The Church and Body Life: Baptism

Good morning and welcome!  We’re now in a new phase of our Sound Doctrine series.  Let’s look at the overall sections.  We began the series back in the fall covering topics like the Bible as our authority about the things of God.  We moved on to talk about what the Bible says about things like God’s Nature, His Creation, us, humanity as the pinnacle of His Creation, Jesus and what He has accomplished for us.  Our previous segment looked at the affect that our salvation in Jesus has on us in several topics on Redemption.   As evidenced by the number of sermons devoted to the topic, the heart of this series on doctrine is Jesus, and what He accomplished for us when we are redeemed through faith in Him.

Now, we are in the section on the church and body life.  Tim taught last week on the true church.  He mentioned how our church is part of an association of churches.  This association is called Great Commission Churches.  We are connected to other churches through this association, and it is organized regionally.  There is a high degree of autonomy or independence in the Great Commission Churches.  One way that we have independence is in how we choose what series we teach on whether topical or expositional (that is from a book of the Bible).

The series selection is planned out several months in advance, but there is the opportunity for you to have input as well.  Maybe there is something you would like to hear taught on.  If it doesn’t fit with a message format, we always have the chance to pull those ideas into a different forum, like a small group.  My encouragement to you is that you are invited to have input on what we do as a church.  You can just tell us, or you can write it on a welcome card and put it in the box on the information table, or you can write an email…basically any way you feel comfortable (but I don’t think you can use a carrier pigeon because we don’t have anywhere for them to arrive :-D).

Let’s pray and then take a look at another topic on the church and body life … Baptism.

Lord Jesus, thank You for You.  Thank You that You have come for us.  Thank You for Your Word which tells us about You.  Thank You that You have made us.  Thank You for this world, this universe and all the wonders in it.  Thank You for all the wonderful things that You enabled for us by Your death and resurrection.  Thank You that we can be identified with You and as belonging to You.  Thank You.  We are grateful and we are glad.  Teach us to walk in Your truth.  Amen.

So, what is baptism?  Who should be baptized?  How should they be baptized?  And, what does it mean?

Maybe the best thing is to start with examples of Baptism from Scripture.  Let’s look at two.  First, Jesus’ own baptism and then the baptism of the Ethiopian official from Acts 8.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.  But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”  --Matthew 3:13-17

We can notice a couple of things.  First, Jesus didn’t need to be baptized for being or becoming righteous.  He was baptized as an example and a sign.  He was baptized out of obedience, “to fulfill all righteousness.”  And God the Father was pleased.

Our other example comes from Acts chapter 8.  The Spirit of God brought Philip to the south road leaving Jerusalem.  As he is going along, he sees this Ethiopian official.  The man is a worshipper of God and is reading Scripture as he rides along in the chariot.  The Spirit leads Philip to go over and stay by the chariot.  Let’s pick up the story there:

The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth.    In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.       Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.”

The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?”

Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.   --Acts 8:32-38

Apparently, during this discussion of the good news, Philip must have talked about baptism, probably about the Great Commission … that Jesus had sent them out to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”  (Matthew 28:19-20)  The Ethiopian official received the teaching and believed in Jesus.  Therefore, he was baptized.

So, what is baptism?  It is simply dunking something in a liquid.   The word baptism comes from the Greek baptizo which means to plunge, dip or immerse.  In this case, it is dipping a person in water.  The examples here are Jesus and the Ethiopian official going down into water and coming up out of it.

Who should be baptized?

We already mentioned that Jesus is a little bit of a special case, but even for Him, Jesus was baptized at the beginning of His ministry, His “Christian life.”

The Ethiopian official was baptized immediately after believing in Jesus.  In fact, the passage doesn’t even clarify a separate “faith step” of the Ethiopian.  The baptism itself is His faith step.  In other words, as a confirmation of the Ethiopian accepting the testimony about Jesus, he gets baptized.  The passage that he had been reading (like a sheep to the slaughter) comes from Isaiah 53.  It goes on to say there of the lamb that “the Lord makes his life an offering for sin … he will justify … and bear the sins of many.”

