Water Baptism
“Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t
I be baptized?” (Acts 8:36)
What Is Baptism?
Outward Symbol
Baptism is the outward and visible symbol of an inward, and unseen, rebirth.
At conversion we are “baptized into Christ” (Galatians 3:27), signifying a spiritual baptism into the body of Christ. Water baptism graphically depicts what has happened to a person who has become a Christian. As they go down under
the water they depict Christ’s death and their own death to self. As they come
up out of the water they depict Christ’s resurrection and their own rising to a
new life (Romans 6:1-14).
In the Old Testament the crossing of the Red Sea was a type of baptism through
which the Israelite's were cut off from Egypt and slavery.
(1 Corinthians 10:2, 1 Peter 3:21).
Public Confession
Baptism is a public confession of an inward and personal commitment. In
many cases it is only when Christians are baptized that persecution becomes
heavy, because of the public nature of this confession of faith.
Why Must We Be Baptized?
Obedience
Jesus commanded it: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
(Matthew 28:19-20)
Jesus’ Example
Jesus set the example by being baptized by John (Matthew 3:13-17). When John the Baptist tried to deter Jesus from being baptized he replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”
Baptism indicated He was consecrated to God and “officially” approved by
Him (seen in the Holy Spirit’s descent, and the Father’s words of affirmation).
At Jesus’ baptism, John publicly declared Him to be the Messiah.
Jesus identified with man’s sin although He had no need to repent Himself.
His baptism was an example to His followers.
The Early Church’s Example
The first converts in Jerusalem (Acts 2:37-41).
The Samaritans (Acts 8:12-13).
The Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:36-38).
Paul (Acts 9:17, Acts 22:16).
Cornelius and his household (Acts 10:33-48).
Lydia and her household (Acts 16:13-15).
The Philippian jailer (Acts 16:31-34).
Crispus and other Corinthians (Acts 18:8).
It is important to understand that baptism, in itself, doesn’t save anyone, but
for those who repent and believe, it is outward obedience necessary for
proving inward repentance.
Who Must Be Baptized?
All believers must be baptized: It is not infant baptism or adult baptism, but
believers’ baptism. Only believers can be baptized. Baptism is the symbol of
existing change, not the cause of change.
What About Infant Baptism?
Babies cannot repent. Jesus was not baptized as an infant. He was dedicated
to the Lord in Luke 2:22. Children who are old enough to understand the
gospel and able to exercise personal faith can be baptized. This can happen at
a very young age because the gospel is simple enough for a child to
understand. Backsliders who return to Christ should not be “re-baptized” as
baptism is a once-for-all act, just as being born again is not a recurring event.
When Must We Be Baptized?
Upon conversion. In the early church people were baptized as soon as they
believed. On the day of Pentecost, “Those who accepted his message were
baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”(Acts 2:41) Paul was baptized as soon as he believed. Conversion and baptism were almost simultaneous in the early church, often happening on the same day. See, for example, Acts 10:47-48.
Where Must We Be Baptized?
Anywhere! We don’t need baptismal fonts etc. The nearest water after
conversion will do. See, for example, Acts 8:38-40.
Who Can Baptize?
Any believer may baptize. It does not need to be an elder or leader. Philip,
who baptized the Ethiopian eunuch, was an evangelist.
How Are We Baptized?
By Immersion
We baptize by immersion, not by sprinkling (Acts 8:38-39). Both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. “When they came up out of the water.” (Acts 8:39).
The word “baptism” comes from the Greek word, “baptiso”, which means “to immerse, dip, plunge into or bury”and is always used in its intensive form meaning to completely submerge into
The word baptiso in the Greek means to immerse and was used to describe clothing that was dipped into a die to change its appearance
Into The Name Of The Father, Son And Holy Spirit
We baptize into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
(Matthew 28:18, Galatians 3:27).
The emphasis was that:
This is Christian baptism, not Jewish, pagan or John’s baptism.
This is Christian baptism, not Jewish, pagan or John’s baptism.
In conclusion, baptism is a simple act of obedience to the revealed Word of
God. It invites God’s blessing and establishes us on a godly foundation.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into
practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
(Matthew 7:24)
(Matthew 7:24)
Credits
Extracted from Laying FoundationsCopyright © 2002 by Cornerstone ChurchPrint Date: March 2003This manual may be duplicated whole, or in part in anyform (written, visual, electronic or audio)without express written permission of the publisher,providing it is not used for commercial purposes.Published by Cornerstone Church+27 11 616 4073info@cornerstonechurch.co.zaDownloaded from NCMI Websitehttps://www.ncmi.net/resources/books
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