Bible Student’s Assistant

BAPTISM - DEFINITIONS

Baptize. (Gr., Baptizo): “To immerse, immerge, submerge, sink.” - Greenfield’s Greek Lexicon. BSA 21.2

Robinson’s Lexicon to the New Testament says: “To dip in, to sink, to immerse.” BSA 21.3

Dr. John Jones’ Greek and English Lexicon says: “I plunge; I plunge in water; dip, baptize; bury, overwhelm.” BSA 21.4

Grove’s Greek and English Dictionary says: “To dip, immerse, immerge, plunge.” BSA 21.5

Other authorities might be cited, but in citing one we cite the whole; for about the primary signification of the word baptize all learned men are agreed. BSA 21.6

1. We are baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Matthew 28:19. By this we express our belief in the existence of the one true God, the mediation of his Son, and the influence of the Holy Spirit. BSA 21.7

2. The mode is immersion. This is proved (1) by the above definitions, and (2) by the manner and circumstances of New Testament baptisms. Matthew 3:6, 13, 16; Mark 1:5, 9, 10; John 1:28; 3:23; Acts 8:36, 38, 39; Romans 6:3-5. BSA 22.1

3. Baptism follows faith and repentance. Mark 16:16; Matthew 3:6; Acts 2:38, 41; 8:12, 13, 37; 9:17, 18; 10:43-48; 16:14, 15; 18:8. BSA 22.2

4. Administered to both men and women. This is proved by all the preceding propositions; but see Acts 8:12; 16:14, 15,etc. BSA 22.3

5. Its Design. This sacred rite is intended to signify the believer’s entire abandonment of a life of impiety, and his entrance upon a new life of holiness and dedication to God. BSA 22.4

See Rome.6:3-5. The metaphors of death and burial express the former, and a resurrection the latter. It also demonstrates our belief in the death and resurrection of Christ, for “If we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. Romans 6:5. We become dead to sin by perfect obedience to the Law of God, and this death is signified by being buried in baptism. BSA 22.5

6. Baptism for the dead. By this most critics understand. “immersion in the faith of a resurrection from the dead.” 1 Corinthians 15:29. BSA 22.6

On this verse Dr. Jenks remarks: [Baptized for the dead]. The phrase seems idiomatical, and there is an ellipsis of the word resurrection. the sense will be, ‘Baptized in the confidence and expectation of a resurrection from the dead.’ ” - Comp. Com. on 1 Corinthians 15:29. BSA 23.1

Dr. Clarke says: “The sum of the apostle’s meaning appears to be this - they are baptized for the dead in perfect faith of the resurrection.” - Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:29. BSA 23.2

Penn translates this verse: “When will they, who are baptized, gain more than all the dead, if the dead rise not at all.” BSA 23.3

Dr. Geo Campbell: “Otherwise, what shall they do who are baptized for the resurrection of the dead, if the dead rise not at all? and why are they baptized for the resurrection of the dead? BSA 23.4

We might mention other authorities, but these are sufficient. BSA 23.5