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What Does Baptism Mean?
It is commonly said, “Baptism is an outward sign of an inward work.” Generally, the reference is water baptism. Some point out that it’s a public confession of one’s faith in Jesus Christ. While these statements are true, it means much more. In short, baptism points to identification with Jesus, and a vow to God to follow Him. Let’s begin with the definition.
The root of baptism is BAPTIZŌ, pronounced bap-tid’-zo (Strong’s number 907). It’s from a derivative of BAPTO (Strong’s number 911), which means to immerse, or saturate. It is used only in the New Testament of ceremonial ablution (washing), especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism. In the Bible (especially the King James Version), it is rendered as – baptist, baptize, and wash.
Going further, it carries the connotation of dipping a garment into a dye, where it takes on the characteristics of the dye itself. This means to identify with what or whom one is baptized. Hence, being baptized in the Name of Jesus, means one is identifying with Him, His name, along with His death and resurrection.
Romans 6:3-5 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection.
Moreover, it indicates the baptized person is closely bound to, or became the property of the one whose name he was baptized. In this case, it means the one baptized is closely bound to Jesus. In fact, he is considered to be the Lord’s property.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit Who is in you, Whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
Let’s examine one more Greek word rendered as baptism: BAPTISMA, pronounced bap’-tis-mah (Strong’s number 908). It comes from BAPTIZO (Strong’s number 907); baptism (technically or figuratively): – baptism. To make a thing dipped or dyed. It refers to the completed task, and indicates the result of baptism.
Here’s another consideration: there are more than one type of baptism in the New Testament: Baptism into Jesus; Water Baptism (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47; 8:36-39, etc.); the Baptism of (with the) Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11; John 1:33; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-8; 10:44-46; 11:16, etc.); Baptism of fire (Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16, etc.), and of course, John’s baptism unto repentance (Matthew 3:1-11; Mark 1:4-5, etc.).
John’s baptism wasn’t technically a New Testament baptism; it was a forerunner to it. However, it was a water baptism, which was linked to repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The specifics of each of these will not be addressed here; perhaps, another time. Nonetheless, it may give you something to study, if you haven’t delved into them yet.
Baptism is also a Vow
1Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“Answer” (EPEROTEMA, Strong’s number 1906) in this passage refers to a response to questions posed to a convert at baptism, as there was an examination, or process of question and answer. It included a pledge or vow to continue following Jesus throughout one’s life, and of course, was considered a profession of faith. This marks the spiritual character of baptism, versus a mere external rite. It is not a light thing!
In Summary
When you were baptized into Jesus, you identified with Him, His character and all for which He stands. You became His property; even though, by all rights you were already His, since He is Lord of all. You were buried with Him by baptism, making His death, your death. That means every sin, iniquity and transgression were paid in full on the Cross. As a result, you were planted in the likeness of His resurrection, especially since He is your Resurrection! His God and Father, is now your God and Father.
When you were (or are) baptized in water, you made (will have made) a profession of faith, and vow to continue in Jesus. That visible, outward sign reveals the inward work of Jesus Christ through Holy Spirit. Congratulations!
