Baptism

"Now That I Am Saved, Where Do I Start?”

Virtually every religious denomination in existence teaches some form of baptism as part of their doctrine, and the diversities in their teachings are wide. This lesson is intended to give the Bible's clear and definitive teaching on the subject so the individual understands perfectly what GOD's intention is regarding baptism.

1. Why does God instruct us to be baptized?

Baptism is a visible act with a spiritual meaning. It is a symbol of Christ’s burial and resurrection. Our entrance into the water during baptism identifies us with Christ’s death on the cross, His burial in the tomb, and His resurrection from the dead.

“...For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:3,4

“...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.” Colossians 2:12

It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian. We bury the ‘old life’ and we rise to walk in a ‘new life’. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it is the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart, a commitment that has to be followed through and lived out on a daily basis.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4

Baptism does not make you a believer; it shows that you already are one! Baptism does not ‘save’ you; only your faith in Christ does that.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9

In baptism, the believer has the triune name of the triune God placed upon them, ‘Father’, ‘Son’ & ‘Holy Spirit’. The name of the Lord Jesus Christ is the name of the Godhead (one God in three persons). The Gospels tell us to baptize believers “...Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” (Matthew 28:19). Baptism confirms our position ‘in Christ’ and affirms the blessings of the Father on us as his children.

Baptism also connects us to the ‘body of Christ’, His church here at Blackrock. In baptism you are joined with other believers, not just participating in an individual act of our own spiritual journey.

“...For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 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 12:12-13

A. Baptism is the first act of obedience in service to the Lord. Anyone who has received eternal life can be baptized; it takes no special talents or efforts.

B. Jesus set the example Himself by submitting to baptism before He began His public ministry.
Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22

C. In Matthew 3:13-15, it is clear that Jesus was baptized in obedience to God's plan. In verse 15, He said, “...And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him." This point of submission and obedience is the single most important thing to realize regarding baptism.

D. Some Bible characters who submitted to baptism after salvation.

1. The Ethiopian eunuch. Acts 8:36-39

2.The Apostle Paul. Acts 9:18 3. The Philippian jailer and his household. Acts 16: 25-33.

II. What is the purpose of baptism?

A. Several types of baptism are mentioned in the Bible. In each case, physical baptism is a picture of a spiritual truth. The important point to consider is the picture portrayed by baptism.

B. Romans 6:1-7 (specifically verses 3-4) shows two of the purposes of baptism.

1. It pictures the death, burial and resurrection of CHRIST

2. It is a public testimony of the new convert's identification with Jesus Christ through the death, burial and resurrection, which is how he was saved. It identifies him with the LORD JESUS CHRIST

A. By the act of Baptism the New Believer is showing to GOD that he is ready to begin his ministry in spreading the Gospel to a lost and dying world.

B. By the act of Baptism the new believer is identifying with THE LORD JESUS CHRIST to fulfill all righteousness Matt.3:15

3. Well what about the following verses: Acts 2:38

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

The scripture says here “Repent and be baptized”, well I guess we don’t have to believe, all we have to do is turn over a new leaf (repent) and get wet and we can get the Holy Ghost. You say of course not, well, I’m going to take this scripture and base my entire faith on this verse, why not ? Look at a verse with me, keep in mind the verse above, but just see how confusing it gets if you base your religion on water baptism Lets look at the verses: Acts 8:15-16

Now wait just a minute, in Acts 2:38 the scripture says repent and be baptized and receive the HOLY GHOST, but in this scripture they were baptized, but they did not receive the HOLY GHOST. Confusing eh??, we know that GOD is not the author of confusion, but the devil is the author. Lets try and wrap this heresies up using the Bible to define itself:
Rom 6:4; Col 2:12; Gal 2:20; Acts 1:5; Acts 11:16; 1 Cor 1:17; Gal 3:26-27

Why be Baptized?

