EVERYONE HAS SOME IDEA ABOUT BAPTISM, for it is a part of most churches.  However, these ideas are widely divergent, and perhaps you have wondered at times which is the correct way.  The simple facts about baptism are found in God’s Word.  Won’t you take the time to read them carefully, looking up scripture references which are given?

 

Let us begin with the fact that God’s command includes baptism.  The great commission in Matthew 28:19, 20 says, “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.”

 

Also, when Jesus was baptized, He said concerning baptism, “…thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. (Matthew 3:15)

 

Assuming that we accept this fact, and agree that baptism is a part of God’s plan for His people, then we must concern ourselves with the answers to several simple questions about baptism, such as: When? How?  and Why?

 

 

Philip said to Eunuch (Acts 8:36, 37) that he could only be baptized if he believed with all his heart in the Lord Jesus.

 

 

All of the New Testament scriptures bear out the fact that those who gladly received the message of Christ and believed in Him were also baptized. (Acts 2:41, Acts 8, and Acts 16:33)

 

 

God’s Word always deals with NOW.  The Bible says that Now is the accepted time and we must not boast ourselves of tomorrow.

 

 

 

The Bible teaches baptism by immersion by the very word used.  The Greek word “baptize” means “to dip, to plunge under, to submerge.”  The Greek words which are translated “to pour, or to sprinkle” are never found in connection with baptism.  Furthermore, the scriptural expressions such as “much water” (John 3:23), “down both into the water” (Acts 8:38), and “coming up out of the water” (Mark 1:10) give very definite evidence that Bible baptism was by immersion.

 

 

In Romans 6:3-6 we find that baptism must fulfill three types:  Death, Burial, and Resurrection.  It is also referred to as being planted, and being raised.  It is not difficult to see that the only form of baptism that fulfils all these types is the immersion of a believer in water.

 

 

 

We have His command by example (Matthew 3:15) and His command by word (Matthew 28:19, 20).  Peter also states that we are to “Repent and be baptized.” (Acts 2:38)  Truly, there can be no doubt that all who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior have the responsibility to follow the Lord in scriptural baptism.

 

 

Jesus said, “Whosoever will confess me before men, him will I also confess before my Father which is in Heaven.” (Matthew 10:32)  Our baptism is a public testimony of our faith in Jesus Christ, and a way by which we identify ourselves with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.

 

 

Obedience to God always brings blessings.  Baptism does not save us, nor is it a part of our salvation, but it surely does add to the joy of salvation, knowing that we have been obedient in this matter.

 

Finally, then, we believe that Baptism is not a sacrament, but an ordinance.  We are not saved by baptism, but by faith in Jesus Christ, and His Blood cleanses us from all sin.  Baptism is the outward symbol of what has already transpired in the one who has trusted Christ for full salvation.