On this topic we will discuss one of the most important Christian sacraments, the baptism, and some of its interpretations. Although there are many forms of baptism - water, fire, and death (see Luke 12:49-51 et al) - we will limit this discussion to water baptism.
Water baptism was instituted by John the Baptist, in obedience to the Lord, and in fulfillment of previous prophecy (Matthew 3, Isaiah 40:3). This baptism (act or ceremony of initiation, dedication) was a baptism of repentance, and of revival for the Jews in preparation for the coming of the Lord Jesus to the people. The Lord himself was baptized by John, even if He had no sins, and nothing to repent. We will discuss the objective of His baptism later.
The Lord then instituted the baptism that Christians have adopted since: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,..” (Matthew 28:19 NASB). The baptism ordained by the Lord Jesus is a ceremony that should follow the receiving of the gift of faith by human beings. This gift of faith is what makes us believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He came to the earth to pay for our sins, and rescue us from condemnation.
Salvation comes through faith. Baptism is a ceremony that shows man’s belief and acceptance of Jesus as his personal Savior. The baptism itself does not save, but it is a covenant that demonstrates man’s understanding and acceptance of salvation. The receiving of faith and acceptance of salvation are personal acts. One’s decision to be baptized should be also personal, individual.
This shows very clearly that the only prerequisite for a person to be baptized is the understanding of the work of God through Jesus Christ in his/her life, and the acceptance of this work, again, by faith. No other human condition, circumstance or status can stop the work of salvation, and consequently, of a person that believed to be baptized. It also shows that the person to be baptized should have a conscious, serious understanding of this work, faith, and the magnitude of the Lord’s mercy.
Some Christian denominations adopt the baptism of infants. That obviously goes against the foundations left by the Lord Jesus for this ceremony. Others allow children as young as 12 years old (sometimes even younger) to be baptized. In this case, they base that criteria on the fact that the Lord Jesus was talking with the teachers at the Temple in Jerusalem at the age of 12 (Luke 2: 41 – 52 NASB). And yet, these denominations neglect the fact the Lord Jesus himself was only baptized at the age of approximately 30 years old. Concerning the purpose of the Lord’s baptism, it can only be explained as an example – as a human being - setting for us.
Some may ask, “…..and what is the problem with baptizing infants or children?” I respond to this question in two parts:
1. The foundation for this sacrament left by the Lord is very clear: the person has to understand and accept the gift of Faith. "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:16 - NASB). This process is not trivial, and it requires conscious and profound understanding. Society does not allow children to vote, drive a vehicle, or prosecute other material, temporal matters until they are 18 years old, and yet some denominations allow 12-year olds to take this important step with serious, profound consequences in their spiritual lives. Baptism is for mature, adult people;
2. How many cases of children and young people that were prematurely baptized – based on enthusiasm, encouragement by family members, imitation, or simply because “they could”- eventually sin, and not having the proper understanding (subject for another topic) they feel they are condemned, will never receive Eternal Life, and are excluded from the body of Christ forever……Those that understand the grace of God realize how wrong this whole scenario is, and how this lack of understanding impacts negatively – and unnecessarily – so many lives.
The baptism instituted by the Lord Jesus is among, if not the most important sacrament for a Christian. It should be done in obedience to the foundation left by our Savior. It should be free to all adults that have the maturity to believe and accept the Lord as his/her personal savior. No other personal condition – legal, social or otherwise – should impede a person to be baptized. The salvation through Christ and mercy of God supersede any human condition.