Perspective on
Baptism
The following is a block quote that serves as an excellent apologetic
for Believer’s Baptism:
“In the NT, baptism represents at
least three and possibly four things. First, it signifies cleansing from sin
and is thus “unto repentance.” Obviously the threat of judgment is behind the
need for baptism, but the baptism itself is (symbolically) the means of escape from
judgment. Those who are baptized acknowledge their guilt and seek to have it
washed away. Second, baptism is a ritual dying and rising again, symbolizing
the believer's participation in the death and resurrection of Christ. This is
the point of Col 2:12. Third, it is a
“sincere pledge/request to God” because in baptism one comes to God in genuine
faith, seeking forgiveness, and desiring to walk in the light. Fourth, it may
represent the effusion of the Holy Spirit upon the believer after the patterns
of the descent of the Spirit at Jesus' baptism and the reception of the Spirit
by Cornelius' household just prior to their baptism (Acts 10:44–48).”[1]
[1] Duane
A. Garrett, “Meredith Kline on Suzerainty, Circumcision and Baptism,” Believer’s Baptism, Nashville, TN:
B&H, 2006).
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