As we seek to understand baptism, we prefer to first look at what the Bible says regarding the subject. Today, many refer to baptism by three different modes, Sprinkling, Pouring and Immersion. All three words commonly used today to reference Baptism are actually mentioned in the New Testament. For your convenience, we have placed links to them for your own study.
Baptize: in the original language it means to dip or plunge under the water.
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The file to your left is a recent sermon preached about Baptism here at McComb Church of Christ
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As you can see, the Greek language had words for sprinkling, pouring and immersion. Did you know that every time a person was baptized, or the ceremony of baptism is mentioned, only one of these words are used? The only word ever used in reference to baptism in the Bible is the Greek word "Baptizo". That's right. The other two words, while they are used in the bible, are never used regarding the ceremony of baptism.
So why do Churches practice two modes that differ from the written example given to us in the scriptures? It should be noted that according to Church history, the other modes of baptism were admittedly added to resolve some conflicts of the day. Sticky situations arose where people wanted to participate in baptism but could not enter the water to be immersed due to things like water shortages, disabilities or illness. Church leaders wanted to make concessions to help these people participate in this command God gave us. After deliberation, leaders took some liberties and got creative with the ceremony God gave us. They adopted the notion that there would now be three acceptable forms by which a person could be baptized. As time passed, these practices became more common and more accepted within local churches.
The reason we immerse, as opposed to sprinkling or pouring, is because that was the practice at the founding of Christ's church. We do not believe men have the liberty to change any teaching or practice God gave us. Scripture and the teachings it contains are to be respected, honored, and cherished as the timeless word of God. We immerse because it is our desire to obey God by honoring what was written and practiced by those who first heard, acted and recorded the command of Jesus Christ.
So why do Churches practice two modes that differ from the written example given to us in the scriptures? It should be noted that according to Church history, the other modes of baptism were admittedly added to resolve some conflicts of the day. Sticky situations arose where people wanted to participate in baptism but could not enter the water to be immersed due to things like water shortages, disabilities or illness. Church leaders wanted to make concessions to help these people participate in this command God gave us. After deliberation, leaders took some liberties and got creative with the ceremony God gave us. They adopted the notion that there would now be three acceptable forms by which a person could be baptized. As time passed, these practices became more common and more accepted within local churches.
The reason we immerse, as opposed to sprinkling or pouring, is because that was the practice at the founding of Christ's church. We do not believe men have the liberty to change any teaching or practice God gave us. Scripture and the teachings it contains are to be respected, honored, and cherished as the timeless word of God. We immerse because it is our desire to obey God by honoring what was written and practiced by those who first heard, acted and recorded the command of Jesus Christ.
Article written by Pastor Jeff Fuller