The subject of salvation baptism is a complicated subject, which has caused more divisions between Christians over the last 2000 years than any other subject. This study looks at the underlying Greek words to try to understand the real meaning. I hope you will carefully and prayerfully study this information and let the Holy Spirit guide you into all truth. Before we look at the verses, we need to recognize that there are many “kinds” of baptisms described in the Bible, there are 3 different Greek words that are transliterated as “baptism”, and there is a difference between physical baptism and spiritual baptism.
First, there are many kinds of baptisms described in the Bible…
| 1) Baptize with water 2) Baptize with Holy Spirit 3) Baptize with fire | “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am–so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (Matthew 3:11) |
| 4) Baptism of repentance | John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (Mark 1:4) |
| 5) Baptism in the cloud 6) Baptism in the sea | Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;(1 Corinthians 10:1-2) |
| 7) Baptism into death | We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:4) |
| 8) Old Testament Baptismal Ordinances | This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings [Strong’s Greek 909: Dipping, washing (of a ceremonial character). From baptizo; ablution.]—external regulations applying until the time of the new order. (Hebrews 9:9-10) |
Since there are many kinds of baptism described in the Bible, we need to be careful when we read “baptism” that we consider what “kind” of baptism it is. Also, we need to be careful to avoid confusion, when talking about baptism in the Church today, by distinguishing between these “kinds” of baptism. This study is not about Christian water baptism that symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of the sinner with Christ through a public ritual in obedience to Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:1-11).
Second, there are 3 Greek words transliterated as “baptism”
There are 3 Greek words that are transliterated as baptism in the New Testament. Since there was no English word that meant baptism, the translators just copied all three Greek words into a single English word. I think this was a terrible idea because it has added to the confusion on this subject. There has been a lot written about these 3 words, but the definitive treatises are available to us courtesy of Google Books:
- Classic baptism: an inquiry into the meaning of the word baptizo as determined by the usage of classical Greek writers, James Wilkinson Dale, Perkenpine & Higgins, 1867
- Judaic Baptism: an Inquiry Into the Usage of [baptize] and the Nature of Judaic Baptism as Shown by Jewish and Patristic Writings, James Wilkinson Dale, W. Rutter & Company, 1873
- Christic and Patristic Baptism: an Inquiry Into the Usage of [baptizō] and the Nature of Christic and Patristic Baptism: As Exhibited in the Holy Scriptures and Patristic Writings, James Wilkinson Dale, 1874
A very short definition of these words from Strong’s Concordance is…
| G907 baptizō [verb] — I dip, I submerge, I baptize — properly, “submerge” (Souter); hence, baptize, to immerse (literally, “dip under“) something | This is the only verb for the act of baptism. Dale would argue with the meaning, but the important thing to remember for this study is this is the only action word. |
| G909 baptismos [noun] — properly, submergings (always in the plural in the NT); (figuratively) ceremonial washings (Mk 7:4; Heb 9:10) or the profound realities of spiritual and water baptism (Heb 6:2) | This noun is the baptism itself, and it is always used in the plural in the New Testament, therefore it is always describing the actual baptisms. |
| G908 baptisma [noun] — (note the –ma suffix, emphasizing it is a result) of baptism as spoken of by Jesus of his death (Mat 20:22, Mk 10:38) | This noun is not the baptism itself, but the result of the baptism, so it is only used to describe the result that occurred because of the baptism |
And two other words, we need to consider for the context of the baptism…
| G1722 en [preposition] — properly, in (inside, within); (figuratively) “in the realm (sphere) of,” as in the condition (state) in which something operates from the inside (within). | This preposition describes the element that is used in the baptism. It is usually translated as “in” or “with.” There are baptisms “in, with” [G1722 en] water, fire, spirit, and cloud. But, this doesn’t define the “type” of the baptism, so we need to consider the context. |
| G1519 eis [Preposition] — properly, into (unto) – literally, “motion into which” implying penetration (“unto,” “union”) to a particular purpose or result, indicating the point reached or entered, the final destination, or figurative purpose. | This preposition is very important because it describes the purpose of the baptism. It is usually translated as “into” [G1519 eis], which describes the end result of the baptism. Therefore, this defines the “type” of baptism and its result. |
Use these words in a sentence…
| I baptizō myself en water every morning when I go swimming. | Action of baptism with water. This is Christian water baptism. It never means salvation. |
| After my baptismos en water, I am cold, wet, and physically clean, but not spiritually purified. | Result of my morning swims. This is symbolic of salvation baptism (1 Peter 3:21). |
| I avoid baptisma eis water, because then I would be dead from drowning. | Result of baptism into a union with water is death by drowning. This is never found in scripture. |
If we could remember to be careful about these 3 Greek words “baptizo”, “baptisma”, and “baptismos”, especially when used with the Greek word “eis”, it would resolve a lot of the confusion in this subject.
