Are You Baptized?

The belief, practice and interpretation of baptism have been, at times, a source of confusion, disagreement and even separation from the church for many. As with any other subject, we should always look to God's Word for clarity. Before we dive in (no pun intended), let us first differentiate between the act of being baptized and the baptism of a believer by and through the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells us in the Book of Acts (1:5) John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. Jesus was foretelling what would happen during the (upcoming) Day of Pentecost.

Jesus, having Himself been baptized by John, did so as an example to all of us. God the Father was pleased with His Son for doing so. Christ's physical immersion in the water also signified our baptism by the Holy Spirit. Two very important things are accomplished when a believer experiences this baptism: 1. It joins us to the body of Christ and 2. It confirms our (co)crucifixion with Jesus.

Currently, there are three types of (physical) baptisms being practiced in churches:

• Sprinkling - many times this is done with infants or those with certain disabilities. We can and should think of this more in terms of a dedication, rather than a baptism.

• Pouring - taking a container of water and pouring it over a person's head. It is important to notice that not all of the body is covered in doing so. A complete immersion is not experienced.

• Immersion - the very definition of the word "baptism". It signifies the death to self (going under the water) and arising a new creation in Christ. All parts of the old self have died and been made new.

Just as with the practice of communion we, as believers, view baptism as a symbol of Jesus' teaching and commands to us. Certainly, we do not (literally) eat the flesh or drink the blood of Christ. However, we symbolically do these things in remembrance and honor of His sacrifice and example to us all. So the question remains: do you have to be baptized in water to be saved? The answer is no. To say otherwise is false doctrine. It is also just as important to know that being baptized, in of itself, does not promise or accomplish salvation.

As a bought-by-the-blood, born-again Christian we should, at some point, have the call and desire to follow Jesus' example AND to be an example to others. So the question remains...have you been baptized?

Pastor Aaron