Baptism

 

    In early secular Greek literature, baptize literally means to put or go under water or to soak. Figuratively, someone can, for example, be baptized or over head and ears in debt (ὀφλήμασι).

In our literature the word is used only in a ceremonial sense:

1)     to wash ceremonially for purification (e.g., in Luke 11:38 the Pharisees were surprised that Jesus did not baptize his hands before eating; cp. Heb 9:10)

2)     to immerse in water in a rite for establishing, renewing, or publicly depicting a relationship with God

a)      The baptism of John the Baptist signified people’s acceptance of John and his call for repentance and anticipation of the Kingdom, Luke 7:29–30; Acts 19:3–4.

b)     The baptism that Jesus’ disciples performed early in his ministry was similar, John 4:1–2.

c)      Christian baptism was commanded by the Lord Jesus and practiced by the church after his resurrection, Matt 28:19; Acts 2:38.

3)     to cause someone to have an extraordinary experience akin to water baptism

a)      typologically of Israel’s passage through the Red Sea, affirming Moses’ leadership, 1 Cor 10:2

b)     of the Holy Spirit (and fire!), Mark 1:8

c)      of death and martyrdom, Luke 12:50; Mark 10:38

GF’s baptisms today are 2c—the Christian baptism that our Lord commanded in his Great Commission. This kind of baptism:

1)     publicly identifies us as those who acknowledge Jesus as Messiah, 1 Cor 1:13; Gal 3:27; and throughout Acts

2)     pictures Jesus’ death and resurrection, and our death and resurrection with him, Rom 6:3–4

3)     is done in obedience to our savior, Matt 28:19

Coming to faith, and obedience to Jesus by publicly identifying ourselves with him in baptism, always brings joy:

1)     there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, Luke 15:7, 10

2)     the Ethiopian eunuch rejoiced after his salvation and baptism, Acts 8:36–39

3)     the Philippian jailor and his family rejoiced, Acts 16:33–34

IN THE SAME WAY, WE AT GRACE FELLOWSHIP THANK GOD FOR YOU SIX WHO HAVE LISTENED TO GOD’S CALL TO ACCEPT HIS SALVATION, AND ARE TODAY MAKING A PUBLIC PROFESSION OF YOUR FAITH THROUGH OBEDIENCE IN BAPTISM!