THE FORM OF BAPTISM
Mike Johnson
What is the form of baptism taught in the Bible? There is division in the religious world regarding this question. One creed says dipping someone in water is not necessary, but, instead, sprinkling or pouring water on an individual is acceptable. Some say immersion is a choice, while others say it is required. What does the Bible have to say on this subject? The Bible is where we must turn for the answer, as God’s Word is our authority.
Consider the baptism of John. In John 3:23, the Scriptures teach that John baptized at a particular place because there was “much water” there, which would surely imply immersion. Further, the Scriptures teach that John baptized Jesus “in Jordan” (Mk. 1:9-10), which would also indicate John immersed Jesus.
In the Christian era, the form of baptism is evident. Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12 refer to baptism as a “burial.” Clearly, this description shows baptism as an immersion, instead of sprinkling or pouring. The act of burying involves placing in or covering up.
The conversion of the Ethiopian in Acts 8 also makes clear that baptism must be by immersion. The Ethiopian and Philip came unto a particular body of water (36) while traveling in a chariot, and the Ethiopian desired baptism. Verse 38 reveals they both “went down into the water, and verse 39 says they came up out of the water. With certainty, this makes sense if immersion took place but makes little sense if water was only sprinkled or poured upon this person.
Finally, the word translated baptism means to immerse, submerge, or dip when defined in the original Greek – the original language of the New Testament. Thus, the meaning of the original Greek word is in accord with the various Bible examples and teaching.
It is evident in the New Testament, baptism requires a burial in water, and all else does not comply with the Scriptures (Rev. 22:18-19).