Baptism

Though other denominations and theological traditions baptize by pouring or sprinkling, Emmanuel Fellowship practices by immersion. We do so in light of the following considerations:​

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1. The Greek word βαπτίζω (baptizo) literally means to plunge, submerge or immerse. 

Our English word baptism is a transliteration of the Greek baptizo. Baptizo was used in Greek literature to describe the act of immersing something in water or another liquid. It later became a technical term that referred specifically to the Christian ordinance of baptism.​

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2. The representation of union in Christ's death and resurrection is best expressed through immersion.

Whether buried below or above ground, the symbolism of burial is still that of being placed under something. Likewise, resurrection is accomplished by coming out of something (whether grave or tomb). Immersion best symbolizes this reality by actually placing the believer under the water and bringing them out.​

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In addition, it is interesting to note the use of water to symbolize jusgement in the Scriptures (e.g. the flood of Gen. 6-7 and the destruction of Egypt in the Red Sea of Exod. 14). Thus, by passing through the waters of baptism, the believer expresses trust that God's judgement has been satisfied by Christ.

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Colossians 2:12 

Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

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Romans 6:3-4

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just s Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in the newness of life.

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3. The surrounding context of baptisms in the Scriptures suggests baptism by immersion.

 

Matthew 3:16

And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him.

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Mark 1:5,10

And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins...And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and in the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

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John 3:23

John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized.

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Acts 8:38-39

And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.