How did our denomination get the name Baptist? As you might guess it has a lot to do with the practice of baptism. The Massachusetts Puritans came to the New World in search of religious freedom. They were able to practice the kind of religion they wanted, but interestingly they restricted other religions and expressions of Christianity. In 1638, when a young minister named Roger Williams became convicted that biblical baptism was to be by full immersion, he was directed by the Puritan Church leaders to practice that form of baptism outside of their jurisdiction in what we now know as Providence Rhode Island. I believe this to be the beginning of the freedom of religion in America and what has been such a crucial part in the formation of America.
Baptism is a lot more than just getting wet. Baptism is the entrance into the church and comes with deep spiritual as well as theological importance. In Romans 6 St. Paul does a masterful job of connecting spiritual baptism with water baptism and the significance they have in the believer’s life. If you’ve been to a baptism, it’s not hard to see how Baptism by immersion is a very visual demonstration of the Death, Burrial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism is also a very public testimony of the transforming Gospel in an individuals life. Join me this Sunday as we that a deep dive (pardon the pun) in to the doctrine and practice of Baptism.