The Ordinance of Water Baptism

Family Bible Church - Position Paper
www.soulcare.org

 (Prepared by Carl Provost)

Definitions of Baptism

1. Nouns

Baptism-baptisma -  baptism, consisting of the processes of immersion, submersion and emergence.(1)
Baptizing-baptismos -  as distinct from baptisma (the ordinance), is used of the ceremonial washing of articles.(2)
Baptist-baptistes- , a baptist, is used only of John the Baptist.(3)

2.  Verbs

Baptize-baptizo-  to baptize to dip, was used among the Greeks to signify the dyeing of a garment, or the drawing of water by dipping a vessel into another.(4)

What Does Baptism Mean?

We teach that water baptism is an ordinance ordained by Jesus Christ Himself. Baptism is symbolic in meaning and is not sacramental. Water baptism is an outward expression of the inner work of Christ in the believer. Baptism is not necessary for salvation but is a commanded accompaniment to salvation. Baptism by immersion is the best representation of identifying the believer with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism by immersion is a proclamation of truth about what Christ has done for and in the believer and an act of commitment and faith of the believer.(5) (Matt 28:19; Rom 6:3-6; Col 2:12; 1 Peter 3:20-21.)


How Should Baptism Be Done?

Baptism is by total immersion into water. There is no reason to believe that baptism was performed any other way than by immersion in the early churches. As we have seen, the word itself means to dip an object into water or other liquid.
"The Christian church knew no other form of baptism but immersion until the middle ages, when the practice of sprinkling or pouring was introduced by the Roman Catholic church-which itself had previously always baptized by immersion. The Catholic church did not recognize other modes until the Council of Ravenna, held in France in 1311. The Church of England did not begin the practice of sprinkling until 1645. The Eastern Orthodox church has never permitted any mode but immersion."(6)

The believer is baptized by total immersion in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, which is the best symbol to identify the believer's oneness with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Matt 28:19; Acts 2:38, 8:36-39, 10:47-48.)

Who Should Be Baptized?


We teach "believers' baptism" which is administered only once to a believer after submissive faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We do not believe in infant baptism but advocate that all men are responsible for choosing of their own wills as to whether they will submit to or reject salvation. All believers are required to submit to water baptism regardless of gender or ethnic background. One's failure to submit to baptism or hindrance of another is direct disobedience and violation of God's Word. (Matt 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38, 41, 8:12-13, 16, 36, 38, 10:47-48, 16:15, 33, 18:8.)

Summary

  1. Christian baptism was always by immersion.
  2. Immersion is the best representative of identifying with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
  3. Water baptism is an outward expression of an inward conversion, and is not necessary for salvation.
  4. Water baptism is one of the first acts of obedience by the believer, and it is a God ordained and a God commanded accompaniment to salvation.
  5. Water baptism is done in the name of the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
  6. Water baptism is an outward expression that the believer has turned in faith from his old life of self-rule to a new life with Jesus as Lord and Savior.
  7. Baptism is for all believers without regard to gender or ethnic background.

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This Document is not copyrighted. Reproduction and/or distribution for noncommercial purposes are permissible. May our Father bless you and your families both at home and gathered as the church.

Family Bible Church
3823 Coventry St.
Slidell, LA 70458
www.soulcare.org
504-646-1413

1. W. E. Vine, Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. (Grand Rapids, MI: Fleming H. Revell, 1981), [CD-ROM] Available: Logos Library System.

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. Ibid.

5. Millard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine. (Grand Rapids: Backer Book House, 1992), 351.

6 John F. MacArthur, "Matthew," The MacArthur New Testament Commentary. (Chicago: Moody Press, 1983), [CD-ROM] Available: Logos Library System.