Water baptism
Read why baptism cannot save anyone without turning to God. And when should baptism be performed and in what form? You can read more here
1. Can water baptism save us?
Paul thanked God that he had baptized only a few Corinthians
The Corinthians' regeneration followed Paul's proclamation
Biblical examples
Baptism and salvation different events
1 Peter 3:20,21
The grace of baptism?
2. What about
baptizing children?
"Forbid them not "
Matthew 28:19,20
Family baptisms
A conscious matter and choice
What problems follow from infant baptism?
3. How is
baptism done?
4. When is
water baptism done?
Foreword. Baptism is one thing that may have been used as a means to salvation. People sometimes talk about the grace of baptism and the covenant of baptism. They also claim that we can be born again through water baptism, thus being saved.
But what is the truth? What is the significance of baptism? Can Baptism alone take us to God's approval and heaven, and what does the Bible say about baptizing children? Below, we consider these questions and try to find answers.
So the assessment has been made that a person experiences salvation and rebirth in baptism, and that in connection with that he also receives the Holy Spirit.
However, the next few examples (among many) show us that these claims cannot be true.
Paul and the Corinthians. One of the clearest indications that water Baptism does not give us salvation is found in Paul's letter to the Corinthians.
If we could be saved through baptism, why did Paul thank God for only having Baptized a few persons in Corinth, then in a later section write that he wanted to do his best to save even a few? This apparent contradiction can only be understood that Paul did not really consider baptism to be an instrument of salvation. Otherwise, he wouldn't have written in that way:
- (1 Cor 1:14-17) I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in my own name.
16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
- (1 Cor 9:19-22) For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant to all, that I might gain the more.
20 And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
The rebirth of the Corinthians.
When Paul in the previous verses said that he did not
properly remember who among the Corinthians he had baptized,
he nevertheless remembered that the entire congregation in
Corinth had experienced rebirth through him, that is,
through the word of the gospel he preached. This proves that
he did not regard water Baptism as a means of being born
again:
- (1 Cor 4:15) For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have you not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
So, water baptism and being born again are two quite different things. Paul did not use water baptism to save people. Instead, people were born again then, as they are now: by receiving the Word of God through faith. This was what happened to the Corinthians. They were born again when they received the word of God into their hearts:
- (Luke 8:11-12) Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then comes the devil, and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
- (1 Peter 1:23) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and stays for ever.
- (James 1:18) Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
Examples in the Bible. Another indication that water baptism does not automatically guarantee salvation is found in the following description of Simon the sorcerer that appears in the Acts. He was baptized but Peter still had to tell him that his heart was not right and that he would be damned if he did not repent. That he was baptized did not help him in any way, because his state of mind was wrong before God:
- (Acts 8:12,13,18-21) But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
20 But Peter said to him, Your money perish with you, because you have thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter: for your heart is not right in the sight of God.
Jesus' words about the five foolish virgins and those who did wonderful works in His name are further examples. We can assume that all these people were also baptized and members of a congregation, but they were not saved. In the case of them, the Lord later had to state that He has never known them:
- (Matt 25:11-12) Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Truly I say to you, I know you not.
- (Matt 7:22, 23) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? and in your name have cast out devils? and in your name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess to them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.
Baptism and salvation are different events. There are some good illustrations in the Bible that teach us that water baptism and salvation are different events, and that they may happen at different times. The clearest examples of this are the thief on the cross, Cornelius and the disciples in Ephesus:
The thief. The story about the thief on the cross teaches us that salvation is not bound to water baptism. He was saved and went to paradise, even though he was not baptized. He was saved simply through having faith in Jesus and turning to Him:
- (Luke 23:39-43) And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If you be Christ, save yourself and us.
40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Do not you fear God, seeing you are in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man has done nothing amiss.
42 And he said to Jesus, Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
43 And Jesus said to him, Truly I say to you, To day shall you be with me in paradise.
The story about Cornelius and his companions shows us another example of how water baptism and salvation are not always simultaneous events. They were filled with the Holy Spirit before they were baptized with water, meaning that they were certainly already saved when baptized. In effect, water baptism sealed their rebirth:
- (Acts10:44-48) While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
The disciples in Ephesus provide us with our third example. These disciples believed in Jesus before they were baptized with water by Paul. ("Disciple" is a word the Bible commonly uses for people who were reborn; Acts 6:1; 11:26; 13:52) It seems that these people were born again through the word of evangelist Apollos, before Paul visited the city (see Acts 18:24-28):
- (Acts 19:1-5) And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said to them, Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? And they said to him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said to them, To what then were you baptized? And they said, To John’s baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John truly baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
1 Peter 3:20, 21. One point used to reinforce the opinion that baptism is a means to salvation are the following words written by Peter:
- (1 Peter 3:20, 21) Which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism does also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
We should note that all of these people in these verses were already reborn. Noah “was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God" (Gen 6:9) already before the Flood. He built an ark through faith (Hebr 11:7) showing that faith was present in everything he did. Also, all those who received Peter’s letter were believers. He wrote that they were kept by the power of God through faith to salvation ready to be revealed in the last time:
- (1 Peter 1:4, 5) To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith to salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
It is therefore good to understand that faith in Christ is always the foundation and other things come only after that. If we don't have faith, baptism doesn't matter that much. It remains for us only a ritual among others. The meaning of faith is referred to by e.g. the verses below. Many of these verses talk about justification through faith, and in some, faith is also associated with baptism (e.g. Gal 3:26,27, Col 2:12, Mark 16:16 - See also Acts 8:36,37):
- (Gal 3:26,27) For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
- (Col 2:12) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who has raised him from the dead.
