Believers’ Baptism

Acts 10:47-48

47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord…

This week’s question comes from a young believer. Kids have a way of coming up with interesting questions. This is actually one that I haven’t been asked before. I will say, however, that if someone were baptized in orange juice, they might regret it afterward. Most ministers would probably advise against that.

First, to get a proper understanding of Believers’ Baptism, we  need to know that it is only for people who have received Jesus as Lord and Savior. It doesn’t save anyone, although it is commanded in the Bible to those who have accepted Christ. The purpose of baptism by immersion is to display a commitment to follow Jesus. As they say, “it’s an outward sign of an inward change.”

Now, for the great question above, I cannot find any place in scripture that used an alternative to water for baptism. Every time it comes up in scripture, it seems to involve water. Does that mean it is sin to use something else? No. I also cannot find a place in which the Bible definitively states that we HAVE to do it in water. However, it does bring to mind that water is the most prevalent liquid on earth. It would seem to be the most practical. If someone came to me, asking to be baptized in another liquid, I would probably direct them to use water for practical purposes if nothing else.

As long as a person examines himself or herself as to why they want to be baptized, that is the issue that we should not misunderstand. Those with a proper understanding of Believers’ Baptism should take the time to help others understand it, as well.

Jim Albin - Senior Pastor
First Baptist - Wortham, Texas