Water Baptism. Jesus Commands Series INTRODUCTION WHAT IS WATER BAPTISM? NOTES:

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1 Water Baptism INTRODUCTION After we repent and accept the Lord Jesus as our savior, we become God s children and we have a new life. One thing that every believer should do after accepting Christ is to be baptized in water. This is the ceremony in which believers proclaim publicly that they are ready to follow the Lord Jesus Christ forever. The Bible records the fact that those who believed in Jesus and were baptized in water made a firm decision to follow Him and to become His disciples for the rest of their lives. They demonstrated their faith by committing themselves to His teachings and fellowship. Acts 2:41-42 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Jesus emphasized the importance of water baptism. After He rose from the dead, He commanded His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Jesus commanded Christians to observe only two ceremonies: water baptism and communion. These two ceremonies remind us that Jesus died on the cross in order to pay for our sins and that we have a new life with Him. Because He commanded us to observe these two ceremonies, it means they are very important and meaningful for us. WHAT IS WATER BAPTISM? Water baptism is an outward act of obedience that reveals our inner attitudes. Those of us who believe in Jesus show our faith by acting on His command. It is Jesus Commands Series 1

2 Water baptism a privilege to receive water baptism. HOW IS IT DONE? By being immersed in water The Bible does not teach us to baptize believers by sprinkling or pouring water on their heads. Baptism comes from the Greek word Baptizo which means immersion. This word was used when pieces of cloth were immersed in dye in order to change their color. The act of immersion in water is a physical representation of the true meaning of water baptism. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF WATER BAPTISM? Baptism is an obedient response to our belief. It is an outward symbol of the confession of our faith in Jesus Christ. Water baptism is not an option, it is a command. Because water baptism is an important ceremony, we should do it correctly according to God s principles. It is the way to identify ourselves with Jesus, in His death, His burial, and His resurrection. 1. The cleansing of our sin - our sin has been taken away Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name. When our body goes under the water, it is symbolic of the fact that we are buried with Jesus in His death and His burial. We need to realize that we have already died to sin. Our old self has been crucified with Christ. We will have 2 NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH

3 Water Baptism confidence that our sins have been forgiven. We choose to die to sin with Christ who was willing to die on the cross. Our old self or sinful nature has been buried with Him in baptism just as He was buried in the tomb. Romans 6:3-5 Or don t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 2. The burial of our old man or our fleshly nature (our sinful life) Colossians 2:11-12 In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through our faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. 3. We have new life. We have a new nature When we come out of the water in the baptism ceremony, it is a picture of our new life with Him, just as He was resurrected from the dead. As believers, we receive His new nature, which God is restoring, in our lives until we become like Him. Therefore, we believe sprinkling water or pouring water on a person is not an appropriate way to be baptized because it is not an accurate picture of what happens to us as believers. Water baptism is not merely a ceremony. When we do it as an act of faith, it is very meaningful and brings spiritual blessings to our lives. Jesus Commands Series 3

4 Water baptism WHO CAN BE BAPTIZED? Anyone may be baptized who has heard the good news and has put their trust in Jesus, receiving Him as Savior and Lord of their life. Acts 16:31-32 They replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved-you and your household. Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. Acts 2:38 Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. According to Bible, Christian water baptism should be received after believing in Jesus Christ and repenting from sin. Can children be baptized? If children are old enough to decide for themselves to believe in Jesus, then they can also be baptized. A baby therefore should not be baptized. Water baptism is an important and privileged ceremony only for those people who repent and put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Non-believers should not be baptized. Mark 16:16 Whoever believers and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. EXAMPLES FROM THE BIBLE On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:31-41) Acts 2:37-38, 41 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, Brothers, what shall we do? Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift 4 NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH

5 Water Baptism of Holy Spirit. Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. The people of Samaria Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Cornelius and his household (Acts 10:44-48, 11:16-18) Acts 10:47 Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have. The Ethiopian eunuch In Acts 8:36-37, an Ethiopian eunuch repented and believed in the gospel after Philip explained the Scriptures to him. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch asked to be baptized. Acts 8:38-39 And he ordered the chariot to stop. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. The Philippian Jailor Acts 16:29-34 Sirs, what must I do to be saved? They replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved - you and your household. Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. Jesus Commands Series 5

