1. Biblical Baptisms

2. Introduction In the New Testament, one reads of various Biblical baptisms. However, only one is obligatory and binding today. In the New Testament, one reads of various Biblical baptisms. However, only one is obligatory and binding today. Ephesians 4:4-6 says, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all” (NASB95). Ephesians 4:4-6 says, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all” (NASB95).

3. Meaning The Greek verb baptizō means “to dip, immerse, plunge, sink, submerge, wash, etc.” The Greek verb baptizō means “to dip, immerse, plunge, sink, submerge, wash, etc.” The noun baptisma describes the result of such action. As Vine says, it consists of “the processes of immersion, submersion and emergence.” The noun baptisma describes the result of such action. As Vine says, it consists of “the processes of immersion, submersion and emergence.”

4. Usage Used metaphorically, baptism is descriptive of some sort of overwhelming, immersive experience. Used metaphorically, baptism is descriptive of some sort of overwhelming, immersive experience. Used literally, baptism describes the physical immersion of an individual in water. Used literally, baptism describes the physical immersion of an individual in water.

5. Symbolic Usage The baptism of suffering (Matthew 20:20- 23; 26:36-39; Mark 10:35-40; Luke 12:49- 53). The baptism of suffering (Matthew 20:20- 23; 26:36-39; Mark 10:35-40; Luke 12:49- 53). The baptism of Moses (1 Corinthians 10:1- 4; cf. Exodus 14:19-22 & also 1 Peter 3:20-22). The baptism of Moses (1 Corinthians 10:1- 4; cf. Exodus 14:19-22 & also 1 Peter 3:20-22). The baptism of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4; 10:44-48; 11:15-18). The baptism of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4; 10:44-48; 11:15-18).

6. Actual Usage The baptism of John was preparatory (Matthew 3:1-6; 3:11; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:7-9; 7:24-30 ; Acts 18:24-26; 19:1-7). The baptism of John was preparatory (Matthew 3:1-6; 3:11; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:7-9; 7:24-30 ; Acts 18:24-26; 19:1-7). The baptism of Christ is permanent. The importance of Christian baptism is seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16), and also in the cases of conversion recorded in Acts: those on Pentecost (Acts 2:38, 41), the Samaritans (Acts 8:12-13), the Ethiopian nobleman (Acts 8:35-39), Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:3-6, 17-19; 22:12-16), etc. The baptism of Christ is permanent. The importance of Christian baptism is seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16), and also in the cases of conversion recorded in Acts: those on Pentecost (Acts 2:38, 41), the Samaritans (Acts 8:12-13), the Ethiopian nobleman (Acts 8:35-39), Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:3-6, 17-19; 22:12-16), etc.

7. Benefits The centrality of Christian baptism is seen in its benefits: The centrality of Christian baptism is seen in its benefits: Baptism brings us into a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:26-27). Baptism brings us into a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:26-27). It affords spiritual cleansing (1 Corinthians 6:11; Colossians 2:11-12; Ephesians 5:25- 27). It affords spiritual cleansing (1 Corinthians 6:11; Colossians 2:11-12; Ephesians 5:25- 27). It results in spiritual renewal and salvation (Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21-22). It results in spiritual renewal and salvation (Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21-22).

8. Conclusion The baptisms of John and the Holy Spirit are now historical. The only baptism that has continued significance is the baptism of Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6). The baptisms of John and the Holy Spirit are now historical. The only baptism that has continued significance is the baptism of Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6). Have you been baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins? If not, we urge you to obey while there is time and opportunity (Acts 2:38; 10:48). Have you been baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins? If not, we urge you to obey while there is time and opportunity (Acts 2:38; 10:48).