Baptism-The Mode By: Mark Tabata (Evangelist) Most religious groups which proclaim a loyalty to the Christian faith acknowledge the need for faith and repentance on the part of the disciple who is seeking salvation. However, when it comes to the subject of “baptism,” there is a great deal of controversy regarding this important topic. Therefore, it is important to notice what the Scriptures teach regarding this important matter. In the next several articles, we will examine the Bible teaching regarding the mode of baptism, the element of baptism, the subjects of baptism, and the significance of baptism. When we talk about the mode of baptism, we have only to look at the modern day churches to understand why this study is so important. When we look at our religious neighbors today, we see that there are three practices in use which are commonly termed “baptism.” Devoted disciples practice immersion, as well as sprinkling and pouring. The question is: What does the Bible teach? Let it always be remembered that the Bible is our standard of authority (Colossians 3:17; II Timothy 3:16-17; Galatians 1:6-9), and so we must adhere to its’ teachings (II John 9). With these things in mind, let us turn to the Word of God with the question: What does God say about the matter? The Meaning Of The Word The word baptize itself literally means “to immerse.” In defense of that proposition, I provide the following linguistic evidence. William Greenfield, in his New Testament Lexicon, tells us, “Baptizo (from Bapto), to immerse, immerge, submerge, sink; in N.T., to wash, perform ablution, cleanse; to immerse, baptize, administer the rite of baptism.” Thomas Sheldon Green-“Baptizo, properly to dip, immerse; to cleanse or purify by washing; to administer the rite of baptism, to baptize.” John Pickering-“Baptizo, to dip, immerse, submerge, plunge, sink.” John Groves (Classing and N.T. Lexicon)-“Baptize (from Bapto, to dip), dip, immerse, immerge, plunge, to wash, to cleanse, purify, to baptize, depress, humble, overwhelm.” Edward Robinson (N.T. Lexicon)-“Baptizo, to dip in, to sink, to immerse; to dip in a vessel; to draw water; in N>T. to wash, to lave, to cleanse by washing; to baptize, to administer the right of baptism.” Henry George Lidell-Baptizo, to dip repeatedly; of ships, to sink them; pass. To bathe, oi and ears in debt; to draw water; to baptize. Baptismos, a dipping, bathing, a washing, drawing water; baptism.” _ I should point out that these references could easily be multiplied. However, these are sufficient to show that the word baptize literally means to immerse. Please notice how that harmonizes with the Scriptures. The Bible teaches that baptism requires much water (John 3:23). It requires a going down unto the water (Acts 8:38). It requires going down into the water (Acts 8:38). It requires a burial (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12). It requires a resurrection (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12). It requires the whole body being washed (Hebrews 10:22). In all of these cases, sprinkling and pouring do not fit the bill; only immersion does. Therefore, baptism is immersion. The Testimony Of Church Historians There is no question about this being true. Indeed, church historians from various denominations admit and acknowledge that the apostolic practice was immersion. Notice some quotations from the Catholic church on this matter: _ “Catholics admit that immersion brings out more fully the meaning of the sacrament, and that for twelve centuries it was the common practice.” _ “In Apostolic Times the body of the baptized person was immersed, for St. Paul looks on the immersion as typifying the burial with Christ, and speaks of baptism as a bath. Immersion still prevails among the Copts and Nestorians, and for many ages baptism was so given among the Latins also for even St. Thomas, in the thirteenth century, speaks of baptism by immersion as the common practice of his time.” _ “Baptism took place by immersion in ancient times.” _ Non-Catholics also point out the facts about this matter. For example, Neander tells us: “In respect to the form of baptism, it was in conformity with the original institution and the original import of the symbol, performed by immersion as a sign of entire baptism into the Holy Spirit, and of being penetrated by the same.” _ John Lawrence Von Mosheim testifies of baptism in the first century-“In this century baptism was administered in convenient places, without the public assemblies, and by immersing the candidates wholly in water.” _ Well-known author Leroy Brownlow testifies to the history of sprinkling and pouring. He writes: The first recorded case of baptism by affusion is that of Novation, 251 A.D., who received such as he lay in bed. It was at first the exception to the rule, being administered to the sick only, but finally the exception became the accepted practice…The foregoing facts are not denied by any informed person, Catholic or Protestant. Those who practice sprinkling for baptism have no higher authority for it than the Roman Catholic Church. _ Conclusion When the evidence is carefully examined, it leads to the conclusion that baptism is an immersion in water. Sprinlking and pouring were added much later to the Bible practice by man, and was unauthorized by the Lord. Please know that the Son of God died for you, to pay the price for your sins and to save you from Hell; He was buried, and three days later, he arose from the grave (I Timothy 2:6; I Corinthians 15:1-8). The Bible tells believers (John 8:24) that they must repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:37-38). If you have not done that, please do so today! Please visit with us at the church of Christ. We are located at 882 Dawahare Drive (between the UPS and the National Guard Armory). Our meeting times are Sunday mornings at 10:00 (Bible Study) and 10:55 (worship), and Sunday and Wednesday evening services at 6:00. (Free transportation is available upon request). If you would be interested in a free home Bible study, or some free material on these (and other) important subjects, or even a free Bible Correspondence Course through the mail, please contact us at 487-0101. Our email address is hazardvillagechurchofChrist@yahoo. We would also encourage you to tune in to our radio program, “Rest For The Weary,” every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on 104.7 (f.m.) at 12:45 (p.m.). May God richly bless you! Sprinkling And Pouring Not In The Bible
Posted on: Fri, 06 Jun 2014 20:05:21 +0000
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