Baptism
Baptism
INTRODUCTION Baptism is a very controversial subject, but nevertheless it is one that must be taught. In Acts 8:26-40, Philip taught the Eunuch beyond conversion to the deeper truths of the Word of God. It was the Eunuch who cried out, "See, here is water."
We do well to lead souls to Christ, but we should also teach assurance of salvation, Acts 8:39.
Baptism is a New Testament doctrine, but the word "baptize" is found in 1 Corinthians 10:2, referring to Israel passing through the Red Sea, overshadowed by the cloud.
John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, came preaching and baptizing.
John’s message was, Mark 1:4, "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. "
John’s baptism was not his own innovation but it came from heaven, Mark 11:30.
Multitudes came to be baptized by John, Luke 3:7. The intelligentsia rejected John’s baptism and consequently suffered spiritually.
Luke 7:30, "... rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized. "
John only baptized those who brought forth fruit worthy of repentance, Luke 3:8.
Luke 3:8-14 lists the fruit required: benevolence, kindness, love, generosity, honesty, justice, faithfulness, meekness, quietness, temperance, contentment. This list bears a striking resemblance to the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22.
I. THE MEANING OF BAPTISM Baptism does not mean regeneration or forgiveness of sins. See lesson 27.
Baptism states the fact of an event that has already transpired beforehand.
Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward reality--a genuine conversion.
It means obedience to the command of Christ, Mark 16:16, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Please note that believing comes before baptism.
It means following Christ’s example. 1 Peter 2:21, "... because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps." See also John 13:15.
It means fulfilling all righteousness. Matthew 3:15, "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness." If Jesus needed it, I certainly do, too.
It means separation by death from sin.
Colossians 3:3, .. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." See also Galatians 6:14.
It means identification with Christ, Romans 6:4-13.
Identification in His death. Romans 6:5, "... planted together in the likeness of His death."
Identification in His burial. Romans 6:4, "... buried WITH HIM by baptism into death." .
Identification in His resurrection. Romans 6:4, "... 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. "
It means association with Christ’s body. 1 Corinthians 12:13, "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body." One body, the church, visible and invisible.
WHO MAY BE BAPTIZED?
John only baptized those who met certain standards.
Those who have heard the Gospel and believed it, Mark 16:16, quoted in I. 1.
Those whose eyes are opened Acts 9:18, "And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized" (Paul)
Those who have repented. Acts 2:38, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus." Repentance is twofold: Turning from sin and turning to serve God
Those who bring forth fruit worthy of repentance. Luke 3:8 and Matthew 3:8.
Those who have received the Holy Ghost. Acts 10:47, "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"
Those who have been taught the Word of God Matthew 28:19-20, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them. . . teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." This would involve teaching the New Testament.
Those who have died, been buried and live on resurrection ground. This is the basic teaching of Romans 6:1-13, that every believer ought to understand well.
HOW SHOULD ONE BE BAPTIZED?
In what name?
Of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Matthew 28:19, the great commission.
In the Name of the Lord Jesus, Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5, Paul at Ephesus.
In the Name of the Lord, Acts 10:48. Peter referring to Gentiles.
What substance is used? Water only, Acts 8:36, "See, here is water." John 3:23, "And John also was baptizing in Aenon . . . because there was much water there.?
By whom should baptism be performed? By one or more representatives of the Church. Examples, John the Baptist, Philip, Peter, Paul and Silas, Ananias, etc.
Where was baptism performed?
Generally in a river. Jesus, Matthew 3:13-17; John the Baptist’s work, John 3:22-23.
Sometimes in a building or under conditions not specified Lydia, Acts 16:13-15; the jailor and his household, Acts 16:33; Simon the sorcerer, Acts 8:12-13.
Mode of baptism:
By pouring, perhaps a carry-over from the Old Testament anointing, 1 Samuel 10:1.
By sprinkling, perhaps a carry-over from Old Testament circumcision.
Evangelicals who practice baptism of infants by sprinkling believe:
They are not doing it to save the child
Children of believing parents, before they have wilfully sinned against their conscience, are in a state of salvation, 1 Corinthians 7:14; Matthew 18:10.
Baptism takes the place of circumcision. They were circumcised on the eighth day.
Parents make promises to the Lord and to the church on behalf of the children.
This baptism is not valid for church membership until the full implications are understood and then they are received by confirmation or other service.
This baptism is denied to children of unbelieving parents.
By immersion. The original meaning of "baptize" is to immerse.
Immersion was the commonly accepted mode of baptism in the New Testament according to history.
Matthew 3:16, the Saviour "went up straightway out of the water." Acts 8:38-39, the Eunuch and Philip "... went down both into the water" and "they were come up out of the water."
According to Romans 6:1-13, immersion is certainly a more complete picture of death, burial and resurrection than either pouring or sprinkling.
Sprinkling and pouring could illustrate cleansing and consecration. The believer immersed in water is a sign to the world that he has died, been buried, and resurrected and is now living for Jesus.
Colossians 2:12, "Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him." The important thing is not the mode but the inner spiritual meaning.
WHEN SHOULD ONE BE BAPTIZED?
Not when I want to have my sins forgiven. Not when I decide to become a Protestant. Not to advance myself socially or for business or matrimonial purposes.
When one is old enough to understand and meet the conditions of no.II.
Were children baptized in the New Testament? There are records of three households being baptized:
Philippian Jailor, Acts 16:1-40; Stephanas, 1 Corinthians 1:16; Lydia, Acts 16:15, but there is no mention of children. Acts 8:12, ".." they were baptized, both men and women."
Some prefer to dedicate children to the Lord rather than baptize them.
If a child dies unbaptized will it be lost? No. Baptism will neither save nor condemn the child. Salvation is through Christ, not through baptism, Acts 4:12.
David’s child in 2 Samuel 12:15-23 died uncircumcised and unbaptized, yet David says, "I shall go to him." And surely David went to heaven where he expected to meet it.
CONCLUSION In baptism I take a public stand with God and righteousness against the devil and sin. Baptism is a challenge to the powers of darkness. I’m living for the Lord Jesus.
Baptism is an act of faith calling on the grace of God for strength to overcome.
Baptism is a command. It is not optional. It is for me to obey and submit.
If Jesus needed to be baptized to fulfill all righteousness, I surely need to be also.
Let us prayerfully and perseveringly press on to baptism and the overcoming life.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
Why did the Eunuch desire to be baptized in Acts 8:36?
Who suffered when the intelligentsia refused the baptism of John the Baptist? Luke 7:30.
Give 6 meanings of baptism.
What is the threefold identification of a believer with Christ in Romans 6:4-5?
List the 7 requirements of those seeking baptism.
How should one be baptized-in what name? With what substance?
Where was baptism generally performed in the New Testament times? Give two illustrations.
Give the 3 modes of baptism practiced today. Which is the most Scriptural? Why?
When should a Christian be baptized?
If a child dies unbaptized will it be lost? Why?