Bible Baptism – ASAP

As an acronym, ASAP stands for “as soon as possible”. We use this handy abbreviation when we want someone to do something quickly. The use of the acronym heightens the sense of urgency, as if to say, “We are so rushed that I don’t even have the time to say full words!” Sometimes this tactic is overused and applied to situations which are neither urgent nor important. However, we can use this same handy abbreviation to consider one of the most significant matters of all – our decision to be baptized. With so much religious confusion in the world today, we should review what “Bible Baptism” truly is and what is needed for baptism to be proper.

First, Bible Baptism must recognize the proper AUTHORITY. We do not baptize by man’s authority or for man’s approval. According to the Great Commission, we baptize “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt 28:18-20). To do a thing in the name of someone, is to carry it out by their authority and according to their will or wishes. As the head of the church, Jesus has been given all authority (Eph 1:22-23; Col 1:18; 3:17). The Lord very clearly claims ownership of His church, the kingdom which He purchased with His own blood (Matt 16:18; Col 1:13-14; Acts 20:28). It is not left up to us to innovate, rule, or decide what makes baptism acceptable or proper. God has revealed this to us in His Word.

Second, Bible Baptism must have a proper SUBJECT. According to the New Testament, a person submitting to baptism must be a believer (Acts 8:36-38). That is, one who has heard and can comprehend the message of the gospel (Acts 8:12, 35). The person being baptized must also recognize their guilt and make a commitment to change (Luke 13:3; 2 Cor 7:9-10). They must confess that Jesus is the risen Son of God and acknowledge their need for the Savior (Rom 10:9-10; Acts 2:36-37).

Third, Bible Baptism must include the proper ACTION. Immersion in water is what we find in the Bible, despite the various other methods used today. The word baptize literally means to dip, to submerge, and to overwhelm. There are no Christians in the New Testament who were added by the Lord to the church through sprinkling or pouring. The baptism which is commanded for all today is a burial in water (Acts 8:38-39; Rom 6:3-5; Col 2:12).

Fourth, Bible Baptism must be for the proper PURPOSE. Baptism is not about celebrating our sins already having been cleansed. Put simply, baptism is for salvation (Mark 16:15-16; 1 Pet 3:21). God’s Word shows us that baptism is done in order to wash away sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16), to put on Christ (Gal 3:27), to become a new creation (2 Cor 5:17), and to be added by the Lord to His church (Acts 2:47).