The book of Acts has all sorts of confusing stories about baptism and the Holy Spirit, but to me they are all easily reconciled. Here’s why:
Well, it seems that there are two major ideas about baptism that get debated regularly.
1. When should one be baptized?
2. How should one be baptized?
In reading the Bible there is ample text to show that baptism is something that you are to allow happen to yourself. It’s not a work. The need of baptism in conjunction with belief is a clear directive upon salvation. (See links below for references) Baptism represents washing away our sins, it represents a burial and rebirth when performed, especially via immersion. Baptism AND belief are an indicator that you are ready to receive the Holy Spirit. [See comments for some clarification] This can happen at various times, just read the book of Acts. The Spirit came before baptism in a few recorded instances. Although, even if the Spirit came before baptism, the believers were STILL baptized! Now, there are some interesting points that get made regarding the baptism of infants, or waiting until a time of decision (coming of age). In the links below, both claims are fairly and scripturally backed up in a logical manner in my opinion. So, in fairness, I see an easy resolution. Baptize as an infant AND baptize at the time of decision. In this manner, everyone can be happy and we are not “missing” some important point from the bible, nor praying that God will be merciful if one way is wrong. How can two water baptisms be bad for a soul? That’s my take on the “when”.
Now, the “how”… This one has been the easiest for me personally. Do it like Jesus did it. Get dunked if at all possible. If you are in the desert, they dig a hole, place a tarp in it, fill it with water and immerse the believer. If they can do it in a desert, then they can do it just about anywhere. Sprinkling came about due to the difficulties in immersing infants (for those choosing to baptize an infant). Now, correct me if I am wrong, but don’t families take babies swimming when they are very young? Don’t they go under the water and have a natural reflex to hold their breath (usually)? I could be misinformed on that, but sure seems I’ve heard that many times before. So, to me Sprinkling is a “man-inspired”, “choice of convenience” method of baptism, no disrespect intended.
So, the “how” comes down to immersion or some other method, sprinkling or pouring etc. I choose immersion and I feel this method is the most biblical. It is the method described in the bible, arguably, as some feel the translation of “baptizo” is not always “immerse/submerse”. Again, the argument about the translation of baptizo seems heated. I will point to one argument in link 3 that I failed to grasp, and that was that “if baptizo meant ‘wash off’ in some instances (i.e. hand washing) aren’t the hands immersed in the water and not just sprinkled? Again, see the links below for some intriguing arguments regarding baptism.
I hope you find these links as interesting as I did.
Links:
1. http://www.clarifyingchristianity.com/get_wet.shtml
2. http://www.catholic.com/library/infant_baptism.asp
3. http://www.catholic.com/library/baptism_immersion_only.asp
In Christ,
Jeff
Filed under: Detailed Thoughts, Religion | Tagged: Acts, baptism, baptizo, catholic, Christianity, faith, God, immerse, immersion, infant, Jesus, pouring, sprinkle, sprinkling, Study, submerse, teaching, think, Thoughts
I slightly disagree. Baptism is a physical representation of the spiritual reality that happen to you in Jesus Christ. It does not save you. It is something that we do out of obedience to God. It is like circumcision to the Jews and represents the new Covenant to the people of God. By the act of Baptism, you are recognized by the church as a member of the Body of Christ.
I must agree with the first comment. I do not see where baptism is ever required in scripture to enter Paradise. It is illogical to believe that somebody could come to know Jesus while dying and wouldn’t enter heaven without baptism. It harkens to the story of the man who heard about Jesus, was convinced that He was God, fell to his knees and asked Him into his heart. He doesn’t have a Bible yet and doesn’t understand baptism. He dies later that day. Is he not saved? I think you should get baptized as a way of showing your rebirth, but it isn’t required for salvation.
Honestly, I agree mostly with the situations you represent. My main point is that scripturally, baptism is clearly placed into the process of salvation. I believe it is God’s grace that allows for salvation without baptism, or baptism by immersion. It is not something that I would willfully test.
And….to add to all of this, I have to admit that after logically discussing this a bit recently, baptism is important but not ultimately needed for salvation. In effect, when I said that God’s grace could allow for salvation if one is not baptized, this is saying that baptism is not required.
Amen. I think that is the right response! God’s salvation is fully dependent upon HIm. He saves out of his love and his mercy not out of on our merit. We unite with that salvation, that righteousness, through Jesus Christ!
I will add that if you CAN be baptized by immersion, then you need to have it done! The directive is clear.
I agree that the directive is clear. Man you have been dealing with this question for quite some time now!
I never stop studying! You should see the long discussions that have gone on at some other blogs!
I hear you… refer me to them or let me know about them when they happen. I would love to chime in.
At this posting, I included information given to me from one of the theologeans at my church. You’ll need to scroll to the bottom, as this is the post that went on and on and had me amend my position a little. Scroll down to April 14th, 2009…
http://ketch22.wordpress.com/2008/12/31/thats-not-the-jesus-i-know
Another book that may help you, is the book of Galatians. Paul’s occasion for writing is that there are judaizers who are attempting to add something else to the salvation by faith equation. Check it out and let me know what you think!