A8.5 – BIBLICAL MODE OF BAPTISM

Various Christian denominations practice different forms of water baptism such as

1. Aspersion, this means sprinkling of water on the candidate of baptism

2. Affusion, this means pouring of water on the candidate of baptism

3. Immersion, this means total dipping of the candidate of baptism into water

a) The only valid form of water baptism is immersion whereby the candidate of baptism is to be completely plunged beneath the water.

b) The Greek meaning of the word ‘baptism’ is ‘to immerse’ or ‘to dip’ or to ‘submerge.’ It does not mean to sprinkle water or to pour water.

c) Various Bible passages on water baptism show complete immersion:

i. ‘in the river Jordan’ Matt 3:16

ii. ‘up out of the water’ Acts 8:39

iii. ‘there was much water there,’ John 3:23

iv. ‘went down both into the water’ Acts 8:38

d) Immersion was also the case when Jesus Christ “came up” from the river after He was baptized, Matt 3:16

e) The Ethiopian eunuch too was baptized where there was water, Acts 8:36

f) Complete immersion into the water is the only form that can satisfy the true symbol of baptism which is the dying, being buried with Christ and resurrecting to a new life, Rom 6:3-8