Definition and Etymology:
The term "baptize" is derived from the Greek word "baptizō," which means "to immerse, submerge, or wash." In the New Testament, baptism is a significant rite symbolizing spiritual cleansing, repentance, and initiation into the Christian faith.

Old Testament Foreshadowing:
While the specific practice of baptism is not found in the Old Testament, several rituals and events foreshadow its significance. The ceremonial washings prescribed in the Mosaic Law (e.g., Leviticus 16:4, 24) and the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) are seen as types of baptism, symbolizing purification and deliverance.

John the Baptist's Ministry:
John the Baptist, a forerunner to Jesus Christ, is central to the New Testament understanding of baptism. He preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. In Matthew 3:11 , John declares, "I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

Jesus' Baptism:
Jesus Himself was baptized by John, marking the beginning of His public ministry. This event is recorded in Matthew 3:16-17 : "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'" Jesus' baptism, though He was sinless, served as an example of obedience and the inauguration of His messianic mission.

The Great Commission:
Baptism is integral to the Great Commission given by Jesus to His disciples. In Matthew 28:19-20 , Jesus commands, "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 all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This directive underscores the importance of baptism in the process of discipleship and the spread of the Gospel.

Theological Significance:
Baptism is a sacrament that signifies the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Romans 6:3-4 states, "Or aren’t you aware 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 walk in newness of life." It represents the washing away of sins and the believer's new life in Christ.

Modes and Controversies:
The mode of baptism—whether by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling—has been a subject of debate among Christian denominations. The early church primarily practiced immersion, as suggested by the Greek term "baptizō" and the descriptions of baptisms in the New Testament. However, variations have developed over time due to theological, practical, and cultural reasons.

Infant vs. Believer's Baptism:
Another area of theological discussion is the baptism of infants versus believers. Some traditions, such as Roman Catholicism and certain Protestant denominations, practice infant baptism, viewing it as a sign of the covenant and a means of grace. Others, like Baptists and many evangelical groups, advocate for believer's baptism, emphasizing personal faith and repentance as prerequisites.

Conclusion:
Baptism remains a central and sacred rite within Christianity, symbolizing the believer's union with Christ and entry into the community of faith. It is a public declaration of faith and an essential step in the journey of discipleship.

Baptism
... It follows, Baptising them and teaching them.' In a heathen nation, first teach,
and then baptise them; but in a Christian church, first baptise, and then ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 4 baptism.htm

Appendix iv
... St Matthew 19:14 (De Bapt., 18)."Seeing that Jesus called the children
to Himself, one may, indeed ought also to baptise them. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/harnack/the origin of the new testament/appendix iv.htm

The Fourfold Symbols of the Spirit
... at its best, was but a baptism of repentance, with the quickening power of the baptism
of Him who was to follow him; when he said, 'I indeed baptise you with ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the fourfold symbols of the.htm

Of Baptism.
... Hence it is not strange that the apostles are said to have baptised in the name
of Christ, though they were enjoined to baptise in the name of the Father and ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 15 of baptism.htm

Three Objections
... But to that question certain would answer joyously, "Here!" There are missions in
India where the avowed policy is to baptise people "at the outset, not on ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxxi three objections.htm

Out of the Deep of Suffering and Sorrow.
... souls of those we love. National Sermons. To all, sooner or later, Christ
comes to baptise them with fire. But do not think that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/out of the deep/i out of the deep.htm

A Table of the Chief Things.
... How the apostles baptized with water is explained, [336]435 to [337]439. To baptise
signifies to plunge, and how sprinkling was brought in, [338]439, [339]440. ...
/.../a table of the chief.htm

Filled with the Spirit
... metaphors of Scripture. What is the meaning of the Baptist's saying, 'He
shall baptise you in the Holy Ghost and fire'? Does that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/filled with the spirit.htm

Proceed in Thy Confession, Say to the Lord Thy God...
... thy God, O my faith, Holy, Holy, Holy, O Lord my God, in Thy Name have we been baptised,
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; in Thy Name do we baptise, Father, Son ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xii proceed in thy.htm

The Light and the Lamps
... Voice.' And remember how, when John's disciples tried to light the infernal fires
of jealousy in his quiet heart by saying, 'He whom thou didst baptise, and to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the light and the lamps.htm

Baptise (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Baptise (7 Occurrences). ... Mark 1:8 I indeed have baptised
you with water, but he shall baptise you with the Holy Spirit. (Root in DBY). ...
/b/baptise.htm - 8k

Fit (47 Occurrences)
... Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptise you with water to repentance, but he that comes after
me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not fit to bear; he shall baptise...
/f/fit.htm - 23k

Baptised (46 Occurrences)
... confessing their sins. (DBY). Mark 1:8 I indeed have baptised you with water,
but he shall baptise you with the Holy Spirit. (DBY). Mark 1 ...
/b/baptised.htm - 18k

Thong (5 Occurrences)
... Luke 3:16 John answered all, saying, I indeed baptise you with water, but the mightier
than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not fit to unloose; he ...
/t/thong.htm - 8k

Vain (141 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ has not sent me to baptise, but to preach glad tidings;
not in wisdom of word, that the cross of the Christ may not be made vain. ...
/v/vain.htm - 36k

Baptises (3 Occurrences)
... John 1:33 And I knew him not; but he who sent me to baptise with water, he said
to me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and abiding on him, he it ...
/b/baptises.htm - 7k

Banuas

/b/banuas.htm - 6k

Tidings (169 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ has not sent me to baptise, but to preach glad tidings;
not in wisdom of word, that the cross of the Christ may not be made vain. ...
/t/tidings.htm - 38k

Glad (421 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ has not sent me to baptise, but to preach glad tidings;
not in wisdom of word, that the cross of the Christ may not be made vain. ...
/g/glad.htm - 37k

Is baptism necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.org

Does 1 Peter 3:21 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that there is only one baptism (Ephesians 4:5)? | GotQuestions.org

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