Baptism
Many people have heard of the Word baptism, in fact many have been baptized in the Catholic church as a infant or as adult in a Christian church. However, those who may have been baptized as a kid may not even remember what it symbolized or did not even continue to grow in their faith. Some even may ask, “Why even get baptized?” There are many things that can be talked about in this moment, but I will focus on what baptism is and the importance and significance of it.
Baptism is an act of obedience as one is professing that they have been made new in Christ and have accepted Him as his Savior. Now, many people in the past have made baptism as a requirement and although it is not required, it is an important factor. This is perfectly demonstrated by Jesus who was sinless yet chose to be baptized because wanted to give that example and was completing a prophecy. This is seen in Mark 1:9 (ESV) when it says,
“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.”
Matthew 3:16–17 also says,
“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
In other words, when Jesus got baptized, the Spirit of God descended on him and God spoke by saying that he was very pleased with him. Taking the time to just read this is mesmerizing because God was pleased that Jesus took that step of obedience to please Him and fulfill all righteousness. Like I mentioned earlier, Jesus is the perfect example of why we should be baptized for those who haven’t made the decision yet.
Secondly, baptism not only is an act of obedience but an act of repentance because one is leaving behind their past life to declare the change Jesus has made. Acts 2:37–38, 41 (ESV) says,
“Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized 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.’. . . So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”
Peter was preaching on the day of Pentecost when the crowd was amazed and touched by the word. Not only did Peter tell them to be baptize but turn away (repent) from their wicked and sinful ways.
Third, baptism is trinitarian because it is through the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit that it can happen. I’m bringing back Matthew 3:16–17 with an approach on the Trinity,
“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (bold added for emphasis)
When Jesus got baptized, it wasn’t only using his name, it was the fact that not only the Spirit had to come down but he is the one who already gave the Spirit power through the authority given by his Father. Moreover, Matthew 28:19 (ESV) says,
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (bold added for emphasis)
In this, Jesus is instructing his disciples to baptize others in the Trinity. In the following verse, it talks about teaching all new believers the things he had instructed his own disciples.
Lastly, it has been debated in the past about the “proper” way of baptizing whether it is immersion of water or sprinkling. The truth is, according to Geerhardus Vos, in Reformed Dogmatics, the Greek word bapto means to immerse, so even the word itself says it all. Baptism is an act of obedience to those who want to publicly confess their new life in Christ. It also comes with repentance, and believing in the Trinity.