Transcript THE DOCTRINE OF BAPTISM

THE DOCTRINE OF
BAPTISM
By Rolan Monje, DPTh, MMin and
Oat Suwanakoot, MDiv
2007 Asian Christian Jubilee Teaching Class
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This powerpoint and many other
materials are available online at
www.addtoyourlearning.com
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LESSON OUTLINE
Biblical-linguistic Evidence – Oat
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Historical-patristic Evidence - Rolan
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Response to Baptism - Oat
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Objections to Baptism – Rolan
Q&A
Recommended reading
Conclusions
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BIBLICAL-LINGUISTIC
EVIDENCE
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The word ‘baptism’
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English verb “baptize” is a transliteration
(simply, word conversion using the
corresponding letters of one alphabet to
another) of the Greek word “βαπτίζω”
“Baptism”  Greek noun baptisma
Similarly, ‘Amen’ is the transliteration of a
Hebrew word meaning “so be it” or “let it
be” (Num 5:22).
In the original language, baptisma mainly
means ‘immersion’ or ‘dipping’.
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To understand the whole concept of
baptism, we need to look at scriptures
throughout the gospels in the book of
Acts, the Epistles, and personal letters,
so we can grasp the overall meaning.
We’ll also look at the relationship of
baptism to other biblical concepts.
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Baptism of John
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Mark 1:4-5 (NIV)
And so John came, baptizing in the desert
region and preaching a baptism of repentance
for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean
countryside and all the people of Jerusalem
went out to him. Confessing their sins, they
were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
John 3:22-23 (NIV)
After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into
the Judean countryside, where he spent some
time with them, and baptized. [23] Now John
also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim,
because there was plenty of water, and people
were constantly coming to be baptized.
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Baptism into Christ
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Matthew 3:11 (NIV)
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me
will come one who is more powerful than I, whose
sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with
the Holy Spirit and with fire.
John 3:5-7 (NIV)
Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter
the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the
Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth
to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You
must be born again.'
Galatians 3:27 (NIV)
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have
clothed yourselves with Christ.
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Baptism with the Holy Spirit
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Acts 1:5 (NIV)
For John baptized with water, but in a
few days you will be baptized with the
Holy Spirit.
1 Cor. 12:13 (NIV)
For we were all baptized by one Spirit
into one body--whether Jews or
Greeks, slave or free--and we were all
given the one Spirit to drink.
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Baptism and faith
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Acts 8:12-13 (NIV)
But when they believed Philip as he
preached the good news of the
kingdom of God and the name of Jesus
Christ, they were baptized, both men
and women. [13] Simon himself
believed and was baptized. And he
followed Philip everywhere,
astonished by the great signs and
miracles he saw.
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Baptism and repentance
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Acts 2:38 (NIV)
Peter replied, "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.
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Baptism and Salvation
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Mark 16:16 (NIV)
Whoever believes and is baptized will
be saved, but whoever does not
believe will be condemned.
1 Peter 3:21 (NIV)
And this water symbolizes baptism
that now saves you also--not the
removal of dirt from the body but the
pledge of a good conscience toward
God. It saves you by the resurrection
of Jesus Christ
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Baptism and commission
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Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
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 everything
I have commanded you. And
surely I am with you always, to
the very end of the age."
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Baptism and union
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Romans 6:3-4 (NIV)
Or don't you know 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 live a new life.
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Steps toward baptism
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Hear (Romans 10:17, Acts 11:14)
Believe (John 3:16, Acts 16:31)
Confess sin (Matthew 3:6, 1John 1:9,
James5:16)
Repent (Acts 3:19)
Confess Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9,
1Timothy 6:12)
Be baptized (Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-4)
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Why we need baptism
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The example of Christ
(Mark1:9, Luke 3:21)
The commission of Jesus
(Matthew 28:19-20)
The plan of salvation (Acts
2:38, Mark 16:16)
The union with Christ (Romans
6:3-4)
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Therefore, at baptism…
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One is forgiven of his sins (Acts 2:38).
One is put into Christ (Acts 2:38; Gal.
3:27; Rom. 6:1-6) and his body (I Cor.
12:13).
One calls on the name of the Lord and
his sins are washed away (Acts 22:16).
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At baptism…
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One is saved through an appeal to God for a
good conscience (one does not until baptism
have a good conscience) and through the
resurrection of Jesus from the dead (I Pet.
