Baptism: Immersion, Pouring or Sprinkling?

I am interested in hearing, from Scripture, what evidence there is that immersion is not the Biblical mode. I have done much study on the subject, and have made the decision to go with immersion (I was sprinkled as a baby). Not to beat anybody up or anything, I just want to hear the Biblical view of someone who believes in pouring or sprinkling. I am familiar with probably all Scripture on immersion, let's give the other guys a chance now. (Better hurry, I am going to call my buddy with a lake, soon!)

I've been giving this topic a lot of thought lately, so I'll share where I'm at on this issue at the moment. I was baptized both ways. I accept the first (infant) baptism as a covenant promise, in the same way that ancient Israel received a covenant promise. As we know, Israel did not claim the promise because of unbelief. (see Hebrews) I had yet to claim the promises of the NEW Covenant. Even my immersion baptism at 17 yo, really didn't come to full significance spiritually for a long time. I had a lot of changing yet to do - through the work of the Spirit.At this point in my life (I am 52) neither of my baptisms "hold much water" in that, only what is going on in my heart counts for eternity. Like Paul, who had such a wonderful religious heritage, I too, "count it all rubbish" except for the reality of knowing Christ. That doesn't mean that all Paul's religious past, or my religious past was bad. It was very good, really - part of the journey. It just means that the real thing is now all that is important - that is Christ in me - his life, not mine. Pictures are great - but they aren't the real thing. In the Bible, I believe that the command to baptize assumed the real thing - repenting from one's trust in the world, and turning to Christ. In those days baptism was a cultural practise - a public washing signifying one's decision to abandon his/her pagan heritage and follow the Jewish faith. When we get to the final judgment, we will not be asked how we got baptized, but if indeed we were baptized for real - by the Spirit of fire. Matt. 3:11 (ie New life given by the Holy Spirit - being born from above) "Many will say, Lord, Lord, I was baptized, I did miracles.. etc..." But Christ will say, Depart from me, I never knew you." Well, I didn't do a good job answering your question - just gave some food for thought. I know that you will seek the Lord in this matter, and do what truely pleases and honors him. It looks like maybe the Lord is moving you towards the lake. May God bless you and may his Spirit continue to conform you to the image of Christ! Diane

God bless you, roadsign. When anybody starts talking about repentance or being baptized with fire, I get excited, and you talked about both. Paul said, "Christ sent me not to baptize, BUT TO PREACH THE GOSPEL." (1 Corinthians 1:17) I also get excited when somebody else says the same things I'm thinking, since I think that is the Holy Spirit guiding us into all truth. One reason God may be moving me to the lake is because I'm planning on inviting a bunch of people (converted and unconverted) and preaching the gospel to them after my buddy baptizes me, and teaching them basically what you said, that it is repentance and faith that saves, not baptism. Then I'll offer baptism just like Peter did, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

the word baptize is a greek word that they did not translate when they went to the english language. the word simply means to submerge, or to dunk. Outward baptism has yet to save anyone but is a public confession of what has already taken place in the spirit. physical baptism represents your identification with Christ in his death, buriel and resurrection. it is your declaration of you being dead in Christ and alive unto God. we are buried with him through baptism into his death, that like as Christ was raised from the dead so also we should walk in newness of life.....

Jake/Bubbaguy writes;Since He (Jesus) came, water has nothing to do with baptism. We are baptized by the Holy Ghost.The only way that you could possibly maintain this position is by ignoring Christ's words in Matt 28, Peter's words in Acts 2 & 10. Did you never notice...Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Paul baptised, so did Philip the Evangelist. But what are the witness of Christ, Peter, Paul and Philip compared to your 'inner witness'? When are you going to see where your position inevitably takes you? You persistently start with your conclusions and work backwards accepting or rejecting the evidence as fits your purpose.