- (Mark 16:16) He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned.
- (John 5:24) Truly, truly, I say to you, He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death to life.
- (John 15:3) Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken to you.
- (John 20:31) But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through his name.
- (Acts 10:43) To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whoever believes in him shall receive remission of sins.
- (Acts 13:38,39) Be it known to you therefore, men and brothers, that through this man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins:
39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.
- (Rom 1:15-17) So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God to salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
- (Rom 3:22,25,26,28) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ to all and on all them that believe: for there is no difference:
25 Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believes in Jesus.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
- (1 Cor 1:21) For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
- (1 Cor 15:1,2) Moreover, brothers, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand;
2 By which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached to you, unless you have believed in vain.
- (Hebr 4:2) For to us was the gospel preached, as well as to them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
- (Eph 1:13) In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise
- (2 Tim 3:15) And that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
The grace of baptism may have often been talked about also in connection with baptism. It has been thought that we can always return to the grace of baptism and that the faith built on baptism lasts even beyond the border. It has also been said about the grace of baptism that in it Christ is given to man with all His heavenly treasures.
When it comes to the term "grace of baptism", however, it is good to note that it does not come from the Bible. It is not mentioned anywhere as such. Likewise, there are a couple of other problems associated with its use, which are:
Do we concentrate on Christ or water baptism? The first problem of the Grace of Baptism is that we may start to concentrate more on our Baptism than on Christ – "I was baptized then!" Galatians made that mistake: they tried to find comfort through their own actions and by doing various ceremonies. However, Paul tried to turn their emphasis toward Christ alone because there is no other foundation for our salvation:
- (Gal 3:1,2) O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
2 This only would I learn of you, Received you the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
- (1 Cor 3:11) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Those who are not baptized. If receiving the grace of God were bound to water baptism, it would mean that anyone who did not have time to be baptized could not be saved, even if they did experience a living faith in Christ. For example, the thief on the cross as described by Luke received the promise from Jesus that he would enter paradise that day. If baptism were required to enter into Heaven, then this kind of a person would have been kept outside paradise (Luke 23:42,43). However, he did go there, which means that water baptism did not affect his eternal destiny.
Therefore, we must understand that grace is not received through water baptism but through faith in Jesus Christ. It is associated with His person. Otherwise baptism would become our act that we must do to be saved. If we do not trust in Jesus, then receiving water baptism cannot help us. Grace was given already 2000 years ago through Jesus Christ, not just now through water baptism or anything else.
- (John 1:17) For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
- (1 Cor 1:4) I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
2. What about baptizing children?
Water baptism has often been given to small children. People have baptized children who cannot have a similar kind of a biblical faith than older people can. This has been justified by the following points:
"Forbid them not." Baptizing children may be encouraged because people do not want to hinder their access to Jesus. Support for this position is found in the next Gospel verses:
- (Mark 10:13-16) And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said to them, Suffer the little children to come to me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
15 Truly I say to you, Whoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands on them, and blessed them.
When it comes to these verses, however, it is good to note that they are not about baptism but about blessing children and that Jesus would lay His hands on them. Baptizing children and blessing them are two different things.
On the other hand, if Jesus had really wanted to baptize the children in the previous situation, there would have been a good opportunity to do so right then. However, he failed to do so, even though the Bible tells us that He - or actually His disciples - baptized many other people:
- (John 4:1,2) When therefore the LORD knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
2 Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,
Matt 28:19,20. Another thing used to justify baptizing children is the command Jesus gave in Matthew 28. It might be understood from some Bible translations (like the Finnish translation from 1938) that people are made disciples by baptism and teaching. The command says as follows:
- (Matt 28:19,20) Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and, see, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.
