Full Immersion

Water baptism is by single full immersion. The word “baptism,” comes from the Koine Greek word, “βαπτίζω ” [baptizo]. The word itself means full immersion.

John 3:23

Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized.

In the passage above, we see John travelled all the way to Aenon near Salim because there was “much water there”. So we know that, when being baptised, full immersion is very important. Full immersion is symbolic of the way God wants us to live our lives for Him. It’s either all in, or not at all. We are to be fully dead to ourselves, but alive in Him. Biblical baptism cannot be completed with just a sprinkling of water. In the same way, we cannot just have a sprinkling of Jesus and call our selves “Christians”. God is looking for wholehearted followers of Him. 

There are some denominations in Christendom that practise ‘infant baptism’ or ‘christening’. This is particularly common in the Roman Catholic Church. Although the heart behind the practise is often great, this tradition should not be considered as biblical water baptism. These ceremonies are more of a dedication rather than a proper water baptism. The parents come together with friends and family to dedicate their infant child to God. This can be an amazing thing to do, however, it is not water baptism. Water baptism should be undertaken by a person who is of an understanding age, and it should only be done by full immersion. 

Water Baptism Is A Command

Water baptism is a command for all who have repented and believed in Christ as Saviour and Lord. 

Acts 2:38

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Peter directed those who received the gospel to be water baptised after repentance. A newly born-again Christian should want to follow the commands of our King, it is an expression of our love for Him to obey His commands. 

1 John 5:3

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 

The first commandment for new believers is to be water baptised. So, it should be the desire for any new Christian to complete water baptism as soon as possible. 

Matthew 28:19-20

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Water baptism is so important that it’s included in the great commission as a key part of the disciple making process. 

Matthew 3:13-15

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” 15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

In John 1:27, John the Baptist declared that he wasn’t even worthy to untie the sandals of the coming Messiah. Yet here’s Jesus coming to him to be baptised. John Immediately recognised Jesus as the Messiah and, once again, felt unworthy. He says to Jesus, “I must be baptised by You”. But Jesus, as God, leads by example. It’s not just ‘do as I say’, but it’s ‘do as I do’. Baptism is so important to God that even His perfect representation on Earth, Jesus Christ, was baptised. By doing so He “fulfilled all righteousness”.

So, water baptism is essential and ties in with our salvation. I believe that, in some ways, the Church (particularly in some of the circles I’ve been involved in) has moved away from the importance of water baptism. I don’t think we should be waiting six months, eight months, or even a year before people are baptised. It should be something we do very early on after our salvation. It should be a conversation we’re having right at the beginning of someone’s discipleship. 

Compulsory Activation

1. What were the main lessons you learnt from this lecture? Share in the comments below!

Recommended Activations

1. If you have not been water baptised please speak to our team.
2. If you have a new believer in your life, teach them about water baptism and help organise them to be baptised. Please share in the comments how you went, we would love to hear about it!

Comment any questions and testimonies you may have below!