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Edward Fudge

BAPTISM'S MANY MODES

A gracEmail subscriber asks, "Does baptism in the New Testament involve sprinkling, pouring or immersion?"

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The New Testament presents baptism in light of all three actions you mention. Borrowing language from priestly rituals of the Old Testament in which priests sprinkled blood of sacrificial animals, New Testament writers portray the baptized believer as "sprinkled" with the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (Heb 10:22; 1 Peter 1:2). And when God bestows his Spirit, he gives it so lavishly that Scripture says he "pours out" this powerful divine Presence on the baptized recipient (Acts 2:33; 10:45; Titus 3:5-6; Joel 2:28-32).

Gospel baptism itself, I believe, originally and most meaningfully involves immersion in water. Historically and archaeologically, this matches the ancient Jewish practice of ritual washings and proselyte baptism -- the land of Israel is dotted with ruins of stone baptisteries (mikvas). Textually and narratively, immersion most naturally fits the biblical stories of actual baptisms (John 3:23; Acts 8:38). Linguistically, it retains the undisputed original meaning of the Greek word baptizo which is transliterated into English as "baptize." Theologically, psychologically and culturally, immersion graphically embodies the New Testament imagery of rebirth, of washing, and of resurrection (Titus 3:5; Rom. 6:3-4). Immersion is an ecumenical practice as well, for while Christians disagree regarding the propriety of other baptismal methods they almost universally agree that immersion is an appropriate mode.

All three, I say, therefore -- all three. Immersed in water, sprinkled with the blood of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit poured out in generous abundance! In this passive act of baptism, one comes in faith, formally and ritually, to the crucified and risen Savior to receive the gift of grace -- a gift to which the believer can never contribute, and which he or she can never merit, earn or deserve.

For more on water baptism's outward forms, click here.