Baptism

The Jews practiced baptisms: washings (Mark 7:4) or purifications (John 3:26)

1. The washing of a person to restore ritual cleanness
2. The washing of eating utensils for ritual cleanness
3. The induction of a Gentile into Judaism

The baptism of John

1. For repentance for the remission of sins (Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3)
2. Performed in water (John 3:23)
3. Also performed by Jesus disciples (John 3:22, John 4:1-2)

Figures of Speech

1. Unless otherwise given in the context, baptism implies water
2. Jesus was to baptize in the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:5-9, John 1:25-33, Acts 1:5)
3. Severe trial (Mark 10:38-39, Luke 12:50)
4. Dedication (1 Corinthians 10:2)

After Pentecost, the apostles baptized in water, not the Holy Spirit

1. Acts 8:14-16
2. Acts 8:36-38
3. Acts 10:44:48, 11:16

Symbolism of Christian baptism

1. Connected with repentance (Acts 2:38)
2. Washing away sins (Acts 22:16)
3. Connected with the authority of Jesus (Matthew 28:19, Acts 19:3-5, Acts 22:16; 1 Corinthians 1:13-17)
4. Symbol of death, burial, resurrection, and a new life (Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12)
5. Rescued from an evil world (1 Peter 3:21)
6. Ceremony of unity with other Christians (1 Corinthians 12:13)
7. Symbol of being immersed in Jesus (Galatians 3:27)

Three odd teachings

1. Ephesians 4:5 “One baptism”  –  Holy Spirit?  Water?
2. Hebrew 6:2  –  Baptism is a doctrine of the immature?
3. 1 Corinthians 15:29 “For the dead”  –  Surrogate baptism?