Third, there is a difference between physical and spiritual
“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)
Before we go on, we need to understand the concept of spirit and truth versus the physical worship that the women at the well was thinking about. The Samaritan woman was asking about physical water, so she wouldn’t have to come draw from the well. Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (John 4:12-14). It is very important to realize that salvation is a spiritual operation.
A Psalm of David. A Maskil. How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit! (Psalm 32:1-2)
This is the reality of salvation: the point where God will not count sin against us. The question of the ages is how to achieve this. There are hundreds (if not thousands) of religions that proclaim how you can make yourself a better person, and if you clean yourself up well enough, you can make yourself acceptable to God.
We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind. (Isaiah 64:6)
But, God says, that even our very best most righteous deeds are nothing but filthy rags. We can never clean ourselves up enough to be acceptable to God. We need a spiritual cleansing from the inside out.
For thus says the LORD to the men of Judah and to Jerusalem, “Break up your fallow ground, And do not sow among thorns. “Circumcise yourselves to the LORD And remove the foreskins of your heart, Men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, Or else My wrath will go forth like fire And burn with none to quench it, Because of the evil of your deeds.” (Jeremiah 4:3-4)
Circumcise your hearts?! If you don’t know what circumcision is, take a moment and look it up. Then, consider that Jeremiah is quoting the LORD telling them to spiritually circumcise their hearts.
When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision–the cutting away of your sinful nature. (Colossians 2:11)
This is what you need in order to be acceptable to God, a spiritual circumcision of the heart—the cutting away of your sinful nature. This is not a physical procedure. It is a spiritual operation.
John came, who baptized in the wilderness and preached the baptism of repentance unto remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the country of Judaea, and all they of Jerusalem; And they were baptized of him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and had a leathern girdle about his loins, and did eat locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, There cometh after me he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I baptized you in water; But he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit. (Mark 1:4-8 ERV)
John the Baptist was doing 2 things. He was practicing a physical baptism of water. And, he was preaching a spiritual “baptism of repentance unto remission of sins.” He makes this very clear in verse 8, where he distinguishes between what he is doing now and what Jesus Christ will do, “I baptized you in water; But he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”
Now, that we understand there is a difference between cleaning up the outside with a physical procedure using soap and water and cutting away the sinful nature in a spiritual operation of the inner being, we can continue talking about baptism.
Salvation Baptism unto the remission of sins
Here is every verse in the New Testament that contains “baptism [G907 baptizō, G908 baptisma, or G909 baptismos]” and “into” [G1519 eis]. These verses are very important because they contain both the verb or noun “baptism” and the preposition “into” [G1519 eis] that indicates the “kind” of baptism. The following verses are in chronological order to make it easier to understand the progressive revelation of salvation baptism. Please take the time to read and reread these with the supernatural help of the Holy Spirit working in your heart (1 Corinthians 2:10). Please write to us if this is confusing or you want to study this subject more.
Mark 1:4 John did baptize [G907 baptizōn] in [G1722 en] the wilderness, and preach the baptism [G908 baptisma] of repentance for [G1519 eis] the remission of sins.
