Baptism by Immersion: A Full Submersion

The word “baptize” originates from the Greek term “baptizo,” which consistently means to immerse or plunge. It does not mean to sprinkle (“rhantizo” in Greek) or pour (“katacheo” in Greek). Since the New Testament writers used “baptizo,” the original and intended mode of baptism is full immersion in water.

The Bible itself illustrates baptism as immersion:

• John the Baptist’s ministry: John baptized at Aenon near Salim because “there was much water there” (John 3:23). The need for “much water” supports immersion. He also baptized people “in the Jordan River” (Mark 1:5), a body of water with ample depth for submersion.
• Jesus’ baptism: Jesus was baptized by John “in the Jordan” (Mark 1:9). Importantly, after his baptism, Jesus came “up out of the water” (Mark 1:10), signifying he had been fully submerged.
• The Ethiopian eunuch’s baptism: Philip baptized the eunuch when they “came to some water.” Both Philip and the eunuch “went down into the water,” and Philip “baptized him. And when they came up out of the water” (Acts 8:36-39). This account clearly describes entering and exiting the water, consistent with immersion.
• Symbolism of burial and resurrection: Romans 6:4 states, “Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death.” Colossians 2:12 adds that we are “buried with him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him.” Immersion vividly symbolizes burial and resurrection, mirroring Christ’s own death, burial, and rising again. Sprinkling or pouring does not convey this imagery of complete burial and subsequent rising.

Some religious traditions practice sprinkling or pouring, referencing a few biblical texts about being sprinkled with clean water or the Spirit being poured out. However, the consistent use of “baptizo” and the descriptive accounts in the Bible strongly support immersion as the intended method.

The Greek word “baptizo” in ancient secular Greek was used to describe the sinking of ships, emphasizing complete submersion. Early English Bible translators transliterated “baptizo” rather than directly translating it as “immerse,” possibly due to concerns about confusing readers. Interestingly, the Dutch Bible translates “baptizo” as “dopen,” and John the Baptist is known as “Johannes de Doper,” meaning John the Dipper.

Furthermore, the baptism of proselytes (converts to Judaism) in the Old Testament and present day is also by immersion, signifying cleansing from sin.

Therefore, baptism by immersion aligns with the meaning of the Greek word, the examples in Scripture, the symbolism of death and resurrection, and the practice of related traditions.

Why Immersion is Emphasized

Some criticize the insistence on immersion as the proper method of baptism, arguing that the spirit of the ordinance is more important than the method, or that church leaders’ approval supersedes biblical teaching. However, there are several reasons for emphasizing immersion:

1. Definite Standards of Belief: A strong church often has clear and definite beliefs. Historically, denominations strongly defended their doctrines, leading to spiritual power and conviction. Today, a lack of doctrinal clarity can lead to an impotent church. Standing firm on biblical standards, including the mode of baptism, is important for a church to be distinct and blessed by God.
2. Verbal Inspiration of Scripture: The belief in the verbal inspiration of Scripture means that the Holy Spirit guided the very words used in the Bible (1 Corinthians 2:13). The Holy Spirit chose “baptizo,” which means to immerse. To substitute another method or meaning is to question the Holy Spirit’s choice. Obedience to the Holy Spirit requires adhering to the meaning of “baptizo” as “dipping under” in water.
3. Early Church Practice: Historical evidence from early church fathers supports baptism by immersion. Historians like Mosheim and writings like the “Didache” describe immersion as the standard practice in the early centuries. Even later figures like John Calvin, Martin Luther, and John Wesley acknowledged immersion as the ancient and original method. Early churches were often built near bodies of water suitable for immersion, and outdoor baptisteries have been discovered.
4. Presentation of the Ordinance’s Message: Baptism symbolizes the believer’s new life in Christ, including death to the old self and resurrection to a new life (Romans 6:4). Immersion visually portrays this burial and rising again. It also represents the believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, the foundation of salvation (Romans 4:24-25).
5. Loyalty to Jesus Christ: Jesus commanded baptism (Matthew 28:16-20). Disobedience to this command is a serious matter. Just as citizens obey laws and children obey parents, members of the church should obey the Lord’s commands, including the proper mode of baptism.
6. Plain Statements of Scripture: Numerous biblical passages clearly describe baptism by immersion, including individuals being baptized in the Jordan River, going down into the water, and coming up out of the water (Matthew 3:6, 11, 16; Mark 1:5, 9-10; John 3:23; Acts 8:36-39). These straightforward accounts support immersion as the intended practice. Furthermore, the prerequisites for baptism, such as believing and confessing sins (Acts 2:41; 8:12, 37; 16:32-34), indicate that baptism is for those old enough to understand and make a conscious decision.

In conclusion, the emphasis on baptism by immersion is rooted in historical practice, the meaning of the original Greek word, the clear descriptions in Scripture, the symbolism of the ordinance, and loyalty to the commands of Jesus Christ.