Baptism

Baptism and baptize are derived from the Greek words baptisma and baptizo, respectively. Baptism means immersion or submersion.  Acts 8:38; John 3:23

In Acts 2 and Acts 10, a group of Jews and a group of Gentiles received a special baptism of the Holy Spirit to fulfill the prophecy of Joel and the promise of Jesus to his apostles. Baptism is also used in a special, figurative way in 1 Corinthians 10 to describe the passage of the Israelites through the Red Sea. Baptism in water, as seen throughout Acts, is the only baptism related to salvation.  Acts 1:4-5; Acts 2:1-21; Acts 11:15-17; 1 Corinthians 10:1-2; Ephesians 4:4-6

The common usage of baptism is illustrated in a Greek recipe from 200 BC for making pickles: Baptize (baptizo) the cucumber in vinegar. The vegetable is permanently changed, just as the person who is baptized in water.  Romans 6

Baptism is how one “calls upon the name of the Lord” to receive salvation. It is how we appeal to God to cleanse the conscience. Baptism symbolizes washing away sins and death, burial, and resurrection.  Acts 2:21, 38; 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4

At baptism, one becomes a disciple of Jesus and is added to God’s church.  Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Acts 2:41; Galatians 3:27-28

The New Testament uniformly affirms that baptism is a prerequisite to salvation. It is not the work which provides salvation; it is the condition which those seeking salvation must fulfill to receive it.  Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21

“Now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.”  Acts 22:16

~ SR

Citation
Ruhmann, Scott. “Word of the Week: Baptism.” 27th Street Church of Christ. Access date: . http://www.churchofbend.com/wow/baptism.htm