Introduction
Baptism is one of the most significant sacraments in the Church, representing the believer’s union with the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. At Masihi.Church, Baptism is not a confirmation of religious conversion. For a religious conversion, a person needs to follow the proper procedure as defined by the law of the land. As a public declaration of faith, baptism signifies new birth and commitment to Christ’s lordship. The Lord Jesus Himself commanded baptism as part of the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19-20). This sacrament does not confer salvation but is an outward sign of an inward transformation through faith in Christ.
At Masihi.Church, we affirm the importance of baptism in the life of a believer. Whether through immersion or pouring, the essence of baptism lies in its symbolism of cleansing, renewal, and commitment to the Lord. It is a testimony to the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life, signifying repentance and the newness of life found in Christ. The apostle Paul reminds us that “we were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4).
Throughout Church history, baptism has remained a central act of obedience and faith. From the early Church in Acts to contemporary believers, this sacrament continues to serve as a visible sign of belonging to the body of Christ. The Church Fathers, including Tertullian and Augustine, upheld baptism as an essential step in the believer’s journey. Today, at Masihi.Church, we continue to honour this biblical mandate, ensuring that baptism is taught and practiced in accordance with Scripture.
Theological Implications of Baptism
Baptism holds deep theological significance, reflecting key aspects of Christian doctrine. First, it signifies the believer’s participation in Christ’s death and resurrection, as noted by Paul in Romans 6:3-4. Through baptism, believers acknowledge that their old self has been crucified with Christ, and they now walk in the newness of life. Voddie Baucham emphasises that baptism is not merely symbolic but a declaration of transformation—aligning oneself with the Gospel and the lordship of Christ.
Secondly, baptism represents spiritual cleansing. Peter writes, “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). This does not imply that baptism itself saves, but rather, it is an outward testimony of the inward washing of regeneration by the Holy Spirit. Norman Geisler highlights that while baptism does not confer grace automatically, it is a vital act of obedience demonstrating the believer’s faith.
Lastly, baptism identifies the believer with the Church, the body of Christ. In Acts 2:38, Peter calls for repentance and baptism as a response to the Gospel. Baptism serves as an entry into the visible community of faith, strengthening the unity of believers. Christopher J. H. Wright notes that baptism, as practiced in the early Church, was both a personal commitment to Christ and a communal act, affirming one’s place in God’s covenant people.
Challenges and Responses
Despite its biblical foundation, baptism faces various theological and practical challenges. One major issue is the differing views on its mode and necessity. Some traditions emphasise immersion, citing Matthew 3:16, where Jesus was baptised in the Jordan, while others accept pouring or sprinkling, referring to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 10:44-48. The response to this challenge is to recognise that the essence of baptism lies not in the method but in faith and obedience to Christ’s command.
Another challenge is the misunderstanding that baptism itself is salvific. Certain theological traditions argue that baptism is necessary for salvation, often citing Mark 16:16: “Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved.” However, Paul Washer stresses that salvation is by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), and baptism, while essential, is an act of obedience rather than a means of earning salvation.
In the Indian context, baptism can also be a source of social opposition. Many converts from other traditions face severe consequences, including ostracism and persecution, upon public baptism. Dr. Sudhakar Pawar notes that while baptism is a personal commitment, it carries social implications, often leading to societal rejection. Timothy Stephen adds that the Church must stand with new believers, providing pastoral support and discipleship to help them navigate these challenges. At Masihi.Church, we encourage new believers to be rooted in Scripture and prayer as they take this important step of faith.
Baptism in the Indian Theological Context
In India, the significance of baptism extends beyond personal faith to societal identity. Many families and communities perceive baptism as a definitive break from one’s traditional background, leading to resistance and even persecution. However, the testimony of Indian theologians highlights the role of baptism in strengthening the believer’s commitment to Christ.
Baptism is not merely a Western Christian practice but has been an integral part of the Indian Church’s heritage. Baptism is a mark of discipleship; of one attesting to being a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.
At Masihi.Church, we uphold baptism as a crucial step of obedience in the life of a disciple. We recognise that baptism is often met with opposition, especially for first-generation believers, yet we trust in God’s grace to sustain those who follow Him in faith. The Church must stand as a pillar of support, guiding new believers through scriptural teaching and pastoral care.
Conclusion
Baptism remains a vital ordinance in the life of the Church, symbolising a believer’s faith, commitment, and union with Christ. It is a public testimony of obedience, an outward sign of an inward transformation, and a declaration of belonging to the body of Christ. As Paul Washer states, the Christian life is marked by faithfulness to Christ’s commands, and baptism is one of the first acts of obedience in that journey.
While baptism does not save, it serves as a visible representation of the believer’s spiritual rebirth. Throughout history, from the early Church to contemporary Indian Christianity, baptism has been a bold declaration of faith, often in the face of persecution. At Masihi.Church, we are committed to teaching and practicing baptism according to Scripture, encouraging believers to take this step with confidence in Christ’s finished work.
As we continue to witness God’s work in our midst, we pray that many will come to faith and publicly proclaim their allegiance to Christ through baptism. May the Church remain steadfast in its mission, discipling and baptising all who come to know the saving power of the Gospel.
Scripture References:
- Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus commands His disciples to baptise new believers.
- Romans 6:3-4 – Baptism symbolises our union with Christ in His death and resurrection.
- Acts 2:38 – Peter instructs believers to be baptised for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit
- 1 Peter 3:21 – Baptism is a sign of a clean conscience toward God.
- Acts 10:44-48 – The Holy Spirit comes upon Gentiles before baptism, affirming faith precedes the act.