BAPTISM
When a person becomes a Christian, he is baptized with the Holy Spirit (Mt. 3:11, John 3:5, Rom. 8:9, Gal. 3:24). This baptism is a one-time, complete action occurring at conversion ( Cor. 12:13, Eph. 4:5). During our daily living we are to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit in order to be empowered to live the kind of life that glorifies God (Eph. 5:18). However, the Scriptures speak also about a baptism of water that is to show the world that we have entered a new way of life (Acts 10:47).
I. WHAT IS BAPTISM WITH WATER?
A. An act of obedience on the part of believers (Acts 8:36, 10:44-48, 19:4-5). It must be done with the understanding that it is an act of obedience and has nothing to do with actual salvation. (See #IV.)
B. Baptism with water is a symbol of death to an old way of life and resurrection to a new way of life (Romans 6:3-4, Col. 2:12)
II. WHY DO WE NEED TO BE BAPTIZED WITH WATER?
A. It is commanded. (Mt. 28:19, Acts 22:16)
B. Because of the New Testament example.
1. Jesus was baptized. (Mt. 3:13-16)
2. Jesus’ disciples baptized. (John 3:22, 4:1-2)
3. Paul was baptized. (Acts 9:18)
4. The Apostles and early Christians baptized. (Acts 2:41, 8:12-13 & 36-38,
Acts 16:14-15, 16:33, 18:8, 19:4-5, I Cor 1:13-16)
C. Baptism is a sign of our faithfulness to God. (Acts 16:15)
D. Baptism is a testimony to the world of our changed life. (Acts 2:41-43)
III. HOW TO BE BAPTIZED WITH WATER:
A. By immersion (Mt. 3:16, Acts 8:36-38) because:
1. The Greek word for baptism (baptidzo) literally means to immerse.
2. Immersion provides a way to show completely that the actof baptism is to
symbolize the death and burial of the old life, and resurrection of our new life in
Christ. Romans 6:3-4
IV. PASSAGES OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD WHEN STUDYINGBAPTISM:
A. Acts 2:38...Often interpreted as teaching baptism is necessary for salvation, however:
1. The word EIS translated “for” actually means “because of.” Therefore, the verse
means “repent and be baptized becauseof the remission of sins,” which occurred
when you trusted Christ to save you. For example, we imprison a man for a murder
already committed, not in order to allow him to commit murder. Baptism occurs
because are forgiven, not in order to be forgiven.
1.
2. Baptism is not part of the Gospel throughout the rest of scripture. (I Cor. 15:1-4, Luke
7:50, Eph. 2:8-9, John 3:36, Romans 1:16-17, I Peter 1:9, Eph. 3:17, Acts 15:9,
Romans 3:5-7
B. John 3:3-8...Often interpreted as teaching that you must be baptized as a part of receiving the Holy Spirit, however:
1. The water here represents the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit
cleanses and purifies similar to water. He takes away the filth of sin. Baptism of
the Holy Spirit occurs at the point of salvation. The act of baptism with water is an
outward,visible sign of inward grace.
2. Other passages indicate the Holy Spirit’s coming upon believers before they were
baptized in water. (Acts 10:44-48 and 1:17)
3. The Greek word KAI translated “even” in the Amplified Bible (vs. 5) means “and,” as
it is translated in all modern versions. So it is not “born of water even the Spirit,” but
“born of water and the Spirit” to be saved.
“The Spirit is compared to water, John 7:38-39; Isa 44:3. In the first creation, the
fruits of heaven were born of water (Gen. 1:20), in allusion to which, perhaps, they
that are born from above are said to be born of water.” Matthew Henry’s
Commentaryon the Whole Bible.
C. I Peter 3:18-21 Often interpreted as teaching baptism washesaway our sins and saves us, however:
1. The temporal salvation of Noah in the ark was the foreshadowof eternal salvation of
believers by baptism. Paul declares what he means by saving baptism; he does not
mean the outward ceremony of washing with water, because that outward
washing does no more than wash away the filth of the flesh. The “baptism” by water
did not save Noah, but rather his faith, demonstrated by entering the ark. (Gen 7:1-10,
Hebrew11:17.)
2. Baptism here refers to baptism of the Holy Spirit, rather than baptism by water, for it
says, “and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of
dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God.” Verse 21 NIV
D. Mark 16:16...Often interpreted as Jesus’ teaching that you must be baptized to be saved, however:
1. One who believes, by virtue of baptism by water, acknowledges publicly that he is a
sinner, needing the purifying work of the Holy Spirit. Note that Christ did not say that
a man could not be saved without water baptism. However, faith andbaptism are
the beginnings of a Christian life.
2. In the last half of this verse, Jesus says nothing about not being baptized as a reason
for not being saved. Therefore, believing is the source of salvation
with baptism coming as a result of conversion.
2.