Baptism

BAPTISM BY IMMERSION

The prevailing practice of the Early Church and baptismal practice of John the Baptist and the apostles was by immersion. There is little doubt that early Christian baptism was adult baptism by immersion.

The Didache or Teaching of the Twelve Apostles is probably the earliest known written instructions, outside of the Bible, for administering baptism. This work, rediscovered in the 19th century, provides a unique look at Christianity in the Apostolic Age.

The Didache indicates reference for baptizing by immersion in “living water” (ie running water, seen as symbolic of life).

Baptism refers to the physical lowering into the water and rising in faith in part because of the reflection of this symbol in Colossians 2:12 which says “having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.”

Christian theologians use several parts of the New Testament to support full immersion as the intended symbol.

1) The meaning of the word baptizo in Greek is essentially “dip” or “immerse,” not sprinkle, 2) The descriptions of baptisms in the New Testament suggest that people went down into the water to be immersed rather than having water brought to them in a container to be poured or sprinkled (Matthew 3:6, “in the Jordan;” 3:16, “he went up out of the water;” John 3:23,”much water there;” Acts 8:38,”went down into the water”). 3) Immersion fits the symbolism of being buried with Christ (Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 2:12.