In this series of 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?
Where should a person be baptized?
Many modern churches have facilities for baptism and a lot of people are baptized in a church building. May other people are baptized in the ocean, a lake or river or a swimming pool. Does it matter where one is baptized? What does the Bible say?
The Bible indicates a variety of places where people were baptized:
- In the Jordan river (Matthew 3:6)
- In Aenon near Salim because there was much water there (John 3:23)
- In Jerusalem (Acts 2:41)
- In the wilderness beside the road they came to some water (Acts 8:36)
- In the city of Philippi … at or near the jailor’s house (Acts 16:32-34)
- In the city of Damascus (Acts 22:6, 16)
Neither the Lord nor His apostles give specific instructions about the place, so there is no indication in the Bible that it matters where one is baptized. As people were baptized from one city to the next, there is no mention of where or in what body of water they were immersed. Some have suggested in “running water.” While that may sound nice, no such rule is given by the Lord.
When should a person be baptized?
The Bible never indicates a particular day for baptism. Neither does it suggest waiting until there is a sufficient number of people who are ready and then assigning a day for baptisms. By now you should feel confident to ask the question, and then seek out the various accounts of people being baptized to see what you find.
What you will find is that people are baptized as soon as they are ready. There is no waiting to be baptized, in fact there seems to be a sense of immediacy.
- Convicted people asked what to do … they were told … they did it that day! (Acts 2:37-41)
- Philip taught the Ethiopian travelling. When they came to some water… (Acts 8:26-40)
- Ananias is sitting with Saul and tells him: “arise and be baptized, washing…” (Acts 22:16)
- The jailor’s story begins at midnight, he is baptized immediately … same hour (Acts 16:25-34)
The immediacy we see is understood when we remember the reason and purpose of baptism. Baptism is for the remission of sins, to wash away sins, to be saved, and be put into Christ and in order to receive newness of life! If that is the case, one should not delay one’s obedience to our Lord’s command. One should not casually wait, out of convenience, but rather follow the Lord’s instructions as efficiently and quickly as possible!
Having said that, we should review the pre-requisites for baptism. Who is it that can be baptized?
- Sinners who believe, convinced by hearing the message of the gospel.
- Believers who are willing to repent, turn from sin to God, changing their lives.
- These commit themselves to Jesus as disciples, i.e. learners who are willing to follow Him.
Jesus wants all men and women to believe in Him, follow Him and receive the great spiritual blessings that God has promised His children. However, Jesus intends for people to count the cost of discipleship. We need to understand that following Jesus means that we are willing to sacrifice anything and everything in our loyalty to Him.
“He turned and said to them, ‘If anyone comes to me and does no hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not bear his own cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple … whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:25-35).
Are you a believer, fully committed to Jesus Christ? Maybe it is time for you to be baptized for the remission of your sins!
Please let me know if you have any questions — don@nycbibleteacher.com