the 'ONE' Baptism
Some of us don't know what the Bible teaches on the subject of baptism. Do I have to get baptized to go to heaven? What way should it be done: sprinkling, pouring or immersion? Are Holy Spirit baptism and water baptism both allowed? Can I scripturally have my infant child christianed?
"God is not a God of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33)." He never gave us this surplus of ideas to believe. He expects us to rightly divide his Word (2 Timothy 2:15). In fact, when the Bible covers any subject dealing with man's obedience to the will of God, it does so with simplicity and without ambiguity.
Since we were given only one baptism, there should be no confusion. The New Testament gives one interpretation. Consider these:
How should baptism be performed scripturally: pouring, sprinkling or immersion?
Only immersion fulfills the requirements given by the apostle Paul in Romans 6:3-5 - burial - and so is the only way mentioned scripturally. Sprinkling was an Old Testament process done during sacrifices. Later, the Catholic Church reintroduced it, along with pouring. They were then used to baptize the sick. Afterward, the process became known as clinic baptism.
However, man has never been given the authority to change the ordinance of baptism. Therefore, no person who has been baptized by sprinkling or pouring has obeyed the New Testament command for baptism. THE ONLY SCRIPTURALLY PERMISSIVE WAY TO PERFORM BAPTISM IS IMMERSION.
Are Holy Spirit baptism and water baptism both in effect today?
Holy Spirit baptism was given only as a means to spread the gospel at its beginning so the receivers would have proof they were acting on behalf of God . . before the Holy Bible came into being. We now have the Holy Bible and are not in need of miracles. This is why there was a 'Holy Ghost' baptism performed on the apostles on the day of Pentecost. Since we have God's perfect word, water baptism is the only means in effect today.
Is it scriptural to baptize an infant?
No! Only those who have reached the age of accountability should be baptized. Remember the requirements for being saved? Hear . . Believe . . Repent . . Confess . . Be baptized . . How can an infant believe when he is too young to understand. Faith, or belief, precedes baptism. You have to be old enough to understand. This is why it is not scriptural to baptize an infant.