In this series of short articles I will answer questions about baptism, not from theology, tradition or church doctrines, but from what we can read straight from the Bible. I will go through some basic investigative questions: Who, what, where, when and why. Please consider carefully what the scriptures actually tell us as we consider these questions about baptism.
This simple approach helps us to see that most Bible controversies are not about what the Bible actually reveals / teaches, rather, they are about whether or not we need to do exactly what the Bible teaches. Do you think it is necessary to do just what God reveals in His word?
Who can be baptized?
The answer varies in the religious world: adults, children, infants. What do we find in the teaching of Christ and His apostles?
We will see that baptism in directly connected to conversion and that conversion is always the result of instruction and willing compliance. In every case of conversion resulting in baptism, the person is taught the word of the Lord and that person accepts or believes the word and is then baptized. Consider the following passages.
In Acts chapter two, on the day of Pentecost after Jesus’ ascension, His apostles were waiting in Jerusalem for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that enabled them to declare the gospel message accurately and infallibly. They began preaching in Acts 2:14. Peter’s words are the ones recorded here. He talks about Jesus fulfilling prophecy, performing miracles and dying by crucifixion. Peter further declares and substantiates by evidence that Jesus was, indeed raised from the dead (Acts 2:25-35). All of this is proof that Jesus is Lord and Christ.
Many of the people listening were convinced by Peter and the apostles: “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?’” (Acts 2:37) Peter’s answer is clear and simple. He told those people: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). “Those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:41).
In Acts 8:12-13 we find another example of conversion and baptism in the city of Samaria. “But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip…”
Further, in Acts 8 Philip is invited into the chariot of an Ethiopian man who is reading the prophet Isaiah without understanding what he is reading. Philip joins the man and begins to teach him about Jesus (Acts 8:28-35). As they are travelling along the road the man asks Philip (Acts 8:36), “What hinders me from being baptized?” As a result, Philip baptized this man who heard the word and wanted to be baptized.
These examples clearly fulfill the prophetic instructions of Jesus to his apostles: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:18-20). “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved…” (Mark 16:15-16).
In all of these examples people were taught the truth of God in Jesus Christ. Before they were baptized they believed, became disciples and repented. In every case of conversion those baptized received instruction, teaching. They received that teaching, believing and accepting it. They were willing to change their lives (in repentance, becoming disciples/followers). This conversion is the result of the word creating a willing, compliant obedience in each case. Jesus clearly indicates that every person can and should hear His gospel. However, only penitent believers who desire to follow Him as disciples can be properly baptized. Baptism is a command to be obeyed, from the heart.
There are no instructions or examples of baptizing children or babies. The Bible does not give an age requirement. The requirements include sinners who are (taught) believers, repentant, disciples (followers).
The word of God is clear about who can be baptized. The question is not: “What does the Bible describe?” That is easy. The question is “Are we going to do it God’s way?”
Please let me know if you have any questions – don@nycbibleteacher.com