In the work of gospel ministry, churches and pastors use many teaching tools to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel to those they reach. It is so encouraging to see all of the tools that have been given to us to proclaim the Gospel to people from literally every walk of life. Yesterday, I was reminded of one of these great tools that has been given to the local church for the proclamation of the Gospel: baptism.

Baptism takes many forms within churches today. I recognize there is even disagreement as to the role that baptism plays in the life of a person.^[1] Understanding Four Views on Baptism is a good resource I’ve found to share the prominent views of baptism. I hold to the view of baptism commonly known as “Believer’s Baptism” by immersion. This view sees baptism as an external symbol that points to an inward decision that has been made by a person.^[2] Acts 8:35-38; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 16:29-33

For the time I’ve been in ministry, I have viewed the act of baptism as a time of celebration (and it is!). Over the years, I’ve come to see that baptism is a great teaching tool to be used by the local church about some of our core beliefs as Christians.

Baptism teaches what we believe about Jesus

The act of baptism shows that a person has put their faith in the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This picture is painted beautifully as the candidate comes into the water, is placed under the water, and is brought up out of the water. This is a great teaching point to show those gathered to witness that this person has placed their faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Baptism teaches about what has happened within the person

The act of baptism also shows those witnessing the work the Holy Spirit has done within the person’s heart. As the person is placed under the water, they are acknowledging they were dead in their sins.^[3]Ephesians 2:1 As the person is brought forth from the water, they are showing they have been raised to walk a new life by faith in Jesus Christ.^[4]Romans 6:4

Baptism teaches about discipleship

The act of baptism also teaches about discipleship. This is the newest aspect of baptism that I’m seeing more clearly. Jesus commands His Church to go and make disciples.^[5]Matthew 28:18-20 This means that, as we introduce someone to faith in Christ, we also come alongside them and share with them what He has shown us. Making disciples is about helping others grow in their faith in Jesus Christ.

Our church had a great privilege this past Sunday to use baptism as a teaching tool about discipleship. I got to baptize a father in his 40s. After I baptized him, his two sons were baptized – by their father. To my knowledge, this had not been done before in our church. I took a quick moment to share that a part of baptism is the one doing the baptizing commits to the one being baptized to come alongside them and help them grow in their faith. I shared about how parents are the primary disciple-makers of their children. Because of this truth, we had the father do the baptizing of his children with me standing beside them to show that together, we will work to disciple these young men.