The History of Baptism
Baptism has always been an important part of being a Christian. The method and interpretation of baptism has changed throughout the centuries. As Christians we believe the Bible is all we need, therefore, we should not look to any church tradition, but rather to the Bible for everything.
After the instructions and examples of baptism in the Bible, Christians continued to practice baptism for the forgiveness of sins for centuries. To this day, most who call themselves Christians have some sort of baptism in their beliefs. Unfortunately, most today do not view baptism as anything more than an "outward sign of an inward faith." You won't find that type of baptism in the Bible. Other modern "baptisms" include infant baptism. Baptizing babies is not found in the bible either; it is always adults who are seeking forgiveness.
Infant baptism was a seemingly logical, yet incorrect, leap. If baptism saves, then we want our children saved too. And, what if they were to die young? Better get baptized as soon as possible! While the intention to save your children from their future sins is admirable, it doesn't work that way. Firstly, we need to stay with the examples God has given us in His Scripture. Secondly, a child, who doesn't know right from wrong, hasn't sinned and therefore cannot have his sins washed away by Christ through baptism.
As seen with the Israelites in the Old Testament, human nature is to fall away and get distracted from our purpose of bringing glory to God. This is the reason many do not know the truth about baptism today. It did not take long for baptism to become pouring (because getting in water might be cold, or you might be too sick), then sprinkling, then simply forgotten. Throughout a large portion of history, the common man did not have a Bible he could read. Everyone had to rely on what someone else said. If the person you were listening to didn't tell you about baptism, you didn't know about it at all and were led astray. Through God's providence, we now have the Bible! Read it for yourself! Many still rely on their preacher for 100% of their Bible understanding. It is good to listen to our elders and leaders, but do not neglect the Bible which so many died for you to have.
After the Bible was made more available, dedicated men and women who read the Bible found the passages about baptism. Like in Acts 2, they were "pierced to the heart" and realized they needed to be baptized. Groups of people across the globe started to be immersed in water for the forgiveness of their sins and to receive the Holy Spirit.
If you would like to know more about the history of baptism and the church, start with the Bible, of course, then if you are curious about what early Christians shortly after the time of the New Testament believed, Everett Ferguson has many great books documenting early church history.
After the instructions and examples of baptism in the Bible, Christians continued to practice baptism for the forgiveness of sins for centuries. To this day, most who call themselves Christians have some sort of baptism in their beliefs. Unfortunately, most today do not view baptism as anything more than an "outward sign of an inward faith." You won't find that type of baptism in the Bible. Other modern "baptisms" include infant baptism. Baptizing babies is not found in the bible either; it is always adults who are seeking forgiveness.
Infant baptism was a seemingly logical, yet incorrect, leap. If baptism saves, then we want our children saved too. And, what if they were to die young? Better get baptized as soon as possible! While the intention to save your children from their future sins is admirable, it doesn't work that way. Firstly, we need to stay with the examples God has given us in His Scripture. Secondly, a child, who doesn't know right from wrong, hasn't sinned and therefore cannot have his sins washed away by Christ through baptism.
As seen with the Israelites in the Old Testament, human nature is to fall away and get distracted from our purpose of bringing glory to God. This is the reason many do not know the truth about baptism today. It did not take long for baptism to become pouring (because getting in water might be cold, or you might be too sick), then sprinkling, then simply forgotten. Throughout a large portion of history, the common man did not have a Bible he could read. Everyone had to rely on what someone else said. If the person you were listening to didn't tell you about baptism, you didn't know about it at all and were led astray. Through God's providence, we now have the Bible! Read it for yourself! Many still rely on their preacher for 100% of their Bible understanding. It is good to listen to our elders and leaders, but do not neglect the Bible which so many died for you to have.
After the Bible was made more available, dedicated men and women who read the Bible found the passages about baptism. Like in Acts 2, they were "pierced to the heart" and realized they needed to be baptized. Groups of people across the globe started to be immersed in water for the forgiveness of their sins and to receive the Holy Spirit.
If you would like to know more about the history of baptism and the church, start with the Bible, of course, then if you are curious about what early Christians shortly after the time of the New Testament believed, Everett Ferguson has many great books documenting early church history.
