Forget the baptism debate about dunking, dipping, and sprinkling. Did you know there are forms of baptism that require no water whatsoever?
We looked at one yesterday, the baptism into Moses, although if you count the Red Sea, water was somewhat involved in that one, even though the only ones who got wet were the soldiers of the Egyptian army.
But there are other baptisms in Scripture which clearly do not involve any water of any kind. To some, these Scriptures are confusing because they think of “baptism” as dunking someone in a pool or sprinkling water on their head, and when you come at these Scriptures with that definition of baptism, you end up with a bunch of nonsense.
But when you recall that the word “baptism” means “immersion into” or “overwhelmed by” or “fully identified with” then these passages become much more clear.
The Baptism of the Cup
Jesus refers to a baptism of the cup of suffering in Matthew 20:22 and Luke 12:50. This baptism has nothing to do with water, but instead uses the word baptism with its basic meaning of complete immersion in or full identification with something else. The baptism into the cup of suffering means that Jesus would fully experience and immerse Himself into the sin, pain, and suffering of the world.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Fire
Similarly, there is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and of fire in Matthew 3:11 and Luke 3:16. Depending on how you read these passages, John could be speaking of one baptism or two: a baptism of the Holy Spirit upon believers and a baptism of fiery judgment upon unbelievers (cf. Matt 13:25-30, or one baptism of the Holy Spirit which will come with fire upon believers (cf. Acts 2:3). But whether John is referring to one baptism or two, nothing he says has anything to do with water. He is writing about being overcome or overwhelmed by whatever people are baptized into.
All of this points to the fact that even in Scripture, the word “baptism” means that the person or group getting “baptized” loses their former identity, and is now fully identified with something or someone else. In the Baptism into Moses, Israel identifies itself not as Egyptian slaves or individual people, but as a nation under the headship of Moses.
On the cross, Jesus leaves the realm of joy, peace, and holiness, and fully enters the realm of pain and suffering, sin and sorrow, death and destruction.
In the baptism of the Spirit, the former body of sin passes away, and a new creation is born to everlasting life.
So What about Water Baptism?
What does this mean then for the water baptisms, and not just in Christianity, but also in Judaism, and in the numerous other religions around the world and throughout time that practiced some form of baptism in water? Now that we know the definition and meaning of the word “baptism” we are able to better understand the religious significance of water baptism in these other religions, and in Christianity itself.
We turn to begin looking at water baptisms in other religions tomorrow.
You mean there’s more meanings to baptism than “being fully immersed in water”? (One “pastor”told me that is the one and only meaning of the word.) Don’t ya know there’s entire denominations built around that idea?
Ha! You’re not talking about Baptists, are you?
Yes, the most basic meaning is probably “immersion” but as with any word, context is king, and there are numerous things other than water that one could be “immersed” into.
I am somewhat “Baptist” in my theology of “baptism” I suppose, but the more and more I study “baptism” I am beginning to see the theological case for sprinkling…. and even for no “baptism” at all… which we will get to later.
I went to Baptist church some when I was a kid, but was told by a very learned non-denom scholar that baptize was transliterated from Greek (there was no equivalent English word), and that the phrase was akin to being “fully immersed” such as a “hand inside of a glove”, and not necessarily anything to do with water. I believe he addressed some of the confusion, and basically how the Baptist church was founded on a misunderstanding of the texts (nothing personal against Baptists..) This man was very learned and had a Masters in theology and could read Greek and ancient Hebrew. This made more sense to me than some guy in a robe dunking you underwater as a kid and then nothing else…but I cant seem to find much online to support his claim. Certainly there is much confusion. Is there anything anyone might add to this or have any insight to? It would be welcome.
Thank you
ACTS 2:38 FICTIONALIZED
Why do men fictionalize Scriptures rather than reading them and believing them? I will let you reach your own conclusion as to the answer. What is is purpose of water baptism according to Acts 2:38?
FOUR TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE ACTS 2:38
1. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent and each of you bebaptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (New American Standard Bible)
2. Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (The Thompson Chain-Reference Bible New International Version 1983)
3. Acts 2:38 The Peter said unto them,Let each of of you repent and be immersed, in the name of Jesus Christ, in order to the remission of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ) The Better Version of the New Testament by Chester Estes)
4. Acts 2:38 Peter told them, “You must repent and every one of you must be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ, so that you may have your sins forgiven and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (The New Testament in Modern English by J.B. Phillips)
THE FOLLOWING ARE FICTIONALIZED VERSIONS OF ACTS 2:38
1. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized because your sins have already been forgiven. (Fictional Account)
2. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized as a testimony of your faith. (Invented Version)
3. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized as an act of obedience. (Fantasy Translation)
4. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized because you were forgiven the minute you believed. (The Version of Unfounded Truth)
5. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized with Holy Spirit baptism; because water baptism is not a New Covenant requirement. (The Version of Spurious and Erroneous Quotes)
6. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent, for the forgiveness of sins; but water baptism is optional, because the thief on the cross was not baptized in water. (The Counterfeit Version of Truth)
7. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, “Rent and be baptized in order to join denomination of your choice. (The Creed Bible By Men)
8. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized as a symbolic jester, pointing to the fact that your sins were forgiven when you said “The Sinner’s Prayer.” ( The Book of Stuff Men made-up)
9. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized to indicate the outward sign of the forgiveness you received the very minute you believed. ( The Fabricated Book of Fantasy Verses)
10. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, “Repent and have your committed sins forgiven by faith only. And then be baptized to be forgiven of the sin Adam committed. (The Denominational Revision of Fictional Truth)
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THE QUESTION IS WHY DO CERTAIN DENOMINATIONAL CHURCHES FICTIONALIZE BIBLICAL TRUTH? THE BIGGER QUESTION IS WHY DO PEOPLE BELIEVE FICTIONALIZED DOCTRINE RATHER THAN BIBLICAL TRUTH?
