Context Tells the Real Story!
All too often when we Christians have been taught a view dealing with an important Bible issue, we form an immediate position that is nearly impossible to change from that time forward. This is especially true for baptism where just a few Scriptures are used to support each of the vastly different teachings. To understand what God wants us to know regarding this important subject, we should listen to all that He has to say about it. This section attempts to present a more complete picture of baptism. It points out the historical roots; considers the specific audiences to which the messengers were sent; and identifies where baptism fits into our Christian lives.
The History of Baptism
Most of us think that baptism started with the Great Commission. But actually, its roots are found in the Old Testament laws of ceremonial washings. There were washings for just about everything from removing mildew from walls, to purification after child birth, to acceptance of a leper back into the community.
Baptizing for Different Purposes
Each of God's messengers had very specific and relevent messages that were aimed at target audiences. John who was told by God (the Father) to identify Jesus (His Son) as the Messiah to the nation of Israel using baptism. Peter and the other apostles were to deliver a message that sounded similar to John's, but it emphasized the concept of the Trinity. Jesus was said to have baptized in the Jordan river, but He also explained that He was the Living Water. Lastly, when Paul saw Jesus in a vision, he was told to deliver a different message to a different people.
Is Water Baptism Essential to Salvation?
There were those Gentile (pagans) who heard the message of God's salvation in their own language when Peter was speaking as described in Acts chapter 10. They received the Spirit (the seal of the promised eternal life) and later elected to be baptized with water. It was their desire to go through the same ritualistic washing that the Jews had been observing. Obviously, it was not a requirement for salvation.
Baptizing in One Name or All Three
One of the major dividing issues that splits Christians from each other --even to the extent of causing denominations to be created-- is based on what name is spoken ("I baptize you in the name of ..." ) during a baptism. There are several places in Acts that reference "baptizing in the name of Jesus", yet in Matthew the instruction is to "baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit". But the significance of what name was spoken can be better understood through the viewpoint of a Jew.
Summary ...
For a Christian to lead a healthy spiritual life, he must be grounded on solid conclusions regarding the fundamental Bible topics. Unfortunately, many of us merely repeat whatever we have heard from people over the years rather than reading what God's word has to say --in context-- and then allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal its meaning to us. Baptism deserves serious consideration beyond common church teachings and traditions.
Next: The History of Baptism