Baptism
Even though in the church today, there are different debatable views concerning baptism, I would like to present here a simple unbiased view for the benefit of readers. Understood that the English word “Baptism” derived from the Greek word “Baptizo” which means “to immerse or to dip”. Water baptism refers to immersing or dipping in water. Baptism was practiced in Judaism even before the birth of Christ. Baptism was given to persons who where converted to Judaism along with circumcision and sacrifices. John the Baptist went on baptizing those who repented from their sinful life and confessed their sins.Jesus commanded His disciples to Baptize (Mt28:19) and the early church exercised it (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 9:18; 10:47). As it is a clear command by our Lord and in the Scripture, baptism is an obligation not an option. He commands, we obey and that’s it! It is a testimony of our identification with the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 6:3-6). It is an open witnessing that one makes before others that he/she believes in the finished work of Jesus on the cross and hoping for the resurrection from the death and eternal life. Baptism is given ONLY to those who repents and confesses their sins and takes a decision to live for Jesus Christ for the rest of their lives. Obeying God in baptism is encouraged and emphasized immediately after one repents and receives Christ. Please refer your Bible for further details
- Prithvi / prithvionnet@yahoo.com
