Welcome to “Church Words”, understanding God, through definition. If you’re like me, you may have grown up in a protestant church and heard these words throughout your life, but also like me, never took the time to completely understand their meanings. Or you may be new to the Christian Faith and I hope this podcast helps to bridge the divide between understanding and strengthening your relationship with God.

Today, we’re discussing Baptism.

Physically, Baptism is described as being publicly emersed in water to symbolize Jesus washing away your sins by His death and being brought from death into new life through Him. It is a public profession of faith where you’re saying goodbye to your old life and hello to your new life as a Christian. It is an ordinance performed by a pastor of your local church.

We first see the specific mention of the word “baptism” in the Book of Matthew, Chapter 3, Verses 1-6. 

“3 Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said,

“The voice of one calling out in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way of the Lord,

Make His paths straight!’”

4 Now John himself had a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 At that time Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the region around the Jordan; 6 and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins.”

Baptism is not what saves you, but it is an integral part as it pertains to being obedient. All throughout the New Testament we see examples of baptism following being “saved”.

In Acts 8:26-40 we read the story of the Ethiopian eunuch.

"26 But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Get ready and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a desert road.) 27 So he got ready and went; and there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure; and he had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading Isaiah the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” 30 Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this:

“He was led like a sheep to slaughter;

And like a lamb that is silent before its shearer,

So He does not open His mouth.

33 In humiliation His justice was taken away;

Who will describe His generation?

For His life is taken away from the earth.”

34 The eunuch answered Philip and said, “Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself, or of someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. 36 As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch *said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he ordered that the chariot stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing.”

Remember, “baptism” has no relevance if you do not know Christ. I encourage you to do so by listening to episode 1 of this podcast series and then consult with your local Bible believing church.

Also as always, if you have any questions or comments please reach out by emailing [email protected]

Thanks for listening!