- John performed a ceremonial physical water baptism [G907 baptizōn] in [G1722 en] the wilderness to show the people they were unclean before the Lord.
- But he preached that the result of spiritual repentance baptism [G908 baptisma] would be [G1519 eis] the remission of sins.
Mark 1:7-11 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized [G907 ebaptisa] you with water: but he shall baptize [G907 baptisei] you with [G1722 en] the Holy Ghost. And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized [G907 ebaptisthē] of John in [G1519 eis] Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
- Jesus Christ was baptized by John, but not with John’s water baptism unto repentance. Jesus Christ was holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners (Hebrews 7:26). He did not need to repent of his sins.
- John preached for sinners to repent of their sins. He implored them to be prepared for the Lord. He proclaimed God’s salvation. He warned them to flee from the wrath to come. He rebuked them for not bringing fruits fitting for repentance. (Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3; John 1) None of these apply to the Lord Jesus Christ
- This water baptism was different than any other baptism that John performed…
- When John recognized the Lord Jesus Christ, he did not even want to do the baptism because he realized he needed to be baptized by Jesus (Matthew 3:14). Jesus Christ responded to John that it was proper to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15).
- Unlike all the other baptisms in [G1722 en] water unto [G1519 eis] repentance, Jesus Christ was baptized [G907 ebaptisthē] in [G1519 eis] Jordan. This was a death baptism that would have killed any mortal man. This was the real water baptism (Hebrews 9:10), which was prophesied by all the types and shadows (Hebrews 8:5) of the Old Testament.
- Unlike any other baptism, after Jesus was baptized, the heavens were opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
- This is not our baptism. When we are baptized, we don’t have any righteousness to fulfill, because we are guilty unrighteous dead sinners who need a savior.
- DO NOT be like the Pharisees and the lawyers (Luke 7:30), who rejected the counsel of God against themselves by rejecting the message of John to be water baptized for [literally, “motion into which” implying penetration (“unto,” “union”) to a particular purpose or result] repentance unto [literally, “motion into which” implying penetration (“unto,” “union”) to a particular purpose or result] the remission of sins
Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize [G907 baptizō] you with [G1722 en] water unto [G1519 eis] repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize [G907 baptisei] you with [G1722 en] the Holy Ghost, and with [G1519 en] fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into [G1519 eis] the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
- John baptized with water unto [literally, “motion into which” implying penetration (“unto,” “union”) to a particular purpose or result] repentance
- John preached that Jesus Christ will baptize with the Holy Ghost unto [literally, “motion into which” implying penetration (“unto,” “union”) to a particular purpose or result] of gathering wheat into the garner, which is a metaphor of eternal salvation
- John preached that Jesus Christ will baptize with fire to burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire, which is a metaphor of eternal damnation in hell
- We know John’s water baptism isn’t salvation baptism because Jesus, who didn’t need salvation, came from Jordan to be baptized by John (Matthew 3:13)
- John knew he needed salvation baptism from Jesus because he said, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me.” (Matthew 3:14)
Luke 3:2-4 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism [G908 baptisma] of repentance for [G1915 eis] the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
- John preached a spiritual salvation baptism [G908 baptisma] of repentance for [G1915 eis] the remission of sins
- This baptism is not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God, the response to God from a clean conscience, the demand of a clear conscience toward God, the answer of a good conscience toward God, a request to God for a clear conscience, and the appeal to God for a good conscience (1 Peter 3:21).
- This baptism is performed with the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:19)
- This baptism is with Jesus Christ in death, not like Jesus Christ in water (Colossians 2:12)
- This baptism changes us from death to remission of sins just as Christ was raised from the dead after taking our sins on the cross (Romans 6:4)
Luke 3:15-18 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize [G907 baptizō] you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize [G907 baptisei] you with [G1722 en] the Holy Ghost and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.
- This is Christian water baptism. It is part of preaching the word unto the people.
