27. What is Baptism? Should I get Baptised?
Key Verses / Passages
And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let each of you be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’ Acts 2:38
For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
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Discussion
Christian Baptism is a ritual using water, signifying purification and spiritual rebirth, representing dying with Christ and rising from the water to a new life committing to faith in Jesus Christ.
The concept of baptism was seen in early Jewish culture through a mikvah. A mikvah in Jesus time was a Jewish practice, a ritual cleansing by being fully immersed into water. It is still practiced today when a person converts to Judaism. It was also done to signify certain events in Jewish life like before marriage, females after menstruation, after a year of bereavement and so on. It did not start with the followers of Jesus and has always been a powerful symbol of purification and/ or public declaration of commitment. A mikvah pool was usually large enough for 10 men that required living water, meaning water from a natural flowing spring, river or collected rainwater. The water couldn’t be pumped or carried; it had to flow naturally.
The Christian view of baptism was first seen in the New Testament Book of Acts. In Acts chapter 2, Peter is evangelising to a crowd of Jewish people who ask, “What should we do?” to be saved. Peter instructs them to repent and be baptised. 3000 people were added to the number of believers on that day!
Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasises the fact that salvation comes from God, not baptism! Baptism is a ‘work’ - an external action such as praying, evangelising, or attending church. It is not required for belief and salvation; it is what you choose to do because you are a believer. Your salvation is by God’s grace through faith alone. Nothing else. Even your faith is a gift. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
The Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 3:21-22 suggests that baptism is a symbol of a sincere commitment to God, an asking for inner purity. The water doesn’t save you; the power of Christ’s resurrection is your salvation.
The second question of “Should you” is really a personal preference. It is not necessary to your salvation.
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Reflection / Questions
• Do you wish to be baptised, following in the example of Jesus, to show all your family, friends and church members that you are committed?
• What does baptism do for your faith?
• What does it do for other people, who watch it?
• Read the following scriptures and consider the public declaration of your faith, then talk it over with a mentor.
Acts 2:38
Acts 3:12-26
Acts 3:19
Romans 3:22-30
Romans 4:5
Galatians 2:16
Ephesians 2:8-9
Philippians 3:9
1 Peter 3:18-22
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Prayer
Lord Jesus, please lead me in this decision to be baptised. I know that I am saved by your actions and wish to follow in your footsteps. Please guide me in whether I should be baptised or not. Thank you for your love.