In Acts 2 (v. 41), those who received Peter’s testimony are baptized.  In Acts 8 (v.12), when the people believed, they are baptized.  In Acts 10 (vv.44-48), those who heard the Word and received the Holy Spirit are baptized.

Baptism is a symbol of the beginning of the Christian life … so those who have begun the Christian life are ones who should be baptized.  Sometimes you may hear the expression “believers’ baptism.”  The idea is that belief precedes baptism.  But not for long, baptism should come quickly after faith.

… having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.  --Colossians 2:12

The meaning of baptism as an outward symbol of beginning the Christian life (dying to yourself or dying with Christ) should be given to those who show evidence of having begun a life of faith.  We see this example throughout the New Testament.  People believe and get baptized.

Let’s talk about infant baptism which is a common practice in many churches.  This is not something that we do here at CCC.  And the reason can be seen in the second half of the Colossians verse.  You are raised through your faith, and an infant is not able to make that decision.

What then would we say the case is for children prior to their belief?  We’d refer you to I Corinthians 7:14 which makes clear that the children of a believing husband or wife are holy.

Some might mention the examples of household baptisms as times or places where infants were baptized.  But these cases are not decisive one way or the other.  Acts 16: 32, 34  says that Paul and Silas spoke the Word to the Philippian jailer and all who were in his house, then the jailer and all in his house rejoiced.  Subsequently, there was a household baptism.  Household baptism followed household reception of the gospel.  Then, I Corinthians 1:16 mentions that Paul baptized the household of Stephanas.  Later in I Corinthians 16:15, it is clear that the household of Stephanas was devoted to serving others.  Again, household baptism was connected with household faith.

Household baptism likely has less to do with supporting the idea of infant baptism and more to do with this principal: as the father goes, so goes the household … (John 4:53, Acts 18:8)

Baptizing infants creates a sort of strange situation where people have some “endorsement or belief status” prior to their actual faith.   This can result in unconverted members within the church community.  This just seems awkward at best and potentially dangerous in some instances.  Therefore, it is our desire to follow the clear example from the New Testament:  baptizing believers only.

What then is a suitable age for baptism?  Well, it should be old enough for the person to give a believable profession of faith.  Obviously, it is not possible to set an age that will apply for every child.  Here at CCC, this is usually a decision which is made by the parents together with their child though the pastors may be involved, too.  My personal “loose” minimum age for our family is 10 years old.  My goal is that the child will be old enough to remember their own baptism.  We all remember things before 10 years old, but ten is a pretty safe age for remembering and connecting dots mentally.

Who can baptize?

Scripture makes no restriction on who can baptize someone else.  If you think about “being qualified”, John the Baptist felt very unqualified to baptize Jesus, but it was still okay for him to do it.  We believe in the priesthood of all believers (I Peter 2:4-10), so there is no need to restrict the right of someone to perform baptism.  Generally, the one who is baptizing others is a mature believer often who had a role in that person being baptized coming to Christ.  Many times this is a pastor, but not always.

As baptism is the sign of entrance into the body of Christ, it is most appropriate that it be done within the fellowship of the church if at all possible.  That way the church as a whole can rejoice … the faith of all believers is built up … and there is a visible welcome of the baptized person by the body of believers.

I’m not sure whether or not I’ve put the cart before the horse, but we’ve spent a fair chunk of time talking about baptism in the what, how and who.  But what does baptism actually mean?

First off, baptism is a celebration.  It is a tremendous blessing.  I heard Ravi Zacharias talking about communion one time.  He explained how communion is a full sensory experience and how God was so wise in creating a remembrance that engages all our senses.  Baptism is like that, too.  It is a full sensory experience.  The feel (and maybe the temperature) of the water, the sounds … words spoken or songs sung, the people who are there, what you were wearing, where you were, who baptized you.  All these things enter into our experience, making it more memorable.

