THE DOCTRINE OF

BAPTISM

By Rolan Monje, DPTh, MMin and Oat Suwanakoot, MDiv 2007 Asian Christian Jubilee Teaching Class
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This powerpoint and many other materials are available online at

www.addtoyourlearning.com

LESSON OUTLINE
Biblical-linguistic Evidence Oat Historical-patristic Evidence - Rolan Response to Baptism - Oat Objections to Baptism Rolan Q&A Recommended reading Conclusions

BIBLICAL-LINGUISTIC EVIDENCE

The word baptism

English verb baptize is a transliteration (simply, word conversion using the corresponding letters of one alphabet to another) of the Greek word Baptism Greek noun baptisma Similarly, Amen is the transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning so be it or let it be (Num 5:22). In the original language, baptisma mainly means immersion or dipping.
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To understand the whole concept of baptism, we need to look at scriptures throughout the gospels in the book of Acts, the Epistles, and personal letters, so we can grasp the overall meaning.

Well also look at the relationship of baptism to other biblical concepts.

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Baptism of John

Mark 1:4-5 (NIV) And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John 3:22-23 (NIV) After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. [23] Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized.
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Baptism into Christ

Matthew 3:11 (NIV) I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

John 3:5-7 (NIV) Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'
Galatians 3:27 (NIV) For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
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Baptism with the Holy Spirit

Acts 1:5 (NIV) For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
1 Cor. 12:13 (NIV) For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
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Baptism and faith

Acts 8:12-13 (NIV) But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. [13] Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
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Baptism and repentance

Acts 2:38 (NIV) Peter replied, "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.
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Baptism and Salvation

Mark 16:16 (NIV) Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 1 Peter 3:21 (NIV) And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also--not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ
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Baptism and commission

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
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Baptism and union

Romans 6:3-4 (NIV) Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
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Steps toward baptism

Hear (Romans 10:17, Acts 11:14) Believe (John 3:16, Acts 16:31) Confess sin (Matthew 3:6, 1John 1:9, James5:16) Repent (Acts 3:19) Confess Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9, 1Timothy 6:12) Be baptized (Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-4)
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Why we need baptism

The example of Christ (Mark1:9, Luke 3:21) The commission of Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20) The plan of salvation (Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16) The union with Christ (Romans 6:3-4)
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Therefore, at baptism

One is forgiven of his sins (Acts 2:38). One is put into Christ (Acts 2:38; Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:1-6) and his body (I Cor. 12:13). One calls on the name of the Lord and his sins are washed away (Acts 22:16).
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At baptism

One is saved through an appeal to God for a good conscience (one does not until baptism have a good conscience) and through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead (I Pet. 3:21). One puts on Christ (Gal. 3:27). One is buried with Christ and baptized into his death and rises to live a new life (Rom. 6:2-4). This must be the time when Jesus blood covers his sins (note how it is through the blood of Christ that we have redemption in Eph. 1:7 and Matt. 26:28
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At baptism

One is united or grown together or becomes at one with (sumphutos) Christ and our old self is crucified with him (Rom. 6:5). One is buried with him, we were spiritually circumcised, we put off the old nature which was offensive to God, and we were raised with him through our faith in the power of God, were made alive with Christ and forgiven our sins (Col. 2:11-13). We are no longer offensive to God after baptism.

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At baptism

We are given the promise that we will live with him: Now if we died with Christ we will also live with him (Rom. 6:8). Hence one is assured of his own resurrection in the future. One is born again (born from above), John 3:3-5. One receives the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) who renews us and saves us through his sanctifying work ( II Thes. 2:13).
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HISTORICAL EVIDENCE

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Washings

Ceremonial Washings Leviticus 16:4,24 (for purification). Jewish tradition

Cleansing Proselyte baptism

Qumran tradition
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Washings

Rachatz (Lev 16.4, also v.24) v;bel]W /r`c;B]Ata, yIM'B' 6j'r:w He must wash in water Miqveh (cf. Gen 1.10a) arY"w" yM-iy" ar1:q; yIM`'h' hwEq]mil]W He gathered the waters and called them

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Qumran hwqm (miqveh)

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Existence of baptistries

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Existence of baptistries

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Jerusalem pools & tunnels

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PATRISTIC WRITINGS

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Patri who?

Patristic writings: What are they?

Early writings After the time of the apostles From the 1st & 2nd cen AD

Who wrote them?

Various leaders in the early church
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TIMELINE OF GOSPELS, ACTS, PATRISTICS

325AD

100AD 70AD 30AD 6 AD Pentecost Pauls death Crucifixion Fall of Rome

Council of Nicaea

Birth of Jesus Birth of John the Baptist

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The Epistle of Barnabas, c. 70-100 A.D.

Blessed are they who, placing their trust in the cross, have gone down into the waterWe indeed descend into the water full of sins and defilement. However, we come up, bearing fruit in our heart, having the fear [of God] and the trust in Jesus in our spirit. Barnabas (c. 70-130, E),

1.144.

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Hermas, c. 70-130 A. D.