It is, however, good to note that these verses include three participles in the original language, which are in a way "equal" to each other. The original version is as follows:
"By going, make disciples of all nations, by baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, by teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
So, we need to understand that in these verses there are three verbs that follow each other in chronological order. The last two verbs are not "subordinate" to the first verb, but are in chronological order: i.e. first, disciples are made, then they are baptized, and finally taught. Thus, the verse could well have been translated in such a way that in place of the verbs in question one would have read: "Go... baptize... Teach." This order – first make disciples, then baptize, and then teach them to obey everything – also appears in other translations.
However, if disciples really were made by using these two ways: 1) baptizing and 2) teaching them to obey everything, we would end up with quite a remarkable heresy, where a person would have to – in addition to being baptized – know all the commands of Jesus before he or she could be deemed a disciple and a saved person. Salvation would then actually be based on our actions and on how well we have learned the Bible by heart. This is clearly not what the Bible teaches. Quite the opposite is true: we can be immediately saved by simply receiving Jesus into our hearts:
- (John 1:12) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name
We must understand that Matt 28:19, 20 is a command given to the disciples. If preaching and faith could only come after baptism then whom could the disciples have baptized? Would it not have been impossible to obey this command? In that society disciples were not allowed to baptize adults or children without consent. If they could not preach to adults, and people could not grow in faith without hearing them preach the Gospel, then how could the disciples have found anyone to baptize?
We must, therefore, understand that in the society of that time, and even in today's missionary situations, one cannot begin with baptism, but always first is preaching of the gospel (in a missionary situation, to which Jesus' commandment refers, the realization of the matter would have been the most problematic). As a result of the preaching, people can have faith and even be baptized, but baptism is always only a consequence of faith.
Baptizing entire households. A third claim used to justify baptism of children is based on household baptisms. When there is not any direct reference to baptizing children in the New Testament, or to the system of godparents, or to the grace of water baptism found in the NT – some think that household baptisms are an indication that small children were baptized.
However, even though the people who were baptized on the Pentecost also had children, only those were baptized who received salvation. We find no mention about baptizing others. If they had baptized other people, then it would have led, after some decades to the church being comprised of mostly non-believers.
- (Acts 2:41) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added to them about three thousand souls.
We can also see from the household baptisms how receiving of the Word of God always preceded water baptism. This is mentioned in connection with four household baptisms, and there are a total of five household baptisms in the New Testament. These appear in the New Testament as follows:
The household of Cornelius
(Acts 11:14) Who shall tell you words, whereby you and all your house shall be saved.
- (Acts 10:1,2,33,43-48) There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.
33 Immediately therefore I sent to you; and you have well done that you are come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded you of God.
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whoever believes in him shall receive remission of sins.
44 While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
- (Acts15:7-9) And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said to them, Men and brothers, you know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knows the hearts, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did to us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
The household of Lydia
- (Acts 16:13–15, 40) And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spoke to the women which resorted thither.
14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended to the things which were spoken of Paul.
15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she sought us, saying, If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brothers, they comforted them, and departed.
The household of the keeper of the prison
- (Acts 16:27,31-34) And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, and your house.
32 And they spoke to him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
The household of Crispus
- (Acts 18:5,8) And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
The household of Stephan
- (1 Cor 1:16,) And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
- (1 Cor 16:15,16) I beseech you, brothers, (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
16 That you submit yourselves to such, and to every one that helps with us, and labors.
A MATTER OF CONSCIENCE and choice. When the New Testament text describes water baptism and the baptism of households, it is always associated with repentance, faith, trusting God's promises, and asking for a clear conscience in front of God. These all are actions that small babies cannot yet take because they simply cannot experience a similar change of mind. They have not developed faith in biblical promises like older people. Children cannot properly understand these issues, and that is why they cannot be held responsible in the same way as other people.
In the New Testament we can easily find clear reports of the Apostles’ preaching the word of God and encouraging people to repent and change the way they related to God. This led to the baptism of believers. This was their line from the very beginning:
- (Luke 24:47) And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
- (Acts 2:37,38) Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brothers, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
- (Acts 3:19) Repent you therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
- (Acts 4:4) However, many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
- (Acts 8:12) But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
- (Acts 11:20,21) And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spoke to the Grecians, preaching the LORD Jesus.
21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned to the Lord.
- (Acts 17:2-4) And Paul, as his manner was, went in to them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach to you, is Christ.
4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.
- (Acts 17:10-12) And the brothers immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night to Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
- (Acts 18:4,5) And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
- (Acts 20:21) Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
- (Acts 26:18-20) To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision:
20 But showed first to them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
- (1 Peter 3:20, 21) Which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism does also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ
What problems ARE CAUSED BY THE BAPTISM OF CHILDREN? If we believe in baptizing children, we will experience problems because this idea cannot be found in the word of God. At the very least, it can lead to the Church being considered the body of Christ, and in which case the church would actually be the same as the world. This ignores the simple fact that the early church consisted only of believers and saints (Rom 1:7, 1 Cor 1:2, 2 Cor 1:1, Eph 1:1, Phil 1:1, Col 1:2...), and that it increased only among those who received salvation (Acts 2:47) and not those born according to the flesh (John 3:6).
