Online Bible Study - Foundations of Faith

Baptism

That is a wonderful and beautiful story! Jesus Christ is true God and also true man. According to His human nature, He himself received the very sacrament of baptism that we are talking about. Jesus Christ was sinless and did not need to be baptized. However, he received it as the perfect example for us Christians today and to take our place before God's seat of judgement.

With that story in mind let us learn a definition of baptism. Martin Luther , a great Bible student and teacher of the 16th Century, explained baptism like this, "Baptism is not simple water only, but it is water comprehended in God's command and connected with God's word." These words are so clear, nonetheless, let us examine them more closely.

What was that command of God about Baptism?
Please read again Matthew 20:19, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." From this one Bible verse we know God's command concerning baptism. It cannot be misunderstood. We also have the formula, that is, the very words of God, connected with this sacrament, "…in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost."

Someone may ask the question, "How do you baptize a person?" To answer that question properly it is necessary to do a word study of the word "baptize." It comes from a Greek word which means "to apply water." It is the same word that is used in Mark 7:4 which describes how all kinds of utensils and tables are washed (baptized).

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Review