6 Water baptism WHEN SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED? Anytime after you believe...that very hour (Acts 16:33),...when they believed (Acts 8:12) that day (Acts 2:41). You don t have to wait any longer or until you have completed this or any other course of study. You can be baptized once you believe. As soon as possible The day of Pentecost - a few hours after accepting Christ Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousands were added to their number that day. The people of Samaria - they were baptized right after they believed in the good news Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. The Philippian jailer put his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and he was baptized in water that very night. Acts 16:16-34 The Ethiopian eunuch - the day he accepted Christ Acts 8:35-37 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, Look, here is water. Why shouldn t I be baptized? And he ordered the chariot to stop. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized Him. 6 NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH

7 Water Baptism The apostle Paul was baptized in water when Ananias visited him right after he converted Acts 9:17-18 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, Brother Saul, the Lord - Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. Cornelius - he was baptized as soon as he believed in the Lord Jesus Acts 10:48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. We should be baptized as soon as possible even though our lives may not seem good enough. No one is perfect or good enough in God s sight. We should not think that we are not good enough to follow Jesus because we are saved by His grace. We should be willing to follow Jesus and obey His commands, which include being baptized in water. WHO CAN BAPTIZE US? Any born-again Christian can baptize another person who believes in Jesus. He does not have to be an ordained pastor or a church leader. However, those who baptize others should understand this ceremony thoroughly. The Apostle Paul delegated other Christians to perform this ceremony for him. Any Christian can perform water baptism as long as he or she does it meaningfully. Acts 10:47-48 Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have. So, he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. Jesus Commands Series 7

8 Water baptism IN WHOSE NAME SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED? Matthew 28:19 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. The Bible uses the singular form for the word name in Matthew 28:19. There is only one God who has three parts: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we are baptized in the name of the one true God. God reveals Himself in the trinity, or three parts. The Father is not the Son. The Son is not the Holy Spirit or the Father. Acts 2:38 Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them: they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 10:48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. Acts 19:5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. We can see from these verses that the disciples in the early church were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. They interpreted the phrase in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit as the name of the Lord Jesus. Some denominations teach that Christians must be baptized in the name of Jesus only. Actually, we can be baptized in God s name, whether it is of the Father or of the Holy Spirit or of the Son. This is why in our church we say, I baptized you in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, that is, in Jesus name. 8 NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH

9 Water Baptism MISUNDERSTANDINGS Infant Baptism Newborns, infants and children, who have not repented and have not made a personal decision to accept Christ, cannot be baptized. However, children who have an understanding of the good news and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ can be baptized in water. Some 4 to 5 year old children can make their own decision to repent and follow Jesus. They then should be baptized in water. There is not even one account in the Bible where newborn babies were baptized in water. Even though the Bible mentions that some groups of people or families were baptized in water (1 Corinthians 1:16, Acts 16:31-34, 16:14-15, 18:8), we should not assume that babies were baptized in any of these events. If we carefully read Acts 16:32-34, we will see that only the jailer and his family members, who could understand the good news and believed in the Lord Jesus, were baptized. Infants and small children were definitely not baptized in water at that time, since they could not make a decision to believe in the Lord. We can present or dedicate infants and small children to the Lord, but we should not baptize them. Luke 2:22-23 When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord), Baptism Does Not Equal Salvation If a person is baptized without faith in Jesus, it is just a meaningless ritual. The scripture is clear that salvation is by faith. Water baptism is not the way to receive salvation. Jesus Commands Series 9

10 Water baptism Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. CONCLUSION - THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER BAPTISM In conclusion, water baptism is a visible outward action that reveals what is unseen in a Christian s heart. We tell others by outward actions that we believe in Jesus. Here are some biblical reasons for water baptism: In order to pledge a good conscience toward God (1 Peter 3:21). 1 Peter 3:21 There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, In order to proclaim Jesus' death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:1-4). Romans 6:1-4 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Water baptism symbolizes the burial of our old-self or sinful nature, which is legally dead once we have put of our faith in the Lord Jesus (Romans 6:6-7, 14). Romans 6:6-7, 14 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. In order to proclaim the defeat of Satan (Colossians 2:12, 15). 10 NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH

11 Water Baptism Colossians 2:12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. In order to proclaim our faith and to acknowledge Jesus before men (Matthew 10:32-33, 5:16). Matthew 10:32-33 Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Water baptism reveals the unity of Christians (Galatians 3:26-28). Galatians 3:26-28 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. It is a way to show obedience toward Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20). Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen. In order to receive spiritual blessings (Acts 8:39, John 14:15-24). Acts 8:39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. John 14:15-24 If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-- 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. 19 A Jesus Commands Series 11

12 Water baptism little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him. 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world? 23 Jesus answered and said to him, If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father s who sent Me. 12 NEW HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH