I had the privilege last week of baptizing my daughter
surrounded by friends and coworkers at our Europe Area conference in
Slovenia. It was a wonderful event, and
one of the highlights of my life.
Some may wonder what baptism is all about. If someone knew nothing about Christianity it
would seem strange. What does dunking
someone in the water have to do with anything spiritual? For those of you wondering about baptism,
here is a very brief theology on the subject.
Baptism existed long before the time of Christ. It was used as an initiation rite in
religious communities such as the Qumarn community that wrote the so-called
Dead Sea Scrolls. Later John the Baptist
adopted the practice as a means of signifying repentance in preparation for the
coming messiah. After Jesus’ ascension
it was used to demonstrate faith in Jesus and a formal entry into the Church
community. Since then, it has been an
initiation rite for the Church.
Baptizing represents a connection with Jesus in His death
and resurrection. This is why many
practice baptism by immersing the baptized person in water and then bringing him out again. Burial and resurrection
is symbolized through this action. It
also demonstrates repentance of sins. As
water cleans physically, baptism by water symbolizes a spiritual cleansing.
Baptism is not an activity that earns us favor with
God. It is not a means of
salvation. It is a symbol and one that
is commanded in the Bible, but it is not how we are saved. Jesus saves people. We do not save ourselves through our
actions. This is well demonstrated in
baptism. One cannot baptize
oneself. Someone must do it for
him. In the same way, we cannot save
ourselves from our sins. Jesus had to do
it for us.
Baptism is a personal choice based on a personal faith in
Jesus.
Some ask me how I feel about children and infants being
baptized. The Bible gives no age
restriction on baptism. If a person
confesses faith in Jesus as the Son of God who died for our sins and rose
again; and if such a person trusts Jesus alone for his salvation and repents of
his sin, I see no reason he cannot be baptized.
However, though I believe children can profess such faith I have serious
doubts that an infant can do so.
Some of you may be wondering if you should be baptized. If you believe in Jesus and trust Him alone
for your salvation, as described above, then I recommend being baptized if you have not already been.
Who can baptize you? I would argue that anyone who has been
baptized themselves can baptize you. I
know of no Biblical restriction that tells us that you must be baptized by
someone in professional ministry. The
message of the Bible is one that empowers people to do ministry. I am blessed to work for an organization that
encourages us to “Develop, Empower, and Release” others. Those who believe and have been baptized are
empowered to baptize others, and I would be remiss if I placed restrictions on
my brothers and sisters that remove freedoms given to them by Jesus Himself.
