Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: The term "baptized" originates from the Greek word "baptizō," meaning "to immerse, submerge, or wash." In the Christian context, baptism is a sacrament or ordinance signifying spiritual cleansing, rebirth, and initiation into the faith community. Biblical Basis: Baptism is a central rite in Christianity, instituted by Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, it is presented as an essential step in the process of salvation and discipleship. The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 , commands, "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, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." John the Baptist and Jesus' Baptism: John the Baptist, a forerunner to Christ, preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Mark 1:4 states, "John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." Jesus Himself was baptized by John, marking the beginning of His public ministry. This event is recorded in Matthew 3:16-17 : "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'" Theological Significance: Baptism symbolizes the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Romans 6:3-4 explains, "Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life." Modes and Practices: The mode of baptism varies among Christian denominations, with immersion, pouring, and sprinkling being the most common practices. Immersion is often seen as the most biblically faithful method, reflecting the original meaning of the term and the practice of the early church. Infant vs. Believer's Baptism: A significant theological debate exists between those who practice infant baptism and those who advocate for believer's baptism. Proponents of infant baptism often cite household baptisms in the New Testament, such as in Acts 16:15 , "And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, 'If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.' And she persuaded us." Advocates of believer's baptism emphasize personal faith and repentance as prerequisites, as seen in Acts 2:38 : "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.'" Baptism and Salvation: While baptism is closely associated with salvation, it is not viewed as a means of salvation in itself but as an outward expression of an inward grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 clarifies, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Conclusion: Baptism remains a vital and sacred practice within Christianity, symbolizing the believer's union with Christ and entry into the community of faith. It is a public declaration of faith and commitment to follow Jesus, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Baptize.Greek 4954. sussomos -- of the same body ... It is used only in Eph 3:6. "This union fulfilled 'the promise of the Father' when Christ baptized all true believers (OT, NT) in the Spirit on the Day of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4954.htm - 7k 2921. Krispos -- Crispus, a Corinthian Christian 907. baptizo -- to dip, sink Library Whether Sinners who are Going to be Baptized are Bound to Confess ... Whether Madmen and Imbeciles Should be Baptized? Whether Christ was Baptized at a Fitting Time? Whether Children Should be Baptized? Blessed be He who was Baptized that He Might Baptize You, that Ye ... What is More, when I Baptized So Many Thousands of People... Whether Sinners Should be Baptized? HymnOf the Baptized Whether a Child Can be Baptized While yet in Its Mother's Womb? Whether it was Becoming, when Christ was Baptized that the ... Thesaurus Baptized (52 Occurrences)... (imp. & pp) of Baptize. Multi-Version Concordance Baptized (52 Occurrences). Matthew 3:6 They were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. ... /b/baptized.htm - 21k Baptize (19 Occurrences) Cup (86 Occurrences) Crispus (2 Occurrences) Stephanas (3 Occurrences) Triune Trine Immersion Asking (111 Occurrences) Opened (182 Occurrences) Resources Should a new believer be baptized immediately? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about how to get baptized / how to baptize? | GotQuestions.org Who baptized John the Baptist? | GotQuestions.org Baptized: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Baptized (52 Occurrences)Matthew 3:6 Matthew 3:13 Matthew 3:14 Matthew 3:16 Matthew 20:22 Matthew 20:23 Mark 1:4 Mark 1:5 Mark 1:8 Mark 1:9 Mark 10:38 Mark 10:39 Mark 16:16 Luke 3:7 Luke 3:12 Luke 3:21 Luke 7:29 Luke 7:30 Luke 12:50 John 3:22 John 3:23 John 4:1 John 4:2 John 10:40 Acts 1:5 Acts 2:38 Acts 2:41 Acts 8:12 Acts 8:13 Acts 8:16 Acts 8:36 Acts 8:38 Acts 9:18 Acts 10:47 Acts 10:48 Acts 11:16 Acts 16:15 Acts 16:33 Acts 18:8 Acts 19:3 Acts 19:4 Acts 19:5 Acts 22:16 Romans 6:3 1 Corinthians 1:13 1 Corinthians 1:14 1 Corinthians 1:15 1 Corinthians 1:16 1 Corinthians 10:2 1 Corinthians 12:13 1 Corinthians 15:29 Galatians 3:27 Subtopics Related Terms |