The Beauty of Baptism

There has been much debate over the importance of baptism. Are we saved by faith or baptism? Is baptism really important? There is even much confusion over the way to baptize. The original Greek baptisimo means immersion. If literally translated from the original would clear up a lot of misunderstanding about the how too. As Christ was burred in the grave we are burred with him underneath the waters and resurrected up out of the grave into a new life just as Christ was raised on the third day.

The book "At The Rivers Edge: Meeting Jesus in Baptism" by Jeff W. Childers and Frederick D. Aqunio is on of the best books on baptism that I have read. The following quotes are from their book:

Alaxander Campbell (1866) says "Baptism is designed to introduce the subjects of it into the participation of the blessings of the death and resurrection of Christ." (p.3)

Martin Luther (1530) Baptism is no human trifle, but instituted by God himself...It is of the greatest importance that we esteem Baptism excellent, glorious exalted for which we contend and fight chiefly, because the world is now so full of sects clamoring that Baptism is an external thing and that external things are of no benefit." (p12.)

Robert E. Webber states "When we enter into the waters of baptism, we enter into a divine connection with the suffering of Jesus and with his resurrection. We are brought into a pattern of light that is an actual identification with Jesus. Baptism is therefore not only an identification with Christ but a calling to live the baptized life. The calling which baptism symbolizes gives concrete form to our spirituality." (p19).

Jack Resse says, "Undergoing baptism implies that we are changing cultures. It reminds us of the seriousness of our decision to wear the name of Christ, to be his disciples. It celebrates the union of the divine and human, not only in our Lord and savior, but in ever-increasing ways in our lives as we serve the God who met us at the rivers edge." (p.1).

G.R. Beasley-Murray stated so vividly "Without baptism, faith is like a disembodied soul."

Scriptures concerning baptism:
Jesus baptism: Matthew 3:13-ff
Making disciples: Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:16
receiving the Holy Spirit: Acts 2:38
Conversions Acts 4, 8, 9, 10, 16:15;33;1 Cor. 1:16
Other passages on baptism: Galatians 3:26-27; 1 Cor 12:13; Romans 6:1-ff; Revelation 21:22:14;.

I believe that we are saved by grace and that grace is a gift. Baptism is the act of us receiving and opening the gift that God has given us. It can't be received and opened if we aren't baptized. Baptism is beautiful. Is the point at which we are born again and become sons and daughters of God with all the blessings the come with it.

Why do so many today feel that baptism isn't important? Where is the sinner's prayer in the Bible? Why do so many by into the sinners prayer? Why do many people pick and choose what they want when it comes to salvation? Why are some churches within the restoration heritage changing their views when it comes to baptism? No where does the Bible give examples of infant baptisms it shows that the believes had faith and made the choice to be baptized...Why then do many practice this doctrine of infant baptism? Why do some sprinkle? Would the original Greek clear that up? Is God that confusing about what he wants from us in order to become disicples? How was your baptism special or different? What made your baptism meaningful? You may share your baptism if you'd like.
What do you think?
Share your thoughts.