Why We Baptize in Jesus Name :: essays research papers

Why We Baptize in Jesus NameIntroduction The subject of water baptism has long been called a bully issue and no doubt has been made such by many a(prenominal) church leaders of the past and present. In our study of it, let us first consider its importance, or the necessity of creation baptised.The Importance of piss Baptism Christian water baptism is an jurisprudence instituted by Jesus Christ. If it is not grand in the plan of deity, why did Jesus command it in Matthew 2819? And why did quill follow up by saying, "Be baptized every one of you," and by commanding the Gentiles to be baptized (Acts 238 1048)? We must remember two points well-nigh the importance of water baptism. First, whatever Christ definitely established and ordain cannot be unimportant, whether we understand its significance or not. Second, Christ and the apostles showed the importance of this ordinance by observing it. Jesus walked many miles to be baptized, though He was without sin, saying, &qu otFor thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness" (See Matthew 313-16.) It is real that water itself does not contain any saving virtue, but God has chosen to include it in His plan of salvation. Peter explained, "Baptism doth also at one time save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the service of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 321). According to Luke 730, "the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized."The Mode of Baptism According to the Scriptures, the proper mode of baptism is submergence. "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water" (Matthew 316). "And they went down some(prenominal) into the water, both Philip and the eunuch and he baptized him" (Acts 838). "Therefore we are interred with him by baptism into death" (Romans 64). A corpse is not bury by placing it on top of the ground and sprinkling a belittled soil on it, but by covering it completely. According to the population Book Encyclopedia, "At first all baptism was by complete immersion" (vol. 1, p.651). And the Catholic Encyclopedia states, "In the early centuries, all were baptized by immersion in streams, pools, and baptisteries" (vol. 2, p.263). Immersion was not convenient after the Catholic church instituted infant baptism thus the mode was changed to sprinkling. (See Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th ed.