Why we do what we do

Baptism

Introduction

There has been and still is much incorrect teaching and misunderstanding about baptism. Some teach that it is unimportant; some teach that it is necessary for salvation. There have been arguments about how to baptise, where to baptise and at what age someone can be baptised

The aim of this document is not to discuss these points or to knock what other churches or denominations believe; it is to simply explain what we believe at Harvest Church. Our belief is based on our understanding and interpretation of the Bible.

Baptism in the Bible

It is important to us at Harvest Church that what we do lines up with Scripture. There are three main reasons we can confidently say that the practice of baptism in the Bible was carried out in one way.

1. The meaning of the word Baptism

The word Baptise is taken directly from the Greek word, 'Baptizo', which means ‘immerse, dip, or submerge’.  

To baptise something in water means simply to put it under water. So to baptise a person also means to put them under the water, which is why we practice full immersion baptism.

To reinforce this, 'baptizo' was used by Greek-speaking Jews to describe the ceremonial Jewish washings, which involved fully immersing articles and proselytes (converts) in water.  

2. The description of the baptisms in the New Testament

The descriptions of people being baptised in the Bible support the fact that they were fully immersed in water.

Mark 1:10 ‘As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending

on him like a dove.’

In this description of Jesus’ baptism we are told that Jesus came up out of the water. In other words for Jesus to be baptised he went down into the water of the river Jordan and then came up out of it.

John 3:23 ‘Now John also was baptising at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people

were constantly coming to be baptised’

We are now told that John was baptising at Aenon because there was plenty of water. We can assume that John needed a lot of water to baptise people, suggesting that a sprinkling would not be enough. John needed enough water so that he could submerge someone completely under the water.

Acts 8v36 - 38 ‘As they travelled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said,

"Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptised?" And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip

and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptised him. When they came up out of the water, the

Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.’

This description has it all. It tells us that Philip waited until there was enough water to baptise the Ethiopian Eunuch. At no point does either of them suggest using water from a well or their drinking bottles, which they would certainly have had with them when travelling along this 'desert road'. It also describes how they both went down into the water and Philip baptised him.

The New Testament clearly describes baptism as an act of full immersion into water. But we are then left with the question, why did they do it in such away.?

3. The symbolic meaning of Baptism

Baptism has a very powerful and significant meaning to the Christian faith. This can only be symbolized by full immersion. We will briefly look at two passages of scripture that describe the meaning of baptism.

Romans 6 v 1- 7 ‘What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!

We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptised into

Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in

order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.

For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we

should no longer be slaves to sin because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.’

Colossians 2 v 12  ‘…….having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the

power of God, who raised him from the dead.’

Paul tells us that baptism is a personal identification made by the person being buried with Christ. It is an outward demonstration of what has happened to that individual spiritually, on the inside, at the point of salvation.

The old self is put to death; going under the water represents this. The old self that was cut of from God, that only knew sin and was destined for eternal death.

The new self is raised as Christ was raised from death; coming up out of the water demonstrates this. Christ creates in us a new self, one that is no longer cut of from God and one that can now live a holy life for Him.  

Only full immersion in water can truly demonstrate this act of dying with Christ and being raised a new with him.

Is baptism necessary for Salvation?

There are some denominations that teach baptism is vital for salvation.

In the New Testament there were still very strong beliefs that circumcision was necessary for salvation. In other words to be a member of God’s family they were teaching that you had to be circumcised.

Paul opposed this view very strongly in Galatians 5 v1-12. He states that faith in Christ is the one and only way to salvation.

We also have the thief on the cross.

Luke 23v 43, the thief is clearly promised by Jesus that they would meet again in paradise. If baptism were an absolute necessity for salvation then Jesus would not have made such a promise to the thief.

So if baptism is not necessary for salvation why bother?

Why be baptised?

Baptism is a clear command from Jesus himself,

Matthew 28 v 18-20 ‘Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the

Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always,

to the very end of the age."

Jesus tells those that follow Him to go and make disciples, 'baptising them'. The Apostles also taught the need for baptism. Peter tells the crowd in

Acts 2 v 38 ‘Repent and be baptised’

There is no full explanation in scripture as to why we should be baptised The main reason seems to be that fact that what we do physically helps to reinforce for us what has been done spiritually.  So the unseen act becomes a visual act. Which seals it for us and acts as a constant reminder that we are made new – this is why we believe it is best for a new believer to be baptised as soon as possible.

It also shows that we are prepared to follow Jesus and to do what he commands.

Who is baptism for?

Acts 2 v 37-38 ‘When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles,

"Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ

for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

After hearing Peter preach the gospel the crowd ask him what shall we do. We can assume that they believed in what they heard; in fact the text tells us that the people were cut to the heart. Peter tells them to repent and be baptised

Acts 8 v 12-13 ‘But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name

of Jesus Christ, they were baptised, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptised And he followed

Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.’

Acts 9 v 18 ‘Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was

baptised, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.’

Acts 10 v 44-48 ‘While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.

The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured

out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, "Can anyone

keep these people from being baptised with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." So he ordered

that they be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.’

Acts 16 v31-34 ‘They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." Then they

spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and

washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptised The jailer brought them into his house and

set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.’

So who is baptism for? It is simply for those who have believed in Jesus Christ, that have repented and intend to live for Jesus. For the examples we see in scripture they believed, repented and then as soon as possible were baptised They didn’t put it off or put up an argument as to why they didn’t need to be baptised For them they had encountered the living God, their lives had been transformed and they just wanted to follow Jesus.

Other questions about baptism

What if I was Christened or baptised as an infant?

According to the bible, baptism is about faith and repentance. This is obviously difficult for an infant to understand. We believe that baptism is an individual’s choice and should not be made by any one else, including parents.

If you were Christened or baptised as an infant then we would suggest being baptised as an adult. If you are a parent wanting your child to be baptised, then we would encourage you to wait until they can make the decision for themselves.

What if my parents are not happy for me to be baptised?

If you are under 16 years old and still live with your parents, we would encourage you to wait either until they are happy or until you are old enough to make the decision for yourselves.

What if my husband or wife does not want me to be baptised?

Some practical steps if they are open to them;

Talk about why they are not happy about you being baptised

Ask them to read this document so they can understand what you want to do.

Invite them to come and watch a baptism.

If they are still not happy then we would suggest you tell them you will wait until they are happy. It is important that this does not become an issue that upsets your marriage. God knows your heart and desire to be baptised trust him.

What if I was Confirmed as an adult?

If you personally feel that you have done as scripture says, believed, repented and done a form of baptism in the form of Confirmation then please do not feel pressured to be baptised through full immersion. We would encourage you to pray it through and come and chat to us.

Must I get baptised again to be part of Harvest Church?

No. Baptism is NOT about joining a church.

Do I have to give a personal testimony?

No. We will pray for you and baptise you. If however you would like to say a few words then you can.

If you have any questions about our understanding of baptism or our practice of baptism then please contact us.