What Did Paul Teach About Baptism? (Part II)

In recent weeks we have briefly examined what was taught about baptism by Jesus and also by Peter. This week we continue looking at what the apostle Paul practiced and taught in regards to baptism.

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Romans 6:3-5 (KJV)

In this passage, Paul clearly teaches that baptism unites us with Christ, specifically, Christ's death, and by extension, His resurrection. To be partakers of the blessings of Christ's sacrifice, one must be baptized. We also see that baptism is equated to a burial, which is simply one more\e piece of evidence pointing to baptism being immersion in water, not sprinkling or pouring. In addition to the word itself (meaning “to dip”), the context continually portrays baptism in terms of immersion.

Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

I Corinthians 1:13-17 (KJV)

Baptism must be into Christ. If we are baptized as a follower of any other, we fail. This passage is often quoted as “proof” that Paul didn't teach baptism. Yet, in this passage we learn that Paul was baptized and that Paul baptized others. As for the contention that Paul did not teach baptism to the Corinthians, the explanation can be found later in the epistle in I Corinthians 3:6. Paul had gone to plant the seed, and we see that the Corinthians obeyed more than Paul anticipated.

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

I Corinthians 12:13 (KJV)

To become part of the body of Christ, regardless of background, one must be baptized. Conversely, if you aren't baptized, you aren't part of the body of Christ. As the body is synonymous with the church and the saved (I Corinthians 12:27), bot having been baptized means that a) a person isn't saved and b) a person isn't part of the church, Christ's followers.

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Galatians 3:27 (KJV)

This is a simple, straightforward statement. To put on Christ, you must be baptized. If you have not been baptized, you have not put on Christ.

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Ephesians 4:4-5 (KJV)

Each thing in this passage is easily recognizable as necessary and essential to Christianity. Each thing in this passage is also easily understood as being part of the unity of the faith and of the faithful. Baptism no less than any other item mentioned in this passage.

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Colossians 2:11-12 (KJV)

Here baptism is put as serving the same purpose that circumcision served under the Old Covenant. In the Old Covenant, circumcision was the mark of one of God's people and formed a dividing line between them and everyone else. Under the New Covenant, baptism identifies the believer and serves as the dividing line between those who are God's and those who are not.

Again, we also see that baptism is identified as a burial.

As for those who would contend that baptism is wholly a work done by man, consideration of this passage shows otherwise. Baptism is the means chosen by God for men and women to receive the salvation and spiritual blessings given by God. It is, in no way, “earning” salvation through works.

Next week, Lord willing, we will look at what other people in the Bible had to say on the subject of baptism.