Mark 7:2-9 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing [G909 baptisōntai] of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, — Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing [G909 baptisōntai] of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
- For some reason the translators chose to translate these 2 occurrences of [G909 baptisōntai] as “washing” which obscures the intention and meaning of the passage.
- The Pharisees were shocked that they ate with unwashed [G449 aniptos -: from 1 /A “not” and 3538 /níptō, “wash”) – properly, not washed; (figuratively) unclean in the ceremonial (religious) sense] hands. This word is used only one other time in Matthew’s account of this event. “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen [G449 aniptos] hands defileth not a man.” (Matthew 15:1-20)
- The Pharisees strongly rebuked Jesus Christ by accusing his disciples of eating with unwashed [G2839 koinos -: properly, common, referring to what is defiled (stripped of specialness) because treated as ordinary (“common”). 2839 /koinós (“defiled”) describes the result of a person reducing what God calls special (holy, set apart) – to what is mundane, i.e. stripping it of its sacredness.]
- Jesus harshly rebuked their understanding of baptism [G909 baptisōntai] to be a purely physical ritual that misses the spiritual meaning, which Jesus Christ came to fulfill.
- Don’t be like these Pharisees and think that baptism today is just a religious ritual and miss the spiritual meaning of the real spiritual baptism of repentance that saves (cf. 1 Peter 3:21).
- For deeper study: Ten Commandment Law ordinances of “washing”
John 3:22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into [G1519 eis] the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized [G907 baptizō].
- This is water baptism. The into [G1519 eis] is not relative to the baptism at all.
Luke 7:29-30 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized [G907 baptizō] with the baptism [G908 baptisma] of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against [G1519 eis] themselves, being not baptized [G907 baptizō] of him.
- This is water baptism. It is part of preaching the word unto the people.
- The people and the publicans, justified God by believing the message.
- The Pharisees rejected God by rejecting the message.
John 10:40 And went away again beyond Jordan into [G1519 eis] the place where John at first baptized [G907 baptizō]; and there he abode.
- The into [G1519 eis] indicates the place they are going, it is not about the baptism at all (v.40)
- This baptized [G907 baptizō] is referring to John’s water baptism. (v.40)
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing [G907 baptizontes] them in [G1519 eis] the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
- Jesus commanded his disciples to go, and teach all nations — with the adverb prepositional phrase that answers the question how, what, why — baptizing [G907 baptizontes] them in [G1519 eis] the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
- The final end result of this baptism is to be put into [literally, “motion into which” implying penetration (“unto,” “union”) to a particular purpose or result] name of God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit
- Jesus didn’t specify the element of baptism: fire, water, spirit, cloud, etc. because it was understood to be the same element preached by John: the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:4). This is a spiritual salvation baptism.
- This does not prevent or preclude Christian water baptism, but it must be used in the same way that John’s water baptism was used, as part of teaching, to bring the sinner unto [literally, “motion into which” implying penetration (“unto,” “union”) to a particular purpose or result] repentance.
- Every Christian church agrees with this teaching even if they emphasize water baptism as an integral commandment of the great commission.
- No Christian church believes the goal of the Great Commission is for [literally, “motion into which” implying penetration (“unto,” “union”) to a particular purpose or result] water baptism.
- Every Christian church agrees the goal of the Great Commission is salvation through teaching, which is described as “make disciples” [G3100 mathēteusate] — to disciple, i.e. helping someone to progressively learn the Word of God to become a matured, growing disciple (literally, “a learner,” a true Christ-follower); to train (develop) in the truths of Scripture and the lifestyle required, i.e. helping a believer learn to be a disciple of Christ in belief and practice.
Acts 2:38 and Peter said unto them, ‘Reform, and be baptized [G907 baptizō] each of you on the name of Jesus Christ, to [G1519 eis] remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, [YLT]
- This verse says to be baptized [G907 baptizō] …into [G1519 eis] remission of sins; therefore, the “type” of this baptism is for the remission of sins.
- This is the baptism that John preached in the wilderness (Mark 1:4) “for the remission of sins.”
