5 – WATER BAPTISM
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Sprit, teaching them to
obey everything I have commanded you.”
Once a person becomes a Christian, the next step that needs to be taken on the Christian pathway is for that person to be baptised. This is such an integral part of the Christian initiation that the New Testament takes it for granted that a profession of faith in Christ will be followed more or less immediately by water baptism. (Consider the following verses – N.T – Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38&41, 18:8, 22:16)
Every believer needs to be baptised. Have you been baptised? If you haven’t you need to as soon as possible.
What is Baptism?
We will begin by looking at what baptism is not.
What it is not.
The first thing you need to understand is that:
IT IS NOT CHRISTENING – THE SPRINKLING OF BABIES.
Baptism isn’t for babies. Not once does the New Testament refer to
such a practise. Instead, it shows baptism to be for believers only, which implies a certain level of mental understanding. In addition to the Bible not teaching this, it is also logical and sensible to reject this practise. For example:
An Infant cannot receive the Word of God as we are required to – (N.T – Acts 2:41) An Infant cannot believe as we are called to – (N.T – Romans 10:9)
An Infant cannot repent as we are commanded to – (N.T – Acts 2:38)
Nowhere in the New Testament is it suggested that a few drops of water are used in baptism. All the evidence is that there needed to be a large and plentiful supply of water, enough in fact to cover the person being baptised. If the Bible is our source of authority and rule, then we must reject christening as a substitute for what the Bible teaches on this subject.
From (N.T) John 3:23 how much water was there when John was baptising?
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IT IS NOT ESSENTIAL FOR SALVATION
Although baptism is very important and needs to be obeyed, it is not essential for salvation. It doesn’t matter what form of outward ceremony or sacrament you partake in, none of them can save a person – Jesus Christ is the only person who can forgive a person and make you right with God.
BUT.
That does not mean it’s optional. It was a command of Jesus that we do it.
What it is.
The best way of answering this question is to say that:
IT IS A PUBLIC SYMBOLIC ACT OF FAITH
Water baptism is a symbolic demonstration to what has already taken place since you became a Christian. It is an external symbolic declaration of the internal experience of salvation.
It is a declaration by a person – saying “I follow Jesus”.
There are at least two things that water baptism symbolises:
It symbolises THE WASHING AWAY OF YOUR SINS
Water baptism symbolises that we have been washed, that our sins have been washed away, that we have had a spiritual bath and have been made clean.
In (N.T) Acts 2:38 what did Peter tell the crowds they must do to have their sins forgiven?
_______________________________________________________________________________
What was Saul told to do in (N.T) Acts 22:16? _______________________________________
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Just as a bath cleans the dirt from our bodies, so baptism shows that as Christians we have been ‘washed clean’ from the effects of sin.
Now, do not misunderstand – Baptism does not wash your sins away. Jesus does that when we are saved. It’s a symbolic way of showing that your sins have been washed away.
It symbolises THE DEATH OF YOUR OLD LIFE AND THE BEGINNING OF YOUR NEW LIFE
Baptism is an outward act declaring that you have become a Christian.
What does (N.T) 2 Corinthians 5:17 say happens when a person becomes a Christian?
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When you get baptised you are declaring that what happened to Jesus physically has happened to you spiritually – you have become a new person and have a new life. (See N.T – Romans 6:4)
So baptism is a symbol that your old life you used to live before you became a Christian has gone, it is finished and is dead and that you are now living a brand new life.
So baptism is a symbol that your old life is dead and that because you have repented and believed you are now living a new life. As you go down into the water this symbolises the end of your old life, that your old life has gone (buried), and as you come up out of the water this symbolises that your new life has come, a life of victory.
It is an act of obedience
We will get to this in a moment – but the main reason to be baptised is because Jesus commanded it. For many it is the first test of obedience. To be a Christian is to live like Jesus told us and this act is a step in that journey of obedience.
Why should a person be baptised?
You should get baptised for the following reasons:
Because Jesus commanded it.
Being baptised is an act of obedience to Christ and a clear-cut demonstration that you now take orders from your new boss Jesus Christ! (See N.T John 14:15)
From the Bible verse quoted at the beginning of this paper (N.T Matthew 28:19-20) what three things did Jesus instruct His followers to do?
1. _______________________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________________
Baptism is an act of Christian obedience, it is a command to be obeyed. So by being baptised you obey Jesus’ command.
In (N.T) John 15:14 says “You are my friends if you do what I command.”
Therefore not getting baptised is an act of disobedience.
To show your faith in Jesus.
By being baptised you are telling other people present that you’re serious about being a Christian. By being publicly baptised you are declaring, ‘From now on, Jesus is my Lord and He’s the one who will direct my life.’ This is why those being baptised are asked to make a verbal declaration of their recognition of Jesus as Lord of their lives.
In (N.T) Romans 10:9 we are told, “That if you confess with your mouth, ’Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
By being baptised, you demonstrate publicly that you love Jesus and want to live for Him. When your family and friends see you submit to baptism they know you are serious about following Jesus.
Who should be baptised?
Baptism as the Bible presents it cannot be entered into by just anyone. So who can and who should get baptised?
Those who have accepted and believed the message of salvation.
