Introduction
Baptism has become a part of every believer’s life. At some point, we make the plunge, are cleansed from our sins, and take on the name as Christians. But, Christians, as a whole, can not agree on the proper way to baptize and the effect that bestows on us. Tonight, I’d like you to open your heart, consider that we all have bias, and look at what scripture says about it. This is not a lecture to convert you to a new way of thinking, or to change you to follow my way of thinking. But, it is a critical look at what we know, and what we don’t know and this key sacrament or ordinance. Scripture itself shows a debate over Baptism so it’ should be no surprise to us that the Christian community can’t agree today. As a key point of Christianity, I thought tonight would be a good time to look at baptism and what that consists of. After all, we spend too much time bickering between ourselves. Instead, I’d like to look at the common idea of baptism as a Christian practice, and use this time to examine our own preconceived notions.
Baptism, What Does It Mean?
It all starts in the New Testament, written in the everyday Greek of the Roman world, the language spoken and written around the time of our Lord. Our scripture was addressed in the common tongue of the land. If not, it would have been difficult for anyone of that day to understand what was being said.
The word baptism, by itself, is an untranslated Greek word âáðôßæù (baptiso). Some scholars have suggested that the word was left untranslated because a precise meaning was not known. But, by examining other Greek documents from the same time period we are able to see how the word was used in other contexts. It was used to describe ceremonial washings such as the purification of unclean couches, tables, cups and dishes when they became ritually unclean. It was also used in Greek literature to mean a man wadding up to his chest in water, as well as describe ship wrecks and capsized boats. But, probably the most common use of the word appears to be our English translation of the word “dip”.
One of those sources we can look at is the Septuagint. This ancient book was a Greek translation of the Old Testament, written so that more could read the scriptures. It’s an important work because we have a Hebrew word translated into Greek and was used extensively during Jesus day. It can help us better understand how the Greek speakers wrote our New Testament. Just like the Rosetta Stone allowed researchers the ability to look into Hieroglyphics, the Septuagint allows us to look into the Greek language of the day by comparing it with the Hebrew.
In the Septuagint, the Greek word âáðôßæù (baptiso), the same word from our Gospel message, was used to refer to the preparations for the Israelites freedom of Egypt. As the last plague prepared to hit the land, the Passover was initiated and blood was applied to the door frame with hyssop branches. The branches were “baptized” into blood and the blood brushed onto the header above the door. But, this meant “dipped,” which is exactly what you do with a brush when you use it to paint. In another example, the finger is dipped in blood. There are 21 examples of âáðôßæù, (baptiso) in the Septuagint, all referring to smearing, daubing or dipping. But not immersing. (supporting information available in David King, “Baptism: Sprinkling and Pouring versus Immersion”, http://www.christianhomesite.com/belfast/text/baptism.htm pg 17)
Greek writers of the period wrote of ships that were baptized when speaking of a wreck, people baptized up to their waist in water, people being baptized in water and unable to sink and even swords baptized in someone’s neck when talking of combat. It’s also used to refer to washing, bathing and ritual purification. And, of course, we see it also to refer to going completely under the water as immersion.
Church dogma, and the traditions of our various faiths have sometimes blinded us by allowing us only to see one meaning. We often put things up as dividers between our various denominations rather than finding ways in which we can share God’s word together.
I spent quite a bit of time this past week reviewing and researching this one, simple, untranslated word, to try to put aside my own preconceptions and bias, to find out what God was trying to tell us in His Word. The simple fact is that the word baptism has multiple meanings. However, the most prevalent idea that is recorded is that of “dip.” Again, I don’t mention this to try to sway anyone to a new method of baptism or to challenge anyone’s beliefs. But, I talk about these things to help you understand your bias, and to allow us to share together with a common understanding.
I come from a tradition where the most common baptism method is from the dipping of water out of a basin and the water is poured over the head of the baptized. Some of you may be from traditions where immersion is the only accepted baptismal method. Some churches use tap water, but others use only natural, flowing water for baptism, such as a stream or lake. The location, amount of water, and method of application vary greatly in the Christian churches. We’ve established a lot of way to separate ourselves from one another, rather than join together in fellowship.
Jesus was baptized in the Jordan river by John. Obviously a river has a tremendous amount of water, more so than any basin found in my church. But His is not the only baptism found in scripture.