3:21).
One “puts on Christ” (Gal. 3:27).
One is “buried with Christ” and “baptized into
his death” and rises to live a new life (Rom.
6:2-4). This must be the time when Jesus’
blood covers his sins (note how it is through
the blood of Christ that we have redemption
in Eph. 1:7 and Matt. 26:28
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At baptism
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One is “united” or “grown together” or
becomes “at one with” (sumphutos) Christ
and our old self is crucified with him (Rom.
6:5).
One is buried with him, we were spiritually
circumcised, we put off the old nature which
was offensive to God, and we were raised
with him through our faith in the power of
God, were made alive with Christ and
forgiven our sins (Col. 2:11-13). We are no
longer offensive to God after baptism.
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At baptism…
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We are given the promise that we will live
with him: “Now if we died with Christ we
will also live with him” (Rom. 6:8). Hence
one is assured of his own resurrection in the
future.
One is born again (born from above), John
3:3-5.
One receives the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) who
renews us and saves us through his
“sanctifying work” ( II Thes. 2:13).
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HISTORICAL EVIDENCE
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Washings
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Ceremonial Washings
Leviticus 16:4,24 (for purification).
Jewish tradition
– Cleansing
– Proselyte baptism
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Qumran tradition
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Washings
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Rachatz (Lev 16.4, also v.24)
µvâ;bel]W /r`c;B]Ata, µyIMö'B' 6jà'r:w“
He must wash in water…
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Miqveh (cf. Gen 1.10a)
ar“Yè"w" µyM-iy" ar1:q; µyIM`'h' hwÝEq]mil]W
He gathered the waters and called them…
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Qumran – hwqm (miqveh)
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Existence of baptistries
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Existence of baptistries
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Jerusalem pools &
tunnels
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PATRISTIC WRITINGS
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Patri – who?
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Patristic writings: What are they?
– Early writings
– After the time of the apostles
– From the 1st & 2nd cen AD
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Who wrote them?
– Various leaders in the early church
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TIMELINE OF GOSPELS, ACTS, PATRISTICS
325AD
100AD
70AD
30AD
6 AD
Pentecost Paul’s
death
Crucifixion
Council
of Nicaea
Fall of
Rome
Birth of Jesus
Birth of John the Baptist
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The Epistle of Barnabas,
c. 70-100 A.D.
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Blessed are they who, placing their
trust in the cross, have gone down
into the water…We indeed descend
into the water full of sins and
defilement. However, we come up,
bearing fruit in our heart, having the
fear [of God] and the trust in Jesus in
our spirit. Barnabas (c. 70-130, E),
1.144.
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Hermas, c. 70-130 A. D.
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I hear, sir, some teachers maintain that
there is no other repentance than that
which takes place, when we descended into
the water and received remission of our
former sins. Hermas (c. 150, W), 2.22.
Before a man bears the name of the Son of
God, he is dead. But when he receives the
seal, he lays aside his deadness and obtains
life. The seal, then, is the water. They
descend into the water dead, and they arise
alive. Hermas (c. 150, W), 2.49.
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Hermas, c. 70-130 A. D.
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The apostles themselves also gave
them the seal of the preaching [i.e.,
baptism]. Accordingly, they descended
with them into the water and
ascended again. Hermas (c. 150, W),
2.49.
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Justin Martyr,
c. 100-165 A.D.
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They there receive the washing with water in the I
will also relate the manner in which we dedicated
ourselves to God when we had been made new
through Christ…. for the remission of their past
sins. The rest of us pray and fast with them. They
are brought by us name of God (the Father and
Lord of the universe), of our Savior Jesus Christ,
and of the Holy Spirit. For Christ also said, "Unless
you are born again, you will not enter into the
kingdom of heaven." Justin Martyr (c. 160, E),
1.183.
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Justin Martyr, c. 100-165 A.D.
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This washing of repentance and knowledge of God
has been ordained on account of the transgression
of God’s people, as Isaiah cries. Accordingly, we
have believed and testify that the very baptism
which he announced is alone able to purify those
who have repented. And this is the water of life.…
For what is the use of that baptism which cleanses
only the flesh and body? Baptize the soul from
wrath and from covetousness, from envy and from
hatred. Justin Martyr (c. 160, E), 1.201.
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Irenaeus of Lyons,
c. 130-200 A.D.