The only person who can be baptised according to God’s Word is those who have repented and believed. Anyone who loves Jesus and knows Him as Saviour and Lord is a candidate for baptism.
BAPTISM IS ALWAYS LINKED TO FAITH. In the New Testament we see many people getting baptised (Acts 2:37-41), the individual getting baptized (Acts 8:26-40), and even a family baptism (Acts 16:29-34). In every case where baptism is mentioned and seen without exception, we see that it is carried out upon the grounds of faith in
Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:41, 8:12-13, 35-37, 9:17-18, 10:47-48, 16:13-15, 25-34, 18:8, 19:1-7)
In Acts 2:41 we have an example of many people being baptised. What one thing did the people who heard Peter’s preaching do before they were baptised?
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In Acts 8:13 we have an example of an individual being baptised. What did Simon do before he was baptised?
__________________________________________________________________________
In Acts 18:8 we have an example of a family being baptised. What did Crispus and his entire household do before the were baptised?
__________________________________________________________________________
A question that is often asked by some is, ‘What if a person was baptised or christened as a baby, should they be baptised now that they are believers?’ The answer is, YES! Christening or infant baptism is not taught in the Bible. Baptism is for believers only, for those who have personally and individually put their faith in Jesus Christ.
If you have been baptised as an infant, you still need to be baptised as a believer. Believers baptism is something you choose to do because you want to please and obey the Lord. It is a personal expression of your faith in Christ.
In all the incidents we have looked at, baptism occurred after an acceptance and belief in the message of salvation. Baptism is linked so closely to believing in Jesus that many Scriptures place them side by side as part of becoming a Christian.
Mark 16:16
“Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Acts 2:38
“Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.”
Those who understand the implications.
The Scriptures demand faith and repentance before baptism is administered, i.e. – a personal experience of salvation. It is therefore imperative that a person understands what they are doing and what baptism means. Every baptismal candidate should be counselled and taught this subject, so as to ensure they clearly understand and appreciate it.
In this church we make it our aim to discuss with and instruct all those candidates preparing for baptism, so that this step of obedience is fully appreciated and enjoyed.
How should a person be baptised?
The Bible teaches that there is a particular way that believers should be baptised. First of all a believer should be baptised:
By full immersion.
The word “baptise, baptism” in the original Greek language means, ‘to dip, immerse, submerge, plunge, drench, soak.’ The word was used of ships that sank, and of dying cloth, the dipping of material into dye. This is confirmed in all the examples in Scripture. When believers were baptised they were totally immersed, they were dipped under the water. As Bible believing Christians this is the way we should also conduct baptism. (See N.T Mark 1:10, John 3:23, Acts 8:38-39).
Today Bible believing churches baptise people by full immersion. This might take place in the sea or a river, or in a swimming pool – anywhere where there is plenty of water. Some churches have their own pool in the church building for conducting baptisms.
With the Scriptural formula.
When Jesus commanded the disciples to baptise those who believe, He gave them a formula to use, a form of words to adopt during baptism.
This formula is found in (N.T) Matthew 28:19 which is the verse quoted at the beginning of this paper. From this verse in whose name are we to baptise people?
In the name of the _____________ and of the ________ and of the ______________________
Jesus authorises us to recognise all three persons of the Godhead when baptising believers, signifying that the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are all involved in the salvation of an individual and that all three are equally divine.
What does baptism do for the believer?
There are at least six things baptism does for the believer.
It identifies you with Christ.
This is just another official way of publicly saying, “I love Jesus, I belong to Jesus, I am not ashamed of Jesus.” By being baptised, you publicly demonstrate that you love Jesus and you want to live for Him. (See N.T – Mark 3:38)
It sets a pattern of obedience to Christ’s Lordship
Baptism is an act of obedience to Christ. Your baptism will set a pattern of obedience to His Lordship in your life for the future. In baptism you are saying that Jesus is not only your Saviour, He’s also your Lord – He’s in control. If Jesus really is your Lord you will get baptised!
It will develop your spiritual life.
There is great blessing and satisfaction in obeying the Lord. God is pleased when a person is baptised, when a person obeys His commands. Your baptism can only result in the blessing and development of your spiritual relationship with Christ.
It ratifies your profession of faith in Jesus Christ.
We are not baptised into ‘a denomination’ or ‘organisation’ but “into Christ.” Baptism is a ceremony of initiation that you will never forget. There will be no forgetting the night you were baptised, when you were dipped under the water. This is a spiritual milestone which you can later look back on with assurance.
It prepares you for further service.
It was after Jesus was baptised in water that He was filled with the Holy Spirit and went out into service. It was the same with Saul. This is a good biblical pattern for all believers to follow. In baptism you are publicly saying, “I am going to serve you in whatever way I can. Use me Lord, I am available.”
It gives you a sense of assurance.
Baptism will give you that pledge of assurance in your conscience about your past. It helps you to realise that your past sins are forgiven, that the guilt has gone and that God has accepted you and established you in His righteousness. Through baptism you will receive a sense of peace, assurance and confidence. (See N.T – 1 Peter 3:21)
Have you been baptised?
If you haven’t been baptised you need to get baptised AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! Don’t delay, talk to your minister today!