Many will say, Lord, Lord, I was baptized,The spirit of the reference is that many will trust in something THEY DID. You could insert anything in here, not just the examples Jesus mentioned (which may or may not be true for people). I believe that there are MANY, MANY, MANY who are relying on their past baptism and other religious works as a sign of entitlement - that they should get into heaven. No where in the NT (I think) did baptism became merely a religious ritual, but I do see many other examples where something good became merely religous activity - an idol, even though it first came from God. (the Pharisees) Anything good and godly can become an object of trust ex: the bronze serpant on the pole. The true meaning of the ritual got lost. Our modern day churches are plagued with idolatry - not just things/ideas that originated from the world, but things/rituals that were given by God. I'm very concerned about this - that's why I tend to harp about it maybe. For centuries zealous Christians have been trying to clean the church of all possibilities for idolatry, and that has never worked, it just caused a lot of strife. Even then, aspects of worship became "sanctified" idols. The place where something becomes an idol is IN THE HEART. Only God knows the true heart, and that is what determines ones standing with him. Diane

Bubbaguy, "by faith we understand..."We don't understand first, and then believe.We believe, and then we understand afterwards.Look at Abraham.

Jesus also said "unless you eat my fleah and drink my blood you have no life in you." when they were offended by this saying, he then said, " the flesh profits nothing, the words I speak to you are spirit and life." baptism cannot save anyone, but is an outward declaration of your commitment to Christ and is not reqired for salvation. If so then you tell the person who gets born again on their death bed then dies that they have to go to hell because they were not baptized in water.

BTW, when's the last time you sacrificed a lamb on the alter? Not lately? Jesus made it unnecessary, as He did baptism. What else could be the point of "he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." If you are baptized with the Holy Ghost why waste your time with water, expect for the outward ceremonial purposes?It's a pity Peter isn't around so that you could ask him this question. When the household of Cornelius were 'baptised in the Holy Spirit' Peter reaction was to 'insist' that they be baptised. Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Jake, it comes back to this same point every time. You will not submit your 'inner witness/intelligence' to the the testimony of scripture. And BTW I have never suggested that water-baptism' is necessary for salvation. I did not submit to water-baptism in order to achieve salvation but to please the Lord I loved. He gave specific instructions to his disciples;Matt. 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Matt. 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matt. 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Jesus Himself is the one who baptises in the Holy Spirit so this 'commandment' was given to those who would water-baptism in His Name.

Does a ring on a women's finger have NOTHING to do with her commitment to her husband?Tragically far too many people are wearing rings who are unfaithful to their spouses. It is no different in the Christian church. There are many who "wear a ring" expressing allegiance to Christ, but they are not faithful. Their affections are for this world, or their religious affilitions. To me THIS IS THE ISSUE. When Jesus said, "Go ...baptize.." He was commanding that his folowers call people from out of the world into a brand new kingdom - a complete change of loyalty and devotion. In his day, baptism was a puplic expression of that decision. It was a radical decision, a costly decision, a decision of death, and a decision to take a new life. It could mean being shunned, losing everything, including one's life. It is still that way in many parts of the world. A missionary friend told me that in Bangladesh it was not until new converts were baptized that their family and peers took their decision seriously. Not until after their public baptism do they faced serious persecution. Because that's when it was outwardly evident that they MEANT IT and there was no turning back. It is not that way in our western culture. Many who are baptized don't necessarily give up any worldly affections. We have a big problem with hypocrisy in our culture. Historically there have been many true believers who grew up in denominations that did not practise believers immersion, yet they wrote books, started Bible Schools, were intercessors, etc etc - all out of obedience and Spirit leading. Whether they were right or wrong about baptism, the point is, God used the broken and humble. It is no different today. If one refuses to get baptized out of pride, then their heart isn't broken for God. If one is baptized while their devotion is split, then it simply a meaningless ritual. Why strain the gnats while swallowing the camel? Why meticulously tithe while neglecting the weightier matters of obedience?