When most people think of baptism they think of water. Whether it be immersion, sprinkled, splashed, or sprayed, they think water has something to do with it.
Did you know the Bible teaches it is possible to be baptized without getting wet?
Consider John the Baptist. That he baptized with water is clear (John 1:31; Mark 1:5). Everyone John baptized got wet.
However, in Matthew 3:11 the only man to be called Baptist in the Bible identifies two other baptisms that do not include water.
“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:” – Matthew 3:11
The Holy Ghost is spiritual and so is not made of water, and I’m pretty sure the baptism with fire would evaporate any moisture left on anyone who participates in that fiery furnace (Isa 4:4: Mal 3:2).
Then there is the baptism of the nation Israel unto Moses in 1 Corinthians 10:2. They walked across the sea on dry ground and the Egyptians who were dunked in the water drowned.
After Jesus was baptized with water by John, he spoke of another baptism for himself which would end in his death. The only water involved in the death of Jesus was that which flowed out of him (John 19:34).
“But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!” – Luke 12:50
Many Baptisms: Some Dry, Some Wet
There are many different baptisms in the Bible and most of them are dry.
Baptism has become synonymous with water baptism, but baptism does not mean water. A better definition would be how someone is identified with something.
This is why Paul describes a baptism into the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12:13. Everyone who is saved by the gospel of Christ today is identified with the Lord in his second baptism unto death.
“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” – 1 Corinthians 12:13
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” – Romans 6:3
Baptism into Christ is identification with Christ. We become crucified with Christ without ever touching water (Gal 2:20).
Baptism with water never symbolized death, but cleansing, as in the remission of sins (Mark 1:4). In the present dispensation of grace, our sins are forgiven through the blood of Christ through his death.
There is only one baptism Paul says is necessary in the church, and it does not include water or a priest to perform it. It is performed by the operation of God when we believe the gospel of the death and resurrection of Christ (Eph 4:5).
“Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” – Col 2:12
If you think baptism must always include water, then you are a little wet behind the ears.
Baptism does not require water, there are many examples in the Bible, and the one baptism you need does not require a single drop.
Article Index Published: July 23, 2016
Last Modified: September 1, 2018