water baptism
Definition
Water baptism is the first of three distinct baptisms that Noordzij identifies in the soteriological process. It is a symbolic act accompanying confession of sins and repentance, performed by human agents. In Noordzij’s threefold schema, water baptism is the beginning of spiritual restoration — not its endpoint. The ritual points to the need to orient the mind toward “things above, not earthly things” (Col. 3:2), but does not itself accomplish the inward transformation.
Usage in the Corpus
Cees Noordzij
Noordzij describes water baptism as the first stage of the soteriological process:
Water baptism serves as a symbolic act accompanying confession of sins, performed by humans in repentance. This represents learning to “think differently” — to think about “things above, not earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).
Water baptism awakens the conscience. The believer recognizes the old life and orients toward the new. It is essential as a starting point but insufficient as an endpoint: the symbol points to the reality of Spirit baptism and baptism into Christ, which must follow. [Noordzij, What Is Baptism?, b10]
Paul rarely discusses water baptism in his letters; he focuses on spiritual transformation. This emphasis confirms for Noordzij that water baptism is preparatory, not the actual work of salvation. The New Testament’s accent falls on what the Holy Spirit does, not on what water does.