Faith & Reason Nexus

Original Biblical Practice:

• Baptism administered by John and by the authority of Jesus Christ was by immersion (Matthew 3:16, Acts 8:36-39).
• Required water (Acts 8:36), much water (John 3:23), going unto and down into the water (Acts 8:36, 38), and symbolized burial and resurrection (Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12).

Unscriptural Changes:

• A.D. 251: First occurrence of pouring (affusion) during the baptism of Novation.
• A.D. 1311: Sprinkling as a form of baptism was authorized by the Roman Catholic Church and legalized at the Council of Ravenna in A.D. 1311.

Key Scriptural Requirements for Water Baptism:

• Involves water (Acts 8:36).
• Requires ample water (John 3:23).
• Involves both the baptizer and the one being baptized going down into the water (Acts 8:38-39).
• Symbolizes burial and resurrection (Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12).
• Symbolizes new birth (John 3:5).
• Involves washing of the body (Hebrews 10:22).
• Involves coming up out of the water (Acts 8:39, Matthew 3:16).

Reflection Question:

• Have you been baptized according to scriptural principles or according to later historical developments?

This overview highlights the evolution of baptismal practices and emphasizes the importance of adhering to biblical teachings in baptismal practices.