Doctrine of Baptism

Baptism is one of the important ordinance in the Christian Church; thus the followers of Jesus Christ. This practice can be traced back to the days of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1-17, Mark 1:1-8, Luke 3:1-18). The word baptism comes from the Greek word baptismos: meaning ceremonial washing or baptizare: which means to immerse or dip in water. To the Church baptism means: the act of immersing the believer in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in the life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension of Jesus Christ and the hope of His (Jesus Christ) return to take His followers into eternal glorious life. It also symbolizes the believer’s death to sin; the burial of the old life and resurrection to walk in newness of life in Jesus Christ. In this article, we will be looking at the forms, methods, approaches and the reason for baptism.

Forms of Baptism

Holy Spirit Baptism and Water Baptism are the two main forms of baptism. Both are important for every believer. Let us discuss each form below.

Holy Spirit Baptism (Acts 1:4-16, Luke 3:16)

It is when the Holy Spirit is allowed by the believer to take total control of his or her life. When this happens the believer will bear fruit of the Holy Spirit such as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). There are gifts that one receive when baptized by the Holy Spirit. Some of the gifts are: tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophesy, healing, wisdom, knowledge, miraculous power, discerning of spirit and other gifts that will support the growth of the believer and the Church (1 Corinthians 12:8-11). The Holy Spirit also performs functions in our lives such as teach, comfort, correct, rebuke, protect and guides once you receive HIM. It is important to note that a tongue speaking is not the only indication of the presence of the Holy Spirit there are other gifts and fruit that one can have depending on the calling on one’s life. Above all the gifts and fruits “LOVE” is the greatest fruit that all Christians who have been baptized by the Holy Spirit must possess. (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)

Water Baptism

Is when the believer is immersed in water in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:21-22) this is done to show the world your new faith in Jesus Christ (new birth). It is a covenant between you, the Church and GOD, showing the world that you are willing to follow the teachings and commandants of Jesus Christ as found in the Holy Bible all the days of your life. It is wrong to allow yourself for baptism if you are force by another person or because everyone is doing it. You should have the conviction, have faith in Jesus Christ and must be willing to do it.

Approaches to Baptism

In this section we will discuss approaches that some Churches use to baptized their members. We will look at three most practiced approaches;

1. Adult Baptism: as the name suggest, adult baptism is when an adult member is baptized.
2. Infant Baptism: it is the practice of baptising children or an infant. It is also referred to as christening.
3. Believers Baptism: it is when a person is baptized based on his or her faith in Jesus Christ.

Methods of Baptism

1. By Immersion: in this practice the person is completely immersed in water and brought out of the water to show his or her new life in Jesus Christ.
2. By Sprinkling: this is done by sprinkling water on the forehead of the person. This method is usually practice on infant, children and sometimes adult as well.

Why Should I be Baptized?

You have to be baptized because, it is a commandment from the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19); tasking His followers to do it for all new people who will join the Church. The Church believes baptism has been ordained by Jesus Christ. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus Christ told His disciples to go into the world and make more disciples from all nations, after that they are to baptized them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit and finally they should teach them all the things He has taught them. Simply put, we practice baptism because Jesus Christ our saviour and the one the Church follows commanded the Church to baptized new members. In addition, Baptism also shows our union with Christ: baptism shows our death to sin and the beginning of a new life with Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-4,)

Summary and Conclusion

Baptism is an important ordinance in the Church. Although it is not a license or replacement for salvation, it is important that every follower of the Lord and saviour Jesus Christ to go through if the opportunity is given. It is a covenant you are making with God, the Church and to yourselves showing the world your new faith in Jesus Christ. If you have not been baptized please discuss it with your pastor, priest or bishop today. Have a wonderful day. Peace!!!