“Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ And Peter said to them, ‘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’” (Acts 2:37-38).
What is biblical baptism? This question has been answered with great similarity since the time of the early Christian Church. And yet, there have also been distinctive ways in which some have given an answer. While the mode or method of baptism does not have to separate Christian brothers and sisters, it is still a very important subject of consideration.
First, we know that Jesus Christ commands all His disciples (or followers) to be baptized (Matt. 28:19). Second, we know that the Apostles taught and commanded the same (Acts 2:38). Third, we know that a Christian becomes a Christian by a miraculous act of God, whereby God imparts new life (or spiritual life) to the previously darkened sinner (Eph. 2:4; Jn. 3:3). Fourth, we know that new life in Christ is demonstrated by a pattern of obedience to Christ (James 2:14-26).
Therefore, we know that every believer ought to be baptized as a sign and beginning of new life in Christ.
The Christian is one who has been joined to Christ and joined those who have been united to Christ before him/her. In believer’s baptism, all Christians testify to their common faith, their spiritual unity, and their purposeful commitment to follow Christ together.
May God create new life abundantly in our day, and may many come to glorify God because of the distinctive way in which Christians live to honor God and others above themsleves.
Holding the Line 