Topical Encyclopedia 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 Background: While the specific practice of baptism as seen in the New Testament is not present in the Old Testament, there are precedents for ritual washings and purifications. For example, Levitical laws required various washings for ceremonial cleanliness (Leviticus 16:4, 24). These practices foreshadowed the New Testament understanding of spiritual purification. John the Baptist and the Baptism of Repentance: John the Baptist is a pivotal figure in the New Testament, known for his role in preparing the way for Jesus Christ. He preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. In Matthew 3:11 , John states, "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 all four Gospels. In Matthew 3:16-17 , it is written, "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 was not for repentance but to fulfill all righteousness and to set an example for His followers. The Great Commission: Baptism is integral to the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations. In Matthew 28:19-20 , Jesus instructs, "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." Baptism in the Early Church: The early church continued the practice of baptism as an essential rite of initiation into the Christian community. In Acts 2:38 , Peter exhorts the crowd, "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." Baptism was closely associated with conversion, the reception of the Holy Spirit, and entry into the body of Christ. Theological Significance: Baptism symbolizes 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: Throughout church history, there have been various modes of baptism, including immersion, pouring, and sprinkling. The mode often reflects theological and denominational differences. Additionally, the question of infant baptism versus believer's baptism has been a point of contention among Christian traditions. Some denominations practice infant baptism, viewing it as a sign of the covenant, while others advocate for believer's baptism, emphasizing personal faith and repentance. Conclusion: Baptism remains a central and sacred ordinance within Christianity, symbolizing the believer's faith, repentance, and union with Christ. It is a public declaration of faith and an essential step in the life of a disciple of Jesus. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To administer the sacrament of baptism to.2. (v. t.) To christen (because a name is given to infants at their baptism); to give a name to; to name. 3. (v. t.) To sanctify; to consecrate. Greek 907. baptizo -- to dip, sink ... to dip, sink. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: baptizo Phonetic Spelling: (bap-tid'-zo) Short Definition: I dip, submerge, baptize Definition: lit: I dip ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/907.htm - 9k Library Whether a Woman Can Baptize? Whether a Layman Can Baptize? Whether to Baptize is Part of the Priestly Office, or Proper to ... Whether Several Can Baptize at the Same Time? Whether it was Fitting that John Should Baptize? February 14. "He Shall Baptize You with Fire" (Matt. Iii. 11). Whether this be a Suitable Form of Baptism: "I Baptize Thee in the ... Answer to the Objection that "The Lord did not Baptize. " Of Paul's Assertion, that He had not Been Sent to Baptize. Whether it is Part of a Deacon's Duty to Baptize? Thesaurus Baptize (19 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Baptize (19 Occurrences). ... He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit. (WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ... /b/baptize.htm - 12k Baptizing (16 Occurrences) Worthy (92 Occurrences) Mightier (21 Occurrences) Powerful (93 Occurrences) Shoes (32 Occurrences) Triune Trine Ghost (123 Occurrences) Immersion Resources Did Jesus baptize? | GotQuestions.orgWho is permitted to baptize / perform baptisms? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about how to get baptized / how to baptize? | GotQuestions.org Baptize: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Baptize (19 Occurrences)Matthew 3:11 Matthew 28:19 Mark 1:4 Mark 1:8 Mark 7:4 Luke 3:16 Luke 11:38 John 1:25 John 1:26 John 1:33 John 4:1 John 4:2 Acts 11:16 Acts 19:4 Acts 22:16 1 Corinthians 1:14 1 Corinthians 1:15 1 Corinthians 1:16 1 Corinthians 1:17 Subtopics Related Terms Interpretation (45 Occurrences) |
    |