Day 350

Of Baptism.

Chapter 29, Paragraph 4.

“Immersion, or dipping of the person in water, is necessary to the due administration of this ordinance.”

Scripture Lookup

Matthew 3:16

John 3:23

Reflection

As Christians, we are new creations (1 Corinthians 5:17). Our old life is left behind; we now walk in newness of life. No aspect of ourselves remains untouched by our union with Christ. How do we physically convey this in baptism?

The proper way for baptism to be administered is for the person being baptized to be immersed in water. The Bible demonstrates this in the use of the word baptize, which comes from the Greek word baptizo meaning to immerse. When John the Baptist baptized, he did so in a place where there would be lots of water, for he needed such in order to immerse. To baptize is to immerse, and because of that, immersion is the proper way to administer the ordinance of baptism.

Our union with Christ is not a partial union. We are united with Him through His life, death, and resurrection. We are renewed in the whole man through His mediatorial work. Baptism by immersion demonstrates this reality in a succinct, powerful way, plunging under and coming up out of the water. Neither drops of water, nor the pouring of it, emphasize such a complete union. When we remember our baptism, we are spurred to praise God for His full forgiveness and mercy.

Questions to Consider

• How does immersion aid you in your understanding of salvation?