Part 3: Christian Basics
Two questions arise very often. Should one ever be baptized again? And is there any need to hurry for baptism or rebaptism?
In today’s religious world there are many concepts about the need and purpose of baptism. Some say that baptism is unneeded. Others say many different things. Some of these are:
It is because your sins have been forgiven. Therefore there is no hurry.
It is for infants. It was done and needs not be done again.
It is to get into the church. Your belief has saved you, they say, be baptized later at your convenience if you wish.
There are other teachings, but the above are those most often taught. But why such deep confusion about whom is to be baptized and about its purpose? We are interested in what the Bible really teaches.
The Bible’s teachings are crystal clear. They are doubt-free if one follows the Bible carefully.
The word baptism is a translation from the Greek word baptizo. Its meaning is to be buried or covered with water. Bible baptism is by total immersion since one cannot be buried by the sprinkling or pouring of a little water.
There are two water baptisms associated with Jesus Christ. That done by John, sometimes known as “John the baptizer” and those taught by the apostles after Jesus’ ascension.
The purpose of John’s baptism was for repentance. John is quoted in part in Matthew, Chapter 3, Verse 11, "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry . . .."
The baptism taught by the apostles is in Jesus’ name for the remission or forgiveness of our sins. This is frequently so stated in the Bible’s books from Acts to Revelations. Acts Chapter two makes this crystal clear:
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."
Acts 2: 37 through 39.
It is necessary to be rebaptized if the purpose of the original baptism(s) was for some purpose other then for the remission of sins in Jesus’ name. An example of this is in Acts, Chapter 19, Verses 1—7:
While Apollos was at Corinth , Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"
They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?"
"John's baptism," they replied.
Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.
In Acts 18: 24—26, Aquila and Priscilla found a believer who had been baptized by John. They took him and taught him about the Way more perfectly.
We must note here that there is now only one baptism, not two or several. Ephesians, Chapter 4, Verses 4--6 reads:
There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
But is there any hurry or need to be baptized quickly after learning these basic facts? In Acts, Chapter 2, Verses 38—41 we are told that on that first day of the church’s establishment there were about three thousand that were saved. These acted promptly! All early believers seem to have acted quickly. An example is found in Acts 16:29 through 34:
The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole family.
The Ethiopian eunuch also acted without delay in Acts 8: 36—39:
As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.
Perhaps they did not want to delay their glorious union with the Lord. Perhaps they understood that delay might result in their missing all opportunity to be saved.