EXPOSITION:

Baptism is from the Greek word “baptizo” which means immersing something into a medium. There are essentially four main types of baptism – baptism into the body of Christ, water baptism, baptism of the Holy Spirit and baptism of suffering. We shall however focus on water baptism which is the act of immersion, submerging and emergence of a convert from water. The Bible has given us instructions about baptisms that we must know and go through.  Water baptism is one of the main two ordinances Jesus left for the church which by understanding is an outward sign of an inner work of grace that has already been accomplished. One’s baptism in water also signifies one’s dying with Christ and resurrecting with Him.

From the above passage we can have a pictorial view of Jesus being baptized by John in the Jordan River. From Matthew 3:16, we are told Jesus came out from the water after the baptism, meaning He went into the water signifying immersion. We should however note that, it is not the water that washes away our sins but rather the blood of Jesus alone. Water baptism signifies burying our old way of life with the understanding of beginning a new way of life.  The baptismal formula as commanded by Jesus is in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The New Testament however, practice of baptizing in the name of Jesus is acceptable (Acts 19:5). This must not be seen as a different formula since the Triune God is one in essence.

The last thing to note on the instructions about baptism is that the convert must be of a responsible age at least 13 years. Children are dedicated to the Lord just as Jesus as a child was dedicated.