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Steve, what are your thoughts on this statement:
“The Bible says it. I believe it. That settles it.”
yes, we were immersed into Jesus, fully identified with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection.
Very true, the baptism of the Holy Spirit does not require any water but brings about great change in the life of an individual. On the other hand water baptism doesn’t change anything, it only pictures a change that has hopefully already happened in the individual’s life.
Yep. It is so critical for properly understanding baptism to see the difference between water baptism and Spirit baptism. Glad you see it!
“and even for no “baptism” at all… which we will get to later.”
JM, this was your comment. I presume this means “no water” baptism, i.e baptism without water.
I would like to know more on this.
I have at present a view point that either needs to be confirmed or changed:
THAT BAPTISM MEANS TO BE IMMERSED IN LORD JESUS CHRIST, NOT SO MUCH IN WATER. THAT BAPTISM OF JESUS IS IN OLD TESTAMENT TIMES ; AND THAT IT WAS TO “FULFILL SCRIPTURE”. THAT (MAYBE) THE LORD HIMSELF DID NOT BAPTISE (IN WATER), AND THOUGH HIS DISCIPLES DID, MAYBE THE LORD DID NOT DESIRE THAT THEY SHOULD BAPTISE IN WATER, MORE IMPORTANTLY THEY SHOULD BAPTISE PEOPLE IN (INTO) HIM, TRIUNE GOD (AND FOR THIS WATER WAS NOT REALLY NEEDED) BUT THE DISCIPLES ERRED A BIT IN THIS.
“MAKING DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS” :BAPTISING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT” MEANT TO BRING CHANGE IN THEM BY IMMERSING THEM INTO BELIEF AND VOLUNTARY OBEDIENCE TO THE TRIUNE GOD.
Yohan,
Yes, your view is very similar to what I argue elsewhere on this blog. The Greek word “baptizo” means “immersion” so as you have pointed out, to be immersed into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit could refer to teaching people about God and how to follow and obey Him. Look at this post: https://redeeminggod.com/no-water-baptism-in-matthew-28_19-20/
Spiritual baptism is the essence Christian doctrine.
Christian doctrine has become a tool of speakers to get financial gain
For their profession and to buy people for thsir trade.We have a proof that so many millions of dollars spent in India Bangalore have made people miserable because last stage of fake Christians are worst.
Do you think that people could be baptized as in initiated into the kingdom with something other than water that shows the same demonstration/idea of being immersed into a new life?
Historically speaking, I do not see where Baptism was necessary for being apart of the Jewish faith during Jesus times. I do understand that for a Gentile to convert to being a Jew he had to both be circumcised and be Baptized to signify his conversion. We all have read where Jesus breaks bread and pours out wine for his broken body and for blood he shed for our salvation. Jesus died for our sins. It seems that the Full immersion of Baptism is asking us to do the same thing twice. Baptism also signify’s the death of Jesus and the salvation of our sins. It is my opinion that A Spiritual Baptism and taking of the Holy Communion would be sufficient. There are many who think that the Bread and wine physically make us one with Christ. The Apostle Paul stated that he did not travel to do Baptisms, but rather to Preach the Gospel. Paul was a converter of Gentiles and taught that faith was sufficient for Salvation. It is time for all Christians to move out of the dark ages. If you make Christianity too complicated you are going to see the Millennial’s stop going like we see now. 55-60% down in Church attendance. Much higher in Europe.
So Jeremy. Judaism did have a water baptism. Or type of. My personal thoughts about water baptism are that it is culteral, traditional, and totally unneccessary me thinks. But maybe it doesn’t do any harm!? Or does it!? It certainly can be a point of contention in “Christian” circles and society. Maybe it,s a copying of old jewush rite, s. People trying to be God, s people with a bit of hokery pokery outward display of tradion. But then jesus got dunked. Twice!! As a baby and in the Jordan by John. But a noteworthy appearance of the holy spirit was present at his immersion. So do we need to as well!? Really not sure. But I personally have had both. But the only one that bears any relevance to me was neither of them. My baptism of the spirit on the other hand really immersed me in love and forgiveness for sure!! A lot of religion and ritual practices are a type of hedging your bets, covering all the odds. None of it any use whatsoever without the holy spirit. No spirit, no immersion into the kingdom.