- This is not the baptism that John practiced in the wilderness (Matthew 3:11), which was “unto repentance”.
- This is salvation baptism because the result is forgiveness of sins, which is proven by “ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
- This is the one spiritual baptism of Ephesians 4:5 that is described in 1 Peter 3:21.
- Those who welcomely received the message were added to the church (Acts 2:41).
Acts 8:14-17 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized [G907 baptizō] in [G1519 eis] the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
- These Samaritans had accepted the word of God. They had already been baptized [G907 baptizō] in [G1519 eis] the name of the Lord Jesus.
- This is the same salvation baptism [G907 baptizō] that John was preaching. This is the same salvation baptism of Ephesians 4:5 as described in 1 Peter 3:21.
- But they didn’t have the manifestation of the Holy Spirit yet. So, Peter and John placed their hands on them. They did not baptize [G907 baptizō] them in [G1519 eis] water. After the laying on of hands, they received the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Simon the Sorcerer saw the results of this manifestation, and he wanted that power.
Acts 8:34-38 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized [G907 baptizō]? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into [G1519 eis] the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized [G907 baptizō him.
- The Ethiopian eunuch was saved, when he believed the gospel, from Isaiah 53:7-8, with all his heart (v.35)
- Then, he was water baptized. The into [G1519 eis] the water describes where Philip and the eunuch went (v.38).
Acts 10:43-48 (Joel 2:28-32; John 14:15-26; John 16:5-16; Acts 2:1-13; Acts 19:1-7) All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in [G1519 eis] him will receive remission of sins.” While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, “Can any man forbid the water, that these who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we should not be baptized?” He commanded them to be baptized [G907 baptisthēnai] in [G1722 en] the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay some days.
- The people were saved when they received remission of sins by believing in [G1519 eis] Jesus Christ (v.43)
- This is proved by the manifestation of the Holy Spirit they received before being water baptized. (v.44)
- Then, they were water baptized with [G1722 en] Christian water baptism as a testimony of their salvation (v.48)
Acts 16:14-15 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized [G907 baptizō], and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into [G1519 eis] my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
- This may be water baptism or it may be Christian salvation baptism. The element of the baptism is not specified. Neither interpretation does any damage to the passage. No doctrinal position can be proved about the baptism.
- The important thing is Lydia’s heart was opened and she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. This is salvation (Romans 10:9).
Acts 19:1-5 And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into [G1519 eis] what then were you baptized [G907 baptizō]?” They said, “Into John’s baptism [G908 baptisma].” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism [G908 baptisma] of repentance, telling the people to believe in [G1519 eis] the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized [G907 baptizō] into [G1519 eis] the name of the Lord Jesus.
- These disciples had been baptized [G908 baptisma] into John like the children of Moses were baptized [G907 baptizō] into following Moses through the cloud and the sea (1 Corinthians 10:2). But they had not accepted the salvation baptism [G907 baptizō] of [G1519 eis] repentance that John preached.
- The Apostle Paul told them about that baptism [G907 baptizō], which John preached by, “Telling the people to believe in [G1519 eis] Jesus.” This is the salvation baptism [G908 baptisma] of Ephesians 4:5 as described in 1 Peter 3:21. People who believe in [G1519 eis] Jesus Christ receive the finished work of baptism [G908 baptisma], which is a spiritual operation of the cutting away of the sinful nature of the heart (Colossians 2:11).
1 Corinthians 1:13-15 Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized [G907 baptizō] in [G1519 eis] the name of Paul? Of course not! I thank God that I did not baptize [G907 baptizō] any of you except Crispus and Gaius, for now no one can say they were baptized [G907 baptizō] in [G1519 eis] my name.
- The Apostle Paul is rebuking the Corinthians for their factions and divisions.
- They were not baptized [G907 baptizō] into [G1519 eis] the name of Paul.
- They had been baptized [G907 baptizō] into [G1519 eis] the Lord Jesus Christ with the salvation baptism of Ephesians 4:5 as described in 1 Peter 3:21.