The word “church” was not even known at that time; people started to use it when the concepts of "the world" and "the congregation" got mixed up and apostasy entered the congregation. (The OT always uses the word “congregation”, never “the church”.) The current view, in which all unbelievers are members of the church, is clearly shown as the logical consequence of apostasy.
However, the worst thing about the baptism of children is that it leads people to think that they are saved because they were baptized as children. It is very dangerous when people are lulled into a peace of mind because they were baptized as children.
Charles G. Finney, who lived in the 19th century, provided a good example of this (Ihmeellisiä herätyksiä, p. 211). He wrote about people who thought that they were Christians because they had been baptized and went to the Holy Communion, even though they had not been born again. This made it difficult for them to receive salvation:
The next example also well describes how people can be led into believing that they are children of God on the grounds of being baptized as children, even though they may later completely deny God and not live for Him. This example provided by the well-known Finnish preacher Niilo Yli-Vainio (Kristitty vai käännynnäinen, p. 35) is not even unusual; it describes the condition of those people who were baptized as children. It shows us that receiving baptism as children is of no use later:
Both powerfully assured their listeners that they had been baptized as children and were the children of God.
After the speeches, the priest came to the chamber, which was also full of people. I was there as well. I asked the priest, - Are all of these listeners disciples? He replied, - Yes, they are.
Beside me stood a man from the village. I asked him, - Are you a believer? The man immediately answered, - I am not. I asked, - Well, have you been baptized as a child? The man answered, - Yes. I turned to the priest and said, - This man says that he was baptized as a child, but that he is not a believer. People around us listened to our conversation.
There was an old man in the meeting, an important person in the village. Some villagers called him the Antichrist, because he had told the villagers that there was no God. But from the speeches of the dean and the chaplain, one got the impression that he, too, was a disciple, because he had once been baptized as a child. The only non-disciples in that meeting, then, were we who had preached revival to the village, and those who had just publicly confessed their belief in Jesus.
When we think about the actual ritual of water baptism, we can sometimes be confused about which is the right way to do it. Is it the full immersion baptism, or sprinkling of water that is practiced in some churches?
The Bible does not teach much about this, but some verses connected to this seem to refer to the full immersion baptism. The verb babtidzein, which appears in the next Bible verses and is considered to mean "putting inside water" in the original language, especially refers to it. (The same verb also appears in the Septuaginta, the Greek translation of the OT. 2 King 5:14 tells us about the Syrian war chief Naaman’s dive into the Jordan.) Likewise, Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection speak metaphorically for the immersion baptism. We look at some such verses:
- (Matt 3:13-16) Then comes Jesus from Galilee to Jordan to John, to be baptized of him.
14 But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of you, and come you to me?
15 And Jesus answering said to him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, see, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting on him
- (Mark 1:5) And there went out to him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
- (Mark 1:9, 10) And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending on him
- (John 3:22,23) After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
- (Acts 8:35-39) Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached to him Jesus.
36 And as they went on their way, they came to a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what does hinder me to be baptized?
37 And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
- (Rom 6:3-4) Know you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
- (Col 2:12) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who has raised him from the dead.
4. When is water baptism done?
There has already been some talk above about the fact that baptism as such cannot save us and take us to heaven. We also need a change of mind in relation to God and the acceptance of Jesus Christ into our lives first (John 1:12: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name). Only then will we be saved, if we personally turn to Him (John 5:40).
The order of baptism is associated with the same area. Here, too, we must first receive the word of the gospel, believe in it, and baptism comes only after that. In the days of the early church, the order was that people first received the Gospel and then went on to be baptized. Consider this in light of the following verses from the Acts:
- (Acts 2:40,41) And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added to them about three thousand souls.
- (Acts 8:5, 6,12) Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ to them.
6 And the people with one accord gave heed to those things which Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
- (Acts 8:35-39) Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached to him Jesus.
36 And as they went on their way, they came to a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what does hinder me to be baptized?
37 And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
- (Acts 9:17,18) And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared to you in the way as you came, has sent me, that you might receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight immediately, and arose, and was baptized.
- (Acts 10:44,47,48) While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
- (Acts16:13-15) And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spoke to the women which resorted thither.
14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended to the things which were spoken of Paul.
15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she sought us, saying, If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
- (Acts 16:30-34) And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, and your house.
32 And they spoke to him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
- (Acts 18:5,8) And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
- (Acts 19:1-5) And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said to them, Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? And they said to him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said to them, To what then were you baptized? And they said, To John’s baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John truly baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