Here are some truths that the Bible uses to describe what baptism symbolizes:

Our passing through the waters of judgment safely:  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. --Isaiah 43:2

Our dying and rising with Christ: All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.   --Romans 6:3-4

Our having our sins washed away:  “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.”  --Acts 22:16

What does baptism do?  Does it in fact accomplish these things or symbolize them?

The Catholic Church believes that the act of baptism literally causes regeneration to happen.  With this view, it is not surprising they believe in baptism of infants as a way of insuring regeneration. 

Many (or most) evangelicals believe that baptism symbolizes that inward regeneration has occurred through faith.  It is an outward sign of an internal work of grace.

Many Protestant infant baptism supporters would say that infant baptism symbolizes a probable future regeneration.  However, there are statements of faith in Protestant churches which would indicate that a grace is being conveyed to the child through baptism while not salvation it is something of a “seal” which improves their position or disposition relative to salvation.  This belief is not described in the Bible.

So, is baptism needed for salvation?

Mark 16:16 says

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.  --Mark 16:16

It does say belief and baptism lead to salvation.  However, it does not say anything about those who believe and are not baptized.  The implication is that whoever believes would be baptized.  Also, Jesus’ statement to the thief on the cross, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” is pretty clear.  The thief was not baptized but certainly saved.  So, justification happens at the point of saving faith, not at water baptism.

Someone might also reference John 3:5

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.”  --John 3:5

But consider Ezekiel 36:25-27 which says God will sprinkle clean water on us and put a new Spirit in us.  And, Titus 3:5 which says God saved us according to His mercy by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.  Ephesians 5:26 then says Christ cleansed the church by washing of water with the word.  John 3:5 is part of Jesus’ discussion with Nicodemus.  They talked about being born again, but baptism was not a part of this discussion.

I Peter 3:21, makes a clear statement

Baptism … now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  --I Peter 3:21

“Baptism now saves you” --not the thing itself but what it exemplifies-- “an appeal to God for a clear conscience”. 

Our CCC Statement of Faith says this:

Baptism and the Lord's Supper

Jesus Christ has instructed those who believe in Him to be baptized in water as a symbol of their new birth in Christ. Baptism is only for those who have personally believed in Christ. Our practice is to baptize by immersion. The Lord also instituted the Lord's Supper as a remembrance of His suffering, death, and resurrection. Neither baptism nor the Lord's Supper has any merit in helping a person obtain eternal life.

Baptism does bring blessing.  It is not the blessing of salvation itself, but it is the blessing of obedience as well as the joy of making a public profession of faith.  There is reassurance in baptism of dying and rising again with Christ and of washing away our sins.  It strengthens and encourages our faith both the one being baptized and for every believer who witnesses a baptism.

Why is baptism necessary?

Jesus commanded it. (Matt 28:19)

Baptism is not necessary for salvation … but, it is necessary for obedience.

Before we close out, I want to mention a couple more things.

First, regarding unity with other believers who hold different views on baptism.  

Because baptism is not a cause for a person to obtain salvation, it is wise not to view it as a primary doctrine of the faith.  As such, it need not be defended in the same way that Jesus being the only way to God would be.

On the side of believer’s baptism supporters, they would say that practicing infant baptism is inherently inconsistent with the idea of a church made up of believers only.

On the side of infant baptism supporters, they would say that not practicing infant baptism is inherently inconsistent with the idea of a covenant community that includes children of believers.

Though the views are distinct and separate, please consider how much we have in common!

Believer’s baptism supporters do encourage and demonstrate a valued place for their children within churches.  We dedicate children in this church to the Lord.  At that time, we ask for prayers from the body and agreement to support and encourage those children on their path to faith in Christ.

And, infant baptism supporters do pray for the salvation of their baptized children within their churches with the same fervency with which believer’s baptism supporters pray for their unbaptized children.

So, while we could make this discussion divisive, it is possible to agree to disagree and labor together in unity.  Let us strive for this.