1 Corinthians 10:2 and all were baptized [G907 baptizō] into [G1519 eis] Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
- The mixed multitude that came out of Egypt, including children of Israel and Egyptians who recognized God’s program, were changed to be followers of Moses when they passed through the cloud and through the sea.
- This is not salvation baptism.
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized [G907 baptizō] into [G1519 eis] one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
- This is the baptism that puts us into the Body of Christ (Romans 12:5; Ephesians 4:12; 1 Corinthians 12:27). It is the salvation baptism of Ephesians 4:5 as described in 1 Peter 3:21.
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized [G907 baptizō] into [G1519 eis] Christ have put on Christ.
- In this baptism, you are baptized [G907 baptizō] into [G1519 eis] Jesus Christ.
- The “type” of this baptism is not water because it is not with” [G1722 en] water.
- This is the salvation baptism of Ephesians 4:5 as described in 1 Peter 3:21.
Romans 6:1-4 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized [G907 baptizō] into [G1519 eis] Christ Jesus were baptized [G907 baptizō] into [G1519 eis] his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism [G908 baptisma] into [G1519 eis] death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
- This is describing a past event when you were baptized [G907 baptizō] into [G1519 eis] (indicating the point reached or entered, the final destination) his death
- This cannot be baptized [G907 baptizō] with [G1722 en] water because nothing suggests water causes the point reached or entered, the final destination to be death. Except drowning.
- Importantly, “We were buried therefore with him by baptism [G908 baptisma] into [G1519 eis] (indicating the point reached or entered, the final destination) death” not like him with [G1722 en] water.
- This is the true salvation baptism [G908 baptisma] of Ephesians 4:5 as described in 1 Peter 3:21.
- This is a spiritual baptism [G907 baptizō] made without hands that cuts away the sinful nature (Colossians 2:11).
- As an aside, this is one of the reasons that I believe in the eternal security of the believer. There is no such thing as the negative of the finished result of salvation baptism [G908 baptisma]. Anyone who has been buried with him by the finished result of salvation baptism [G908 baptisma] into [G1519 eis] death, cannot become a reanimated undead zombie unbeliever.
Ephesians 4:3-6 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism [G908 baptisma], and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.
- Even though the body has many parts (1 Corinthians 12:12-26 and Romans 12:3-5), and there are many ways of describing the gospel of Jesus Christ (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53:5; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Hebrews 9:28; 1 Peter 2:24), there is only one final result of salvation baptism [G908 baptisma], which is a new creation created in the likeness of Jesus Christ with a clean conscience that is capable of good works (Psalm 51:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10; Titus 3:5-6; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 1:3).
- This is the only salvation baptism. It is not accomplished by water, but by the answer of a good conscience, as described in 1 Peter 3:21.
1 Peter 3:20-21 God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism [G908 baptisma] that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward [G1519 eis] God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
- The water of Noah’s flood symbolized the final result of baptism [G908 baptisma] that saves us.
- Who got wet? Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8), and he was saved through the substitutionary work of the Ark that took the punishment of the flood in Noah’s place.
- Noah stayed dry! The lost sinners got wet! The salvation baptism [G908 baptisma] that saves us (Romans 6:3-4) is the substitutionary work of the Lord Jesus Christ who took the punishment for our sins in our place.
- We stay dry! Jesus Christ got wet with his own blood, the blood of the lamb of God, which takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).
The result of spiritual baptism
I am writing to you who share the same precious faith we have. This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior. May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. (2 Peter 1:1-2)
As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into [G1519 eis] Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:14-16)
I hope and pray this study helps you. Please leave a comment or write to us and let us know about your walk with the Lord. Amen!
For deeper study:
- What is Salvation Baptism? – Salvation baptism doesn’t have to be complicated. Here is an analysis of all verses with the verb or noun “baptism” and the preposition “into”
- Water Baptism Symbolizes Salvation – Water baptism symbolizes our death to sin, the washing away of our transgressions, and our resurrection to new life in Jesus Christ
- Is circumcision required for salvation? – The Bible describes 2 different religious rituals of circumcisions: physical and spiritual, Which circumcision is required for salvation?
