Faith & Reason Nexus

What is Baptism?
Bible baptism is clearly illustrated in Scripture as an act involving water, symbolizing death, burial, and resurrection through immersion.

1. The Element of Baptism – Water

• Water is essential for baptism. (Acts 8:36)

2. Much Water

• Baptism requires “much water,” indicating immersion.
• John 3:23 – “John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there.”

3. Going to the Water

• Baptism involves going to the water.
• Acts 8:36-39 describes Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch traveling to water.

Methods Examined

• Sprinkling – Not supported.
• Pouring – Not supported.
• Immersion – Yes. (John 3:23, Acts 8:36)

4. Going Into the Water

• Baptism involves entering the water. (Acts 8:38)

5. Burial in Water

• Baptism is compared to a burial in Romans 6:4:
  “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death…”
• Sprinkling/Pouring cannot fulfill this imagery—only immersion does.

6. Resurrection

• Baptism symbolizes being raised to a new life, just as Christ rose from the dead. (Colossians 2:12)

7. Washing of the Body

• Hebrews 10:22 emphasizes the washing associated with baptism, which immersion symbolizes.

8. Coming Up Out of the Water

• Baptism includes coming up out of the water.
• (Mark 1:10) – “And straightway coming up out of the water…”

Conclusion:
Bible baptism, as revealed in Scripture, is:

• Immersion in water, symbolizing burial, washing, and resurrection.
• A vital step of obedience and faith, as seen in Acts 22:16:
  “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”