One other topic which was not planned to be a part of today’s discussion, there is another phrase you may have heard called the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  I don’t think we’ve touched on this yet and I don’t think we’re going to touch on it going forward in the doctrine series, but since this phrase is known and out there, I figured we’d best mention it so that it would not seem like we’re avoiding it.

In the book of Acts, you see two different cases.  Clearly some people get saved and baptized, then later the Holy Spirit comes on them or perhaps it would be better to say the Holy Spirit manifests Himself in that person’s life at a later time than the time of belief. (Acts 1:5)  Some people believe and the Holy Spirit becomes manifest in their life, then later they are baptized. (Acts 10)

Because this happens in different ways to different people, a belief in a baptism by the Holy Spirit has developed.  Particularly, Acts 1:5 mentions “baptism by the Holy Spirit”.  However, this is the first time the Holy Spirit is given to all believers, and it comes after the ascension of Jesus into heaven.

Apart from the book of Acts, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is explained and shown as happening when saving faith happens.  (2 Corinthians 1:22, 5:5, Ephesians 1:14) Therefore, we believe that the Bible supports the view that when a person believes, the Holy Spirit at that point comes into their life.

But, it’s a little complicated, too.  All believers experience different activity levels of the Holy Spirit in their lives.  Sometimes, we feel like the Holy Spirit is in the driver’s seat.  Sometimes, we feel like we’re in the driver’s seat.  And sometimes, we feel like the Holy Spirit isn’t even in the car.  What’s that about?

We could say it this way.  Every believer is baptized in or indwelt with the Holy Spirit when they place their faith in Christ (John 1:12; Colossians 2:9, 10; John 14:16, 17).  However, all Christians are not filled with the Holy Spirit at all times.  It can depend on where our focus is. (Romans 8:7)  If we focus on ourselves or our flesh, we will not be connected with God or His Spirit. (Galatians 5:16-18)

I’d like to be careful to say also that being filled with the Spirit and your feelings are not the same thing.  It is possible to be filled with the Spirit and not be happy.  Some things that happen grieve the Spirit, too.  And yet, the Spirit-filled life should be one of joy.  It should be an abundant life.  (John 10:10, Galatians 5:22, 23)

If you have placed your faith in Jesus but not had an experience of the Spirit’s presence (like an assurance of your salvation from within or God’s leading in certain circumstances or His wisdom in difficult situations), I would prescribe the following (based on Bill Bright’s tract, “Have You Made the Wonderful Discovery of the Spirit-filled Life?”):

1. Sincerely desire to be directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 5:6; John 7:37-39).

2. Confess your sins. By faith thank God that He has forgiven all of your sins - past, present and future - because Christ died for you (Colossians 2:13-15; 1 John 1; 2:1-3; Hebrews 10:1-17).

3. Present every area of your life to God (Romans 12:1, 2).

4. By faith claim the fullness of the Holy Spirit, according to:

His Command: Be filled with the Spirit. "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18).

His Promise: He will always answer when we pray according to His will. "And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked of Him" (1 John 5:14, 15).

If you’re not experiencing the Spirit or having confidence in God’s work in your life today or at specific times, I would encourage you to follow another Bill Bright example which he called spiritual breathing.  The idea is simple.  Exhaling means to confess sin and thank God for His forgiveness.  Inhaling means to bring Christ in and surrender control of your life (again) and receive the Holy Spirit.  This kind of breathing is not like our normal breathing though.  You can breathe in or out as much as you need to.  It doesn’t have to be both ways in equal portion.

So, if you are a believer, you have been baptized with the Holy Spirit.  He is inside you already.  If you are a believer who hasn’t been baptized in water, then you should do that in obedience to Jesus.  As you encounter questions about baptism from others, answer graciously using the Bible as your guide.  And if you have been baptized, rejoice that you are a member of the family of God.

Let’s pray.

Lord Jesus, thank You for baptism.  Give us grace in responding to questions in this area as they come up.  Help us to encourage those believers we know who have not been baptized to take that step of obedience to Christ.  In each area of our lives, be glorified we pray.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.