Christians, what is the purpose of Baptism according to the bible?

Question

The bible says nothing about an outward expression of faith for baptism. What does the bible say it's purpose really is?
Thanks,
†

I'm truly amazed so many are getting this right! wow!

Answer 1

Matthew 28:19:
Jesus said, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit."

Mark 16:15-16:
He said to them, "Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Acts 2:38
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.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

There are two main thoughts on this subject. One is the Covenant idea, and the second is the idea of Believers Baptism.

Each is an interpretation of the Scriptures. Each has its strong and weak points. (I guess that is why both types of Baptism exist today. )

Looking at the Covenant idea. In the Scriptures there is the suggestion that entire families were baptized. For instance Cornelius' whole household was baptised. Babies to Grandparents. By so doing, the belief is that the whole family was brought into a covenant relationship with God. The Family unit then has a unique relationship with God. The process of adoption begins.

Today, many churches use a form of Infant Baptism. Basically this starts the adoption process. By Covenant, God takes that baby to be a new member of His family.
That process of adoption is completed when the baby is old enough to decide for thenselves if they want to be a child of God. This happens at confirmation, or first communion.

Believers Baptism is different. It is an outward show of an inward love for God. For those that believe in this form of baptism, the covenant side of Baptism is downplayed because they are already members of that covenant, and they want the world to know it.

I hope this helps

Bryan

PS The Catholics, and Reformed Protestant churchs link Baptism to the Covenant idea, while Baptists link it to the Believers idea

Answer 3

Christian baptism, according to the Bible, is an outward testimony of what has occurred inwardly in a believer’s life. Christian baptism illustrates a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. The Bible declares, “Or don't you know 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 live a new life” (Romans 6:3-4 NIV). In Christian baptism, the action of being immersed in the water pictures being buried with Christ. The action of coming out of the water pictures Christ’s resurrection.

In Christian baptism, there should be two requirements before a person is baptized: (1) the person being baptized must have trusted in Jesus Christ as Savior, and (2) the person must understand what baptism signifies. If a person knows the Lord Jesus as Savior, understands that Christian baptism is a step of obedience in publicly proclaiming his faith in Christ, and desires to be baptized – then there is no reason to prevent the believer from being baptized. According to the Bible, Christian baptism is simply a step of obedience, a public proclamation of one’s faith in Christ alone for salvation. Christian baptism is important because it is a step of obedience – publicly declaring faith in Christ and commitment to Him, and identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

Answer 4

For the purpose of baptism, I think you have to examine a deeper question, which is the very nature of religion itself. As an atheist, I view belief in a supernatural power as unreasonable. It is a mystery to me why, 300 years after the Renaissance, a vast majority do not believe in evolution, and still cling to the belief that the Earth was created 6000 years ago.

Of course, the great draw of religion is comfort, both during trying times and the irrational belief that someone is inferior because they believe something different than another.

Take a look at Sam Harris’ “Letter to a Christian Nation” for more insight. A much shorter version of some of the themes in that book can be found in Sam Harris’ “Atheist Manifesto,” which you can Google. One his main themes is that atheism is not a philosophy or a doctrine, but just a refusal to deny the obvious.

Answer 5

Mathew 28:19 isn't the reason, it is the commandment.

Baptism is an operation of God.
Colosians 2:12
It is for the remission of sins, done with repentence.
Acts 2:38, Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3, Acts 19:4

Answer 6

When I am baptized, I affirm my belief in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.

"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Romans 6:4-6.

It represents the believer following Christ into His death, burial, and resurrection. The symbolism is perfect and filled with deep meaning. In baptism the eyes are closed, hands are folded, and breath is suspended as in death. Then comes burial in the water and resurrection from the watery grave to a new life in Christ. When raised from the water, the eyes open and the candidate begins breathing again and mingles with friends--a complete likeness of resurrection. The great difference between Christianity and every other religion is simply the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. In these three acts is made possible all that God desires to do for us. To keep these three vital acts alive in the minds of Christians until the end of time, the Lord instituted baptism by immersion as a memorial. There is no symbolism of death, burial, and resurrection in other forms of baptism. Only immersion fulfills the meaning of Romans 6:4-6.

Death to sin. Old life buried in the waters. Raised a new person in Christ. That is the purpose of Baptism.

Answer 7

Baptism and Lord's supper.are the ordinances (sacraments) of the New covenant.

Baptism is a ordinance, wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, signify and seal our in-grafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's.

Baptism is to be administered to any that are part of the visible church and profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to Him.

Some denominations believe in Baptismal regeneration, a belief that a person must be baptized in order to be saved

Answer 8

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Mark 10:39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:

Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;

Answer 9

Baptism signifies one's identification with a belief or cause. In Christianity it is the believer's identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Rom. 6:4-54). It is done in the name and authority (Acts 4:7) of Christ with the baptismal formula of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). It does not save us (1 Pet. 3:21). However, it is our obligation, as believers, to receive it.

Answer 10

(1 Peter 3:18-22) “18 Why, even Christ died once for all time concerning sins, a righteous [person] for unrighteous ones, that he might lead YOU to God, he being put to death in the flesh, but being made alive in the spirit. 19 In this [state] also he went his way and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who had once been disobedient when the patience of God was waiting in Noah’s days, while the ark was being constructed, in which a few people, that is, eight souls, were carried safely through the water. 21 That which corresponds to this is also now saving YOU, namely, baptism, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the request made to God for a good conscience,) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 22 He is at God’s right hand, for he went his way to heaven; and angels and authorities and powers were made subject to him.”

1 Peter 3:20-22 (New International Version)
(NIV)

20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge[a] of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,"


--SO THEN as Noah was baptised through the waters of the flood note please the meaning corresponds to a beginning of ones Christianity in that we are now in a position to maintain a good conscience by sincerely following Christs example, and people see this outer demonstration of our committment!

Answer 11

There are two baptisms, of water & of the Holy Spirit & fire.

Jesus said to teach all nations the Good News, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit.

When one is born of God, born of His Spirit, cleansed by His Blood, joint heirs with Jesus, part of the family of God, they want to share what the Lord has done for them.

It is written to not deny anyone water baptism. It is an act of obedience. The old man dies, persons sins are washed away in His redeeming Blood, the new person is alive in Christ forever more. It represents the death & resurrection.

When a person is born of God, they are given the Holy Spirit anointing who is with them & will fill them. When they are filled with the Holy Spirit this is being baptized in His Spirit. The Spirit teaches us how to pray to God in Spirit & Truth. Teaches & leads us into all truth. Gives gifts where we can encourage one another in Christ.


One has to remember that Jesus said, "Drink this fruit of the vine, this is my blood that is shed for many for the remission of sins for many.". It is His blood that washes away our sins. Not water baptism.