I hear, sir, some teachers maintain that there is no other repentance than that which takes place, when we descended into the water and received remission of our former sins. Hermas (c. 150, W), 2.22. Before a man bears the name of the Son of God, he is dead. But when he receives the seal, he lays aside his deadness and obtains life. The seal, then, is the water. They descend into the water dead, and they arise alive. Hermas (c. 150, W), 2.49.
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Hermas, c. 70-130 A. D.

The apostles themselves also gave them the seal of the preaching [i.e., baptism]. Accordingly, they descended with them into the water and ascended again. Hermas (c. 150, W),

2.49.

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Justin Martyr, c. 100-165 A.D.

They there receive the washing with water in the I will also relate the manner in which we dedicated ourselves to God when we had been made new through Christ. for the remission of their past sins. The rest of us pray and fast with them. They are brought by us name of God (the Father and Lord of the universe), of our Savior Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit. For Christ also said, "Unless you are born again, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Justin Martyr (c. 160, E),

1.183.

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Justin Martyr, c. 100-165 A.D.

This washing of repentance and knowledge of God has been ordained on account of the transgression of Gods people, as Isaiah cries. Accordingly, we have believed and testify that the very baptism which he announced is alone able to purify those who have repented. And this is the water of life. For what is the use of that baptism which cleanses only the flesh and body? Baptize the soul from wrath and from covetousness, from envy and from hatred. Justin Martyr (c. 160, E), 1.201.

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Irenaeus of Lyons, c. 130-200 A.D.

When we come to refute them [the Gnostics], we will show in its proper place that this class of men have been instigated by Satan to a denial of that baptism which is regeneration to God. Thus, they have renounced the whole faith. For the baptism instituted by the visible Jesus was for the remission of sins. Irenaeus (c. 180, E/W), 1.346.
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Clement of Alexandria, c. 150-215 A.D.

Being baptized, we are illuminated. Illuminated, we become sons. This work is variously called grace, illumination, perfection, and washing. Washing, by which we cleanse away our sins. Clement of

Alexandria (c. 195, E), 2.215.

In the same way, therefore, we also repent of our sins, renounce our iniquities, and are purified by baptism. Thereby, we speed back to the eternal light as children of the Father. Clement of Alexandria (c. 195, E),

2.217.

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Tertullian of Carthage, c. 160-230 A.D.

Now, the teaching is laid down that "without baptism, salvation is attainable by no one." This is based primarily on the ground of that declaration of the Lord, who says, "Unless one is born of water he has not life." However, when this is laid down, there immediately arise scrupulous (or rather, audacious) doubts on the part of some.

Tertullian (c. 198, W), 3.674, 675.

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Origen, c. 185-255 A.D.

Matthew alone adds the words, "to repentance," teaching us that the benefit of baptism is connected with the intention of the baptized person. To him who repents, it is saving. However, to him who comes to it without repentance, it will produce greater condemnation. Origen (c. 228, E), 9.367.
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Historical-patristic evidence

History tells us that for at least 1500 years, baptism was expected and practiced by those who wished to convert to Christianity During the Reformation, Luther and others reacted to works-oriented Catholicism; the idea of just believe and faith alone sprang from this (over)reaction
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RESPONSE TO BAPTISM

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Response to baptism
1) Sense of appreciation: Acts 16:33-34 (NIV)
the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole family

2) Sense of obedience: Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

3) Sense of urgency; Acts 22:16 (NIV)

And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.
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Urgency in baptism

The New Testament has several accounts showing that we should not delay baptism once it is clear that the believer is repentant and ready. We see in the many cases of:
The 3000 in Jerusalem (Acts 2:37-41) The Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:34-39) Lydia of Philippi (Acts 16:11-15) The Philippians jailor (Acts 16:25-34) Conversion of Paul (Acts 22:16)
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OBJECTIONS TO BAPTISM

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John 3:16, just believe

John 3:16 says just believe in Him to have eternal life; no baptism (?) believe should be understood in its entirety, and this includes repentance (3:19-21) and baptism (3:1-7). Note that the rest of the narrative talks about baptism (3:22 4:2).
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Works dont save us

The Bible never calls baptism a work The works that dont save are the works that man does by his own power. Let us not forget that God himself works too. (Jn 5:17) Those who insist on this forget that believing is called work in (Jn 6:29)
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Rev 3:20, just open up

Verse taken to mean that if we receive Christ by opening our hearts in prayer, then we are saved Note that this verse is not for nonChristians who wish to convert; it is for Christians who need to repent (these Laodiceans were already saved!)
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Pause for Q & A

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Recommended reading

General info:
Article Immersion for Salvation at www.douglasjacoby.com Article 20 Questions on Baptism at www.addtoyourlearning.com

On the popular Sinners Prayer

The Sinners Prayer online article by Steve Staten @ www.myconvictions.com
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On baptism in Patristic writings:

Will the real heretics please stand up? By David Bercot

On the history of baptism

Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible, M. Tenney

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Conclusions

The Bible is clear in presenting the vital importance of baptism. Extra-biblical evidence points to the normative status of baptism as essential for salvation. Baptism (as a faith response) was seen as part of repentance and conversion for the first 1500 years of the church. As we remember our baptism, or look forward to baptism, let us be grateful for the love the God has for all of us!
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To God be the glory

THANK YOU FOR COMING!

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