San Jose Church of Christ

Q: What is baptism?

Baptism is, symbolically, a burial. It is a simple act, consisting of the individual being immersed in water; his old, sinful self is buried, and his new self arises from the water. To immerse means to cover completely, or to submerge (in this case) under water. This is the type of baptism (Greek: baptizo - to immerse, submerge, fully whelm, dip repeatedly) found throughout the New Testament. "We were therefore buried with him [Jesus] 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."(excerpt Romans 4:1-7, NIV). Other references: Colossians 2:12, Acts 22:16, Mark 16:16.

Q: Why is baptism important?

For a number of reasons.

1.) When asked "What shall we do?" in response to acknowleding that Jesus was both Lord and Christ, Peter responded to the Jews, "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." (Acts 2:36-38, NIV) . From this we can infer that baptism, along with repentence, is necessary for the forgiveness of sins and is also expected as a "prerequisite" for receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.

2.) Before His ascension, Jesus told his disciples 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 28:16-20, NIV). What we can learn from this is that the "making" of a disciple must include baptism. When one makes the commitment to follow and submit to Christ, that point of becoming baptized is the point where he becomes a disciple. And along with repentence, as was spoken of in #1, comes the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is why baptism is also considered symbolic of a death and new birth; the person has changed. God has created him to be new!

3.) Jesus Himself was baptized. Not for the same exact reasons that we are, but in 1 Peter 2:21 we learn that Christ's life was an example for us, that we might follow in His steps. What better way to begin a life that is Christ-like than to be baptized?

4.) Numerous examples in the New Testament show a similar pattern, regarding conversion. These examples show that baptism often took place upon conversion, so it is felt that adhering to this pattern, shown by many examples, is a good idea and ultimately God's will for His disciples.

Q: Can you show me some examples of baptism in the Bible?

Examples include:
Three thousand Jews (Acts 2:41)
Men and women of Samaria (Acts 8:12)
The Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:35-38)
Saul/Paul (Acts 9:17-19; 22:16)
Cornelius and other Gentile believers (Acts 10:47-48)
Lydia and members of her household (Acts 16:14-15)
The Philippian jailer and his family (Acts 16:32-34)
Crispus, and a large number of Corinthians (Acts 18:7-8; 1 Cor. 1:14)
Ephesian believers (Acts 19:1-5)
"Us"--indicating members of the (universal) Church (Romans 6:3)
People of the Corinthian church, Gaius, and the household of Stephanas (1 Corinthians 1:12-17)
The churches in Galatia (Galatians 3:25-29)
The church in Colosse (Colossians 2:11-12)