Baptism – What? Who? How?
I am thankful for those who have recently been baptized at Ingleside, as well as those who are currently having conversations with one of our pastors about being baptized. With baptisms being an important part of the disciple-making process (Matthew 28:18-20) and a regular part of our corporate worship, I want to answer some fundamental questions about baptism.
1. What is baptism? In short, baptism is an expression of faith in response to the gospel. Colossians 2:12 says, “…having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” Our faith in Christ unites us to him in such a way that we have buried with him (the “old” you is gone) and raised with him (you are now a new creation with a new life). One way that faith is expressed is in the act of baptism.
1 Peter 3:21 refers to baptism as, “as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” It is an enacted prayer – an expression of faith.
Baptism, then, is a way of expressing, “I believe Jesus died for me and came back to life. And I am trusting him as my Savior and Lord.” It marks the beginning of a person’s new life in Christ.
2. Who should be baptized? Anyone who has repented of their sin and placed their faith in Jesus. Given what baptism is, the pattern we see in the New Testament should not surprise us. People hear the gospel, believe it, and are baptized.
Acts 2:37-38 provides one example: “Now when they heard [the gospel] they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ And Peter said to them, ‘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.’”
Sometimes people wonder if they, or their child, are ready to be baptized. The real question is whether a person understands and believes the gospel and has placed their faith in Jesus. If so, then that person is ready to – and should – express their faith in baptism.
3. How should a person be baptized? First, the word for baptize literally means “immerse.” Second, we should consider the symbolism of baptism – death and resurrection, as well as complete cleansing of sin. With those factors in mind, baptism should be by immersion, going completely under the water and coming back up.
So what about you? Have you repented of your sin and placed your faith in Jesus? If so, have you been baptized?
If you would like to talk to one of our pastors about either of these steps, go to ingleside.org/connect and let us know!
And every time we see a person baptized, we celebrate with them and give glory to our gracious God who continues to rescue people and give them new, eternal life in Christ!
With the affection of Christ,
