

"Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)

"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned." (Mark 16:16)

BAPTISM IDENTIFIES US WITH CHRIST

Baptism shows our union with Christ in His death and resurrection:

"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27)

"Or don't you know that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?" (Romans 6:3)

BAPTISM IS PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Christ:

"Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 10:32)

"For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10)

BAPTISM PICTURES SALVATION

Baptism illustrates what God has done in salvation:

• Cleansing from sin: The washing away of the old life

• Death to sin: Our old nature crucified with Christ

• New life: Raised to walk in newness of life

• Union with Christ: Identified with Him in death and resurrection

"in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead." (Colossians 2:11-12)

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

Based on biblical teaching, baptism is for:

• Those who have personally believed in Jesus Christ (not possible for infants)

• Those old enough to understand the gospel and make a conscious decision (not possible for infants)

• Those who can repent of their sins and trust Christ for salvation (not possible for infants)

• Those who desire to publicly declare their faith (not possible for infants, they cannot declare anything)

WHEN SHOULD BAPTISM OCCUR?

The New Testament pattern shows baptism should happen:

• Soon after conversion (not necessarily immediately, but without unnecessary delay)

• After the person understands what baptism represents

• When the person is ready to make a public commitment to Christ

• In the presence of the church community when possible

WHAT IF SOMEONE WAS BAPTIZED AS AN INFANT?

For those baptized as infants who later come to personal faith:

• Consider whether that baptism meets the biblical requirements

• Many believers choose to be baptized again

• This isn't "re-baptism" but baptism for the first time as a believer

KEY POINTS SUMMARY

• Baptism comes from a Greek word meaning to immerse or plunge

• Jesus was baptized by immersion and commanded His followers to be baptized

• Biblical baptism symbolizes death to sin and resurrection to new life

• The New Testament shows baptism was for believers old enough to understand

• Historical evidence confirms immersion was the original practice

• Over time, some churches developed different practices including infant baptism and alternative modes

• Baptism is a command of Christ, not an option for believers

SELF-REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Based on your study of Scripture, what do you believe about the proper mode and subjects of baptism?

2. Have you been baptized according to biblical teaching? If not, what is preventing you from taking this step?

3. How does understanding the symbolism of baptism affect your appreciation for what Christ has done for you?

4. How can you respectfully discuss baptism with others who may have different practices while maintaining biblical convictions?

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Study the Biblical Evidence: Carefully examine what the New Testament teaches about baptism, considering the original context and meaning.

Follow Jesus' Example: Remember that Jesus was baptized by immersion and commanded His followers to be baptized.

Consider Your Own Baptism: If you have not been baptized as a believer by immersion, prayerfully consider whether you should follow this biblical pattern.

Encourage New Believers: Help new Christians understand the importance of baptism and encourage them to follow Christ's command.