Aside from communion, water baptism is the only Christian rite to be commanded in the Bible. Essential in the process of conversion in the New Testament church, the significance of baptism to personal salvation has been so muted that it is now placed little higher than "optional" in most of today's churches.

WHAT IS BAPTISM ?

The Greek word (baptize), translated "baptise" in our Bibles, means to "dip or immerse". Whenever baptism is described in the Bible, it is clear that the people were being fully immersed in water. For example, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptised? [And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest] ...and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptised him" (Acts 8:36-38).

We are told that John the Baptist baptised at "Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there" (John 3:23), and that Jesus walked many-miles from Galilee to the River Jordan to be baptised by John by full immersion.

Baptism by full immersion was of-great importance in the Christian community of the Ist century and, along with the infilling of the Holy Spirit; was regarded as essential to being" born again"-and entering the Kingdom of God. We read that, on one day alone three thousand souls" were baptised (Acts 2:41).

The movement to "effusion" or "infusion" (where water is poured over the head), and later to "aspersion"· (where water is sprinkled), have no scriptural foundation and represent a distinct departure from the doctrine of the apostles.

Martin Luther wrote "'I would advise those to be baptised to be altogether dipped into the water, as the Word doth express" (The Works of Martin Luther, Volume I, Page 336).

WHY BE BAPTISED?

Simply, the Bible commands it!

Of His own baptism, Jesus said "for thus it becometh us to fulfil all nighteousness" (Matthew 3:15).

The way into the kingdom of God, presented by Peter on the Day of Pentecost, is to: "Repent and be baptised 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" (Acts 2:38).

Baptism is "the answer of a good conscience toward God" (1 Peter 3:21). Genuine repentance and a desire to follow the Gospel demands obedience to God's instruction. The pattern is simple: "they that gladly received his [Peter's] word were baptised" (Acts 2:41).

Baptism symbolises the "burial" of our old life and a new beginning: "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptised into Jesus Christ were baptised into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" romans 6:3-6). Colossians 2: 12 reads similarly.

Baptism is a public display of a person's repentance and new found commitment to Christ, and is most often performed in expectation of God's blessing through the infilling of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in-tongues. Luke 7:29 says "all the people that heard him [John the Baptist], an the publicans [tax collectors], justified God" in being publicly baptised.

For those who receive the Holy Spirit before being baptised, the Apostle Peter asked, "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptised, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptised in the name of the Lord" (Acts 10:4748).

ADULTS OR CHILDREN ?

In Bible times, no infants were baptised. In fact, the very idea of an infant baptism is inconsistent with the requirement for the candidate to have a conscious belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and make a commitment to Him. For those below an age of understanding, baptism can have no spiritual benefit as it demonstrates neither repentance nor a personal commitment. As "the answer of a-good conscience toward God", those being baptised must appreciate its significance. Accordingly, the scriptures explain that children are "sanctified" through the faith of their parents, who are charged with the responsibility of raising them in the "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4).

The scriptural practice of infant sprinkling, or "christening", did not receive general acceptance until about the 12th century. Introduced partially as a matter of social convenience, it has since become an established tradition in most churches.

Rebuking the religious leaders of His day for their departure from such simple commands of God, Jesus said "Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?" (Matthew 15:3). How true. even today!

JESUS' COMMANDMENT

The great commission given by Jesus to His followers was that, once endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit, they should "teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28: 19-20).

Similarly," Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16: 15-16).

The activities of the early Christians are recorded: "when they believed ... they were baptised, both men and women ... [with] miracles and signs" (Acts 8:12-13).

After asking what he must do to be saved, and being instructed to "believe", the Philipian Gaoler and his family were baptised "straightway" (Acts 16:30-33).

Also, "many of the Corinthians hearing believed, ·and were baptized" (Acts 18:8), and "they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied" (Acts 19:5-6).

YOUR MOVE

Many today have rejected the message of the churches, yet have never experienced Christianity. Exciting and real, Bible Christianity brings healing, security, protection, provision, and-happiness.

The first step to this new life is to obey Jesus' command to be baptised.

The challenge is put to all: "And now, why do you delay? Rise up and be baptised"

(Acts 22:16 -- Amplified Bible).

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