What is the purpose of baptism?
The purpose of baptism is a topic that has been debated since the days of the early Church. Some argue that immersion (that is to say fully going under water) was not needed. Some people believe that the purpose of baptism is to demonstrate a commitment to a particular local body. Some advocate the idea that infants needed to be baptized (based on the concept of original sin). Others say baptism is not even essential for salvation. This blog post examines what the Bible says. It addresses some commonly held beliefs. This blog post concludes with a very firm statement based in scripture.
The Bible says a lot about baptism. In the New Testament, baptism begins right away with the person we now call “John the Baptist.” People flocked to listen to him and to be baptized by him (Mark 1:4) But even John said that he was baptizing with water, but that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8).
Some state that is not necessary to be fully immersed. We will look at this more later. Suffice it to say now, that the Greek word, “baptizo,” is always used to describe baptism. In fact, it is from which we get the word “baptism.” The very Greek word “baptizo” means to immerse.
Some people believe that the purpose of baptism is to demonstrate a commitment to a particular local body – what many of us call “placing membership.” The Bible does not support this idea. The Bible does say we are baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3). Logic does not support this idea: every time one moves to a different place, one must be baptized again by this reasoning. That reasoning defies Paul’s writing that we are baptized into one body (I Corinthians 12:13).
Some advocate the idea that infants needed to be baptized. It will become clear in the next two paragraphs why this practice is not authorized. Remember, “baptizo” means immersion, which no one advocates doing to infants (to our knowledge). It is important it to remember that when Peter is talking about baptism, he makes it clear that there are acts to be taken and decisions to be made which an infant just cannot do (1 Peter 3:20-21).
Others say baptism is not even essential for salvation. This idea is based primarily on two passages which essentially say that those who call on the name of the Lord will be saved (Acts 2:21, Romans 10:13). No one we know of will deny this important action. Before we cite a couple of scriptures, it is worth pointing out an analogy. If someone tells another to buy bread at the store, that does not mean that person does not purchase other items they may have discussed. In other words, lifting scriptures to use them for an isolated purpose does not mean they do not say other things as well. In fact, as Peter is preaching in Acts 2 (verse 21 is the one cited above) he tells them to be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Paul, who wrote the letter to the Romans cited above, also wrote that as we are baptized we are putting on Christ (Galatians 3:26-27, Romans 6:3)
There is one thing we consider more important than all these. These are the words of our Savior. Jesus said that no one can enter the kingdom of Heaven unless they are baptized (John 3:5). Then again, in his final instruction, Jesus Himself stressed the importance of baptism (Matthew 28:19-20).