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The Way of Baptism, Part 5
WHAT
ABOUT THE BAPTISM?
by Lisa Panasuk and Andrew & Matthew
Hohnberger with YD
Staff
Part 1
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You’ve made your decision: You’ve chosen to surrender your life to Christ, and you want to be baptized. But you’ve seen all kinds of baptisms. What’s the best way to do things—or does it matter?
We had many questions about how to conduct a baptism. Here are some of them—and the answers we found:
Should I wear a robe?
We are told, “In every church, baptismal robes should be provided for the candidates. This should not be regarded as a needless outlay of means. It is one of the things required in obedience to the injunction. ‘Let all things be done decently and in order’ (1 Corinthians 14:40)” (Evangelism, page 314).
What should my robe be like?
We thought the answer to this question was so wise and practical! “The robes should be made of substantial material, of some dark color that water will not injure, and they should be weighted at the bottom. Let them be neat, well-shaped garments, made after an approved pattern. There should be no attempt at ornamentation, no ruffling or trimming. . . . Yet there should be nothing shabby or unseemly, for this is an offense to God. Everything connected with this holy ordinance should reveal as perfect a preparation as possible” (Ibid., pages 314, 315).
Where should I be baptized?
Of course, the ideal is not always possible. But “whenever possible, let baptism be administered in a clear lake or running stream” (Ibid., page 313).
John baptized in a river: “And there went out unto him all the land of Judæa, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins” (Mark 1:5).
Ellen G. White was baptized in the sea! She says, “Finally the time was appointed for us to receive this solemn ordinance. It was a windy day when we, twelve in number, went down into the sea to be baptized” (Testimonies for the Church, Volume 1, page 20).
What about the service?
“The one who administers the ordinance of baptism should seek to make it an occasion of solemn, sacred influence upon all spectators. Every ordinance of the church should be so conducted as to be uplifting in its influence. Nothing is to be made common or cheap, or placed on a level with common things” (Evangelism,
page 314). Ellen White wrote this about a special baptismal service she attended: “Thirty-two candidates were buried with their Lord in baptism, and arose to walk in newness of life. This was a scene that angels of God witnessed with joy. Several children were baptized first, and then the older ones. Occasionally a stanza of some hymn of praise was sung. There was no confusion. The entire service was impressive” (Review and Herald, February 7, 1907).
What about church membership?
We are told, “Very close and sacred is the relation between Christ and His church—He the bridegroom, and the church the bride; He the head, and the church the body. Connection with Christ, then, involves connection with His church” (Evangelism, page 318).
Study for yourself!
As you have other questions about your own baptism, study them out for yourself! Sometimes you will find exact instructions; other times, only principles. Do remember to make no plans that will give glory to you instead of to God! Instead, ask God to help you find ways to make your baptism a big blessing for yourself and everyone who attends.
Part 1 | 2
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5 | 6 | 7
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