“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 4:4-6).
In the Bible, we actually read about several baptisms, including the baptism of John (Mark 1:4-5), the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11a), the baptism of fire (Matthew 3:11b-12), and the baptism commanded by Christ in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). However, when the apostle Paul wrote Ephesians (62 AD), he stated that there is only “one baptism.” The people to whom this letter was written could certainly identify it. According to Acts 19:5, “they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” In other words, the people who became Christians in Ephesus were baptized with the baptism commanded by Christ in the Great Commission. This is the “one baptism” mentioned in Ephesians 4:5.
The “one baptism” has certain prerequisites. It is to be preceded by belief (Mark 16:16), repentance (Acts 2:38), and a confession of Christ (Romans 10:10; Acts 8:36-37). Based on these prerequisites, we conclude that the Lord disapproves of christening babies. How can infants meet these requirements?
![The Bible clearly teaches that the “one baptism" is for the remission [removal, forgiveness] of sins (Acts 2:38); it is the point at which sins are washed away (Acts 22:16). It is necessary for salvation (1 Peter 3:21).](https://edrangel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/b1928994-aac9-4d09-a65e-23761d4fd864-1-1024x576.png)
What’s the problem?
The Bible clearly teaches that the “one baptism” is for the remission [removal, forgiveness] of sins (Acts 2:38); it is the point at which sins are washed away (Acts 22:16). It is necessary for salvation (1 Peter 3:21).
The Bible prescribes a particular manner in which the “one baptism” is to be administered. It is in water (Acts 8:38), and it is a burial (Colossians 2:12). Scriptural baptism is “immersion.” How can the sprinkling or pouring of water be considered a burial?
The Bible clearly teaches that the “one baptism” is for the remission [removal, forgiveness] of sins (Acts 2:38); it is the point at which sins are washed away (Acts 22:16). It is necessary for salvation (1 Peter 3:21). Unfortunately, many religious groups reject these teachings. To illustrate, a pamphlet published by a denomination reads: “we believe that no one is a scriptural subject for baptism till he is already saved.” In all kindness, people who have complied with this doctrine must follow the example of the people in Ephesus and be “baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:1-7).
Finally, submitting to the “one baptism” is the way to get into Christ (Romans 6:3-7; Galatians 3:26-29) as well as the one body (1 Corinthians 12:13).