This particular subject is a very touchy one since most of Christianity seems to have adopted water baptism as a public confession that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9), which I see as a valid expression of faith. I think this is the purpose of John’s water baptism. Consider…
One of the key points in the verse you asked about is the adverbial phrase “in the name of Jesus Christ.” This phrase is started with the Greek word “en” instead of “eis” as used in the verses quoted in the study…
In my opinion, the baptism of Acts 10:48 probably was a water baptism as a public declaration of their repentance from their sins, because they had already heard the gospel message and had already received the Holy Spirit. When Peter retold the account in Acts 15, he didn’t even mention the baptism because that wasn’t the important part of what had happened…
I have witnessed water baptisms done as a public declaration of salvation. I have witnessed water baptisms done as representative of sins having been washed away. I have witnessed water baptisms done to help people remember their sins were washed away. I have been blessed by these water baptisms.
If you were saved many years ago as a young child, it might seem silly to be water baptized now as an expression of that repentance. I could go either way on that one. If you have a profoundly new understanding of your salvation, or you consider yourself to have been coasting in your Christian life (or even backsliding), and have decided to get serious in your walk with the Lord, then I can completely understand and agree with your decision to be water baptized. In fact, I wish I could be there with you. I also appreciate when the preacher makes it clear that water baptism is allegorically symbolic of salvation. There are beautiful parallels.
If the physical ritual is being used as a proof of salvation or a gate between Christians, then I start to get very nervous because…
If the physical ritual is being used as a means of salvation or a requirement for salvation, then I believe that is another gospel, which needs to be withstood…
I am discussing the subject of water baptism with my pastor, and am reading your article on baptism which I think is really good!
What is Salvation Baptism?
He asked me if my position includes Acts 8:34-40, Acts 10:47 which I could not find in your article. Do you have a perspective on these verses? In particular Acts 10:47,48 reads:
The “In the name of Jesus Christ” here, seems to be similar to Acts 2:38:
From your article:
Obviously the Acts 10:47-48 baptism is water, and yet is “In the name of Jesus Christ”.
I have always viewed the acts 8 and 10 verses as “darker” from a hermeneutics standpoint and shined the light of the passages you cite on them. Now when I read them, they seem to be compelling enough to make me wonder. If Acts 2:38 is not water, then why would Peter as late as Acts 10 command water? Could it be that the language of Acts 2:38 is stating something akin to ” “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ because of the forgiveness of sins.” ?
The really cool thing is that I can dialog with my pastor as a “Berean” and he appreciates my endeavor!
I was so pleased to read your thoughts on salvation baptism. They are quite consistent with my views after careful study. I really call “salvation baptism” the baptism of Jesus which is the one baptism of Ephesians 4.
I believe these verses that have “baptizo eis” including 1 Cor. 10:2 are speaking of a spiritual identification process which leads to our salvation. 1 Cor. 10:2 speaks of the Israelites identifying with Moses’ faith. The other verses can also be read as “spiritually identified with”. Acts 8:14-17 speaks of the people having identified with Jesus in their hearts but not having received the Holy Spirit. An example of saved people not having received the Holy Spirit for whatever reason then.
You did leave off one other verse with “baptizo eis”, the most important one, Matt. 28:19. Here Jesus is again speaking of our effort with the help of Jesus to spiritually identify people with the Trinity which occurs at salvation. We share the gospel and the need for people to identify with Jesus’ death and burial before they can be saved. Once they make that identification with Him, Jesus anoints them with the Holy Spirit and God adopts them in to the family. There is no water in this verse. It is NOT a baptismal formula.
I have more detailed material if you want to discuss this further. It is refreshing to find one with the correct, deeper understanding of spiritual or salvation baptism. How do we get this out and counter the legalistic Baptist view that baptism is commanded and is an act of obedience. My position is that one MAY get baptized but does not have to to prove their obedience.