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When we come to refute them [the
Gnostics], we will show in its proper
place that this class of men have been
instigated by Satan to a denial of that
baptism which is regeneration to God.
Thus, they have renounced the whole
faith…. For the baptism instituted by
the visible Jesus was for the remission
of sins. Irenaeus (c. 180, E/W), 1.346.
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Clement of Alexandria,
c. 150-215 A.D.
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Being baptized, we are illuminated.
Illuminated, we become sons…. This work is
variously called grace, illumination,
perfection, and washing. Washing, by which
we cleanse away our sins. Clement of
Alexandria (c. 195, E), 2.215.
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In the same way, therefore, we also repent
of our sins, renounce our iniquities, and are
purified by baptism. Thereby, we speed
back to the eternal light as children of the
Father. Clement of Alexandria (c. 195, E),
2.217.
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Tertullian of Carthage,
c. 160-230 A.D.
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Now, the teaching is laid down that "without
baptism, salvation is attainable by no one."
This is based primarily on the ground of that
declaration of the Lord, who says, "Unless
one is born of water he has not life."
However, when this is laid down, there
immediately arise scrupulous (or rather,
audacious) doubts on the part of some.
Tertullian (c. 198, W), 3.674, 675.
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Origen, c. 185-255 A.D.
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Matthew alone adds the words, "to
repentance," teaching us that the benefit of
baptism is connected with the intention of
the baptized person. To him who repents, it
is saving. However, to him who comes to it
without repentance, it will produce greater
condemnation. Origen (c. 228, E), 9.367.
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Historical-patristic
evidence
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History tells us that for at least 1500
years, baptism was expected and
practiced by those who wished to
convert to Christianity
During the Reformation, Luther and
others reacted to ‘works-oriented’
Catholicism; the idea of ‘just believe’
and ‘faith alone’ sprang from this
(over)reaction
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RESPONSE TO BAPTISM
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Response to baptism
1) Sense of appreciation: Acts 16:33-34 (NIV)
…the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he
and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house
and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had
come to believe in God--he and his whole family
2) Sense of obedience: Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on
earth has been given to me. [19] 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, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of
the age."
3) Sense of urgency; Acts 22:16 (NIV)
And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your
sins away, calling on his name.
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Urgency in baptism
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The New Testament has several accounts
showing that we should not delay baptism
once it is clear that the believer is repentant
and ready. We see in the many cases of:
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The 3000 in Jerusalem (Acts 2:37-41)
The Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:34-39)
Lydia of Philippi (Acts 16:11-15)
The Philippians jailor (Acts 16:25-34)
Conversion of Paul (Acts 22:16)
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OBJECTIONS TO BAPTISM
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John 3:16, just ‘believe’
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John 3:16 says just ‘believe in Him’ to
have eternal life; no baptism (?)
‘believe’ should be understood in its
entirety, and this includes repentance
(3:19-21) and baptism (3:1-7). Note
that the rest of the narrative talks
about baptism (3:22 – 4:2).
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“Works” don’t save us
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The Bible never calls baptism a ‘work’
The “works” that don’t save are the
“works” that man does by his own
power. Let us not forget that God
himself works too. (Jn 5:17)
Those who insist on this forget that
believing is called ‘work’ in (Jn 6:29)
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Rev 3:20, just ‘open up’
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Verse taken to mean that if we
‘receive Christ’ by opening our hearts
in prayer, then we are saved
Note that this verse is not for nonChristians who wish to convert; it is for
Christians who need to repent (these
Laodiceans were already saved!)
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Pause for Q & A
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Recommended reading
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General info:
– Article “Immersion for Salvation” at
www.douglasjacoby.com
– Article “20 Questions on Baptism” at
www.addtoyourlearning.com
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On the popular ‘Sinner’s Prayer’
– The Sinner’s Prayer online article by Steve
Staten @ www.myconvictions.com
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On baptism in Patristic writings:
– Will the real heretics please stand up?
By David Bercot
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On the history of baptism
– Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible,
M. Tenney
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Conclusions
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The Bible is clear in presenting the vital
importance of baptism.
Extra-biblical evidence points to the
normative status of baptism as essential for
salvation.
Baptism (as a faith response) was seen as
part of repentance and conversion for the
first 1500 years of the church.
As we remember our baptism, or look
forward to baptism, let us be grateful for
the love the God has for all of us!
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To God be the glory
THANK YOU
FOR COMING!
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