In Acts 8, a Eunich is baptized by Philip. How much water was there? We don’t know. Luke only recorded “some water”. Most scholars believe, based on the geography of the area, that a shallow depression,(or wadi) filled with water in or near, a dry riverbed. How was the water applied? We don’t know that either, but we can be assured that this was approved by God as it’s been passed onto us through scripture.
Later on, in Acts 9, Ananias goes to the house where Saul was staying, places his hands on him and scales fall from Saul’s eyes. Shortly after, it only says “he got up and was baptized” (Acts 9:18, NIV) which no explanation of where or how.
The Debate Continues
Throughout Christian history, theologians have argued about baptism: natural versus still water, a great pool of water versus a small basin, immersion versus pouring, and even the age of the baptized recipient. In many of these cases, churches and preachers have instilled man made rules to administer this sacrament.
Even in New Testament times there was an issue. Back to John 3:25 scripture records a disagreement about baptism. Here John records:
“An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”
To this John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.” (John 3:25 -27, NIV)
(note: the word for ceremonial washing is not the Greek word baptism. However, discussion prior to John 3:25 is definitely baptism related with baptism used in verses 22 and 23)
Does John say, “They’re doing it all wrong! Stop them before it’s too late!”. No. Instead of explaining how baptism should be done, he later goes on to validate Jesus’ ministry. He had the opportunity to explain what made a baptism valid. Instead, he changed the subject to a more important idea. He changed the subject from baptism to Christ’s ministry. God had an opportunity to put into writing the exact procedures He wanted done. But scripture doesn’t do that.
The Issues of Today
Some churches speak of an age of accountability, but the Bible doesn’t mention this. Other churches only use naturally flowing water for their ceremonies. Although Jesus was baptized in a river, the Eunich mentioned earlier was not. What about the amount of water? We have no clear guidance for this either. If the amount and the method of application were vitally important, God would have given us a precise set of directions that outlined how to baptize. In the Old Testament, we find ample examples of detailed instructions on how to execute God’s plan. The setting up of the temple by the tribe of Levi, the Passover celebration and the building of the ark that rescued Noah and his family are all examples of specific instructions that God gave to us.
On the nature of baptism, we find no such detailed instructions. Instead, we find the most complete, yet simple words, of the Great Commission in Matthew 28 (ESV), “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Baptism Defined
In this often cited passage, we find the only example of a direct command given by Jesus. It’s the only absolute, the only direction that Jesus tells us we MUST DO.
Instead of making it more difficult, Jesus and John kept it simple, without bogging it down with un-necessary details. They stay away from the error of the Pharisees who tied themselves up with earthly regulations, and instead tell us what is important: water and the triune nature of God.
Water and the Word
In the Great Commission, Jesus told us specifically that baptism must be in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and it must be with water.
In Acts 19:3-6 we have the only example of people being baptized more than once. However, this was because they were not baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Where John baptized them for repentance, he did not baptize in the name of Jesus nor the Holy Spirit. Paul re-baptized them in the name of the trinity and the Holy Spirit descended upon them. The words are important. If not, Paul had no reason to re-baptize these believers. Water and the Word… that’s what matters.
Submission to God’s Will
Jesus was baptized to be an example for us to follow. He showed us how to act and how to submit to the will of the Father. We follow His direction by becoming baptized, and by baptizing others. We submit to the will of God and become anointed by this action. We become Christians by following the Christ and entering into His kingdom. Just as Abram became Abraham and how Saul became Paul, we gain a new name as Christians, as a part of the Christ.
John cried out for a baptism of repentance. Jesus didn’t need to repent as He was sinless, perfect. But, He chose to get baptized as well to show submission to God’s will, to be the example that we need to follow. This monumental step on His part was the beginning of His ministry as the Father acknowledged His Son in whom He was well pleased and the Holy Spirit descended on Him like a dove.
Conclusion
Jesus took this step and began His ministry on earth as the truly anointed one from our Heavenly Father in heaven. He took on the burden of baptism, as well as the rest of His life, to show us how to act, how to live, how to care and who to follow. Just like Jesus submitted to His Father’s authority, we too have that same responsibility.
One thing that we often fail at is trying to put aside our differences and follow the will of God. Instead of allowing Him to work through us, we sometimes try to find our own path. We add to God’s law with our own rules and regulations and make life more complicated in the process. Water and the Word are what is necessary. There’s no need to make God’s direction more complicated than He intended. Sometimes, we just need to put aside our differences and follow the will of God.