Because you want to follow Christ’s example. Jesus himself was baptized. He was not a sinner, yet he humbled himself in obedience to identify with us and give us an example to follow. “And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.” Mark 1:9

Because Christ commanded it. Water baptism is an act of faith and obedience to the commands of Christ. “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”  “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20

Because it shows you are a believer. Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus Christ. It is a public confession of your faith in, and commitment to, Jesus Christ. It is the next step after salvation through repentance and faith and is an important foundation for the Christian life (Hebrews 6:1-2).

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:16

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost..” Acts 2:38

When are we to be Baptized?

As soon as you have believed! You shouldn’t delay. Believers in the New Testament were baptized the same day. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, he can and should be baptized.

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:41

“Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.” Acts 8:35-39

How are we to be Baptized?

We believe baptism by immersion is the proper New Testament practice. One of the strongest reasons that no other method so accurately demonstrates the idea of death, burial and resurrection. The word "baptize" actually means "to immerse"; so in keeping with our purpose of following New Testament teachings and practice, we feel it incumbent upon us to baptize only by immersion.

“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him.” Matthew 3:16

 

(Example) “...And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing....” Acts 8:38,39

Who should be baptized?

A. The clearest case of an individual's baptism in the Bible is the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:36-39. In verse 36, the eunuch is asked "...what doth hinder me to be baptized?" Phillip then answers with the condition of baptism in verse 37, "...And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. “ I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of GOD”.

B. The only requirements for baptism are the requirements for salvation found in Romans 10:9-10.

1. Repentance of sin

2. Heart belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

3. Confession that He is Lord and Saviour.

C. There are NO cases of baptism in the Bible of anyone but believers. Every act of baptism in the Bible follows salvation.

D. Some other instances of baptism immediately after salvation include: 1. Acts 8:12 2. Acts 18:8

What is the method of Baptism?

A. Again, Acts 8: 36-39 gives us the clearest example; In verses 38-39, BOTH, Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch went down into the water and came up out of the water.

B. In Matthew 3:16, Jesus was baptized in the same manner.

C. As seen previously, baptism is a picture of death, burial and resurrection. The only way to bury someone is to put them completely underground. The biblical method of baptism is complete immersion. No one in the Bible was ever sprinkled because no one can be buried by sprinkling dirt on them. Babies are never baptized in scripture either, that is a ritual the Catholic Church started.

How important is it to be baptized?

A. It is NOT essential for salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it clear a man is saved by grace through faith without works of any kind.

B. It is essential for obedience, spiritual growth; Matthew 28:19-20 ( "the great commission” ) proves its importance. Baptism is an integral part of the Great Commission.

C. Before anyone can be taught to follow Jesus Christ, they must be willing to submit to the first act of obedience. If a person refuses to obey the Lord in the first point, he hinders his spiritual growth. Matthew 3:13-15

Basic questions

Where should I be baptized?

Since Baptism is a public confession of your faith in JESUS CHRIST. It should be done publicly, before the church, or sometimes even a lake or apartment pool.

When should I be baptized?

As soon as possible following your salvation.

What about being Baptized Twice?

We recommend that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer. It doesn’t devalue a prior experience but simply reflects your desire to be baptized in the same way Jesus was baptized.

Can a family be Baptized together?

Yes! If each family member fully understands the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time.

Will I have to say anything?

The pastor will introduce you and will give a bit of your story of how you came to this decision to be baptized. You will be briefly prayed for and then lowered just under the water. You will then leave the water to get changed.

Instructions for your Baptism

Just prior to the baptism the pastor will explain the meaning of baptism and show you how you will be baptized. It is important that you arrive on time to be present for the pre-baptism instructions.

I would like to get baptized. What do I do?

Tell the pastor.

What should I bring?

• Plain dark t-shirt and long pants or shorts

• Towel

• Plastic bag or something similar to take home your wet clothes

• Hairbrush/comb and hair dryer (if desired)

• Change of clothes

Summary

In order for a scriptural baptism to take place, there must be:

A. A scriptural subject: a born again believer in Jesus Christ. (Hopefully, that is you)

B. A scriptural mode: baptism by immersion.

C. A scriptural motive: NOT in order to obtain salvation, but to give testimony that the candidate has been saved and that he is ready to begin serving GOD.

D. A Scriptural Authority: In obedience to GOD’s Word.