The Meaning and Mode of Christian Baptism

Pastor Mark Blair

January 2019

The risen Lord Jesus Christ commands his followers to be baptized. Through this symbolic act the believer is identified with the Lord and His Church. Baptism is a symbol of new life in Christ, a seal of the covenant of grace, and a sign of the forgiveness of sins. Water is an outward symbol for the inward work of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is for those who have repented and believed on the Lord Jesus.

The origins of Christian baptism are found in the Old Testament. The Law of Moses dictated ceremonial washing for priests chosen to serve (Leviticus 14:8,9). John the Baptist, and the first disciples of Jesus, performed such ceremonial washings as a rite of repentance (John 3:22-26). This pre-Christian baptism was preparatory, intended to lead a person to faith in the Messiah (Luke 7:29,30, Acts 19:1-7).

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