Purpose: The purpose of this lesson is to bring us to an understanding that water baptism is the first step of obedience for the new believer and symbolizes a washing away of former sins and identification with the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. This step is an essential part of the proper Christian birth. It is the outward symbol of an inward change.
We believe that this Ordinance is to be administered to converts upon their confession of Christ as their personal Savior. It is our hope that your life in Christ will be one of continuous growth and prosperity. “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2 (New King James Version – NKJV). For those that desire water baptism, it is our aim to share some biblical truths that will set the course for the journey you have embarked upon with Christ.
Key Verse: “In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.” Colossians 2:11-12 (King James Version – KJV)
I. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE WORD “BAPTIZE”?
The English word “baptize” is transliterated from a Greek word, “baptize”, which simply means “to dip, to overwhelm, to plunge, to submerge.” It actually means “to cause something to be dipped or immersed beneath the surface of water or some other: fluid.”
If this word were truly translated, rather than transliterated, the command in the New Testament would read, “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, immersing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 28: 19
II. WHY IS THE BELIEVER TO BE BAPTIZED?
It is a requisite (absolutely essential; required; necessary) to every born again believer. Matthew 3:5-6; Matthew 3:13-15; Mark 1:4-5. Jesus would not allow John to omit baptizing Him – which showed the emphasis upon the importance of baptism of one who had made their alliance with Christ and He had become preeminent in their lives. Water baptism is an essential part of obedience; it is not optional. To refuse water baptism is to live in disobedience to the revealed Word of God. Water Baptism is a vital part of the salvation experience, but a person is not saved through water baptism. Jesus commissioned the disciples to baptize new converts (Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:16); therefore, water baptism is a sacred ordinance to be obeyed. In line with biblical authority, the only biblical mode of water baptism is by immersion, and we should practice this symbolic ordinance accordingly. Persons are baptized with the Trinitarian formula (in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost).
III. WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES FOR WATER BAPTISM?
Baptism in and of itself cannot save anyone. It is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as one’s Savior that brings an individual to salvation. Therefore, baptism is only effectual for those who meet certain requirements. Those receiving baptism must have already laid the first two foundation stones in the Christian experience, namely:
A. __________________ (Acts 2:38). This means one is not baptized merely because he wants to become part of a church group.
B. ___________________ (Acts 8:12; 10:47). This means that one must be old enough to know what they are doing.
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” Mark 16:16. We do not practice infant baptism, since we do not feel that the child has willfully entered into sin, nor do we find scriptural basis for infant baptism. However, we do believe in and practice the dedication of infants to God. This practice is seen to be in keeping with Jesus’ treatment of and statements about children (Mark 10:13 -16).
IV. WHAT TAKES PLACE IN WATER BAPTISM?
We are baptized simply because it is commanded by God to do so. However, as we respond to the Word of the Lord in faith, some very important things will take place. Every person who goes into the waters of baptism should expect to experience the following, by faith:
A. To be _________________________with the Lord Jesus Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (Roman 6:3-5,11; Colossians 2:12; 3:1). In baptism, the old man is crucified. In immersion, the old man is buried. But in rising out of the water, the new man rises to walk in ________of life.
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that 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.” Romans 6:4.
B. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:11-18).
C. A spiritual __________ and renewal (Acts 22:16). The water itself affects no cleansing, but as we respond in faith to the commands of Christ the Holy Spirit works in connection with the God ordained means.
D. An identification with __________ of the Lord (Acts 2:38; 8:12,16; 10:48). E.W. Kenyon puts it this way, “Baptism in this sense is equivalent to marriage. When the wife puts on marriage she takes her husband’s name and enters into her husband’s possessions and has legal right to her husband’s home. When the believer is baptized into the name of Christ, he
puts on all that is in Christ. He not only puts on the name, but takes his legal rights and privileges in Christ.”
V. HOW SHOULD WE BE BAPTIZED?
Jesus gave the command to the Apostles in Matthew 28:19, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Therefore all water baptism must be done accordingly, strictly on the basis of Jesus’ command.
VI. WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BAPTIZED?
Even as the waters of the Red Sea served as a separation between the Egyptian life of slavery and the land of God’s provision for the Israelites of old, so the waters of baptism should serve as a permanent landmark in the life of the believer. Baptism should signal a lifetime commitment to serve God faithfully. Baptism is not the end of our service to God, but is the beginning of a lifetime commitment of total dedication to Him. One who is considering baptism needs to be aware of what God will expect of him or her after they become a Christian.
Baptism places us in a covenant relationship as Disciples of Jesus. What responsibilities and duties do we accept when we receive forgiveness of sins?
A. Study the Bible Regularly
Diligent Bible study is our only way of learning God’s will and avoiding error. Acts 17:11; Psalm 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16,17. Are you willing to study the Bible diligently?
B. Pray Frequently
Prayer is our means of thanking God, praising Him, and making known our needs. Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 6:9-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Are you willing to pray regularly?
C. Commit Yourself to the Local Church
New Testament Christians always were recognized as part of a local church. They committed themselves to be involved and actively participate in the work of that church. See Acts 9:26-28; 11:26; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 4:16. This church must be scriptural in worship, name, organization, salvation, etc.
D. Attend all the assemblies and services of the Local Church
We should come on the first day to commune and give — Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1,2. We should come whenever the church meets to study, sing, & pray — Hebrews 3:12,13; 10:24,25; John 4:24; Ephesians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Acts 11:26; 2:42; 1 Corinthians 14. Are you willing to regularly attend whenever the church meets?
E. Practice Proper Relations with Other People
- In our family — Ephesians 5:22-6:4; Colossians 3:18-21; Titus 2:4,5.
- To those who are in need — Luke 10:25-37; Acts 20:35; James 1:27; Matthew 25:34-40.
- To civil government — Romans 13:1-5;1 Peter 2:13,14; Matthew 22:17-21.
- In business — Ephesians 6:5-9; Titus 2:9,10; Colossians 3:22-4:1; Psalms 37:21. Are you willing to learn and follow Bible teaching about how to treat others?
F. Help Others Learn the Gospel
All Christians should work to learn how to lead others to Jesus — Acts 8:4; Proverbs 11:30; 2 Timothy 2:2,24-26; John 4:28-30,39; 1:40-46; Hebrews 5:12. Are you willing to share the message of Jesus with others?
G. Live an Upright Moral Life
Mark 7:20-23; Romans 1:26-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21 Are you willing to correct any sins in your life as you learn of them?
H. Honor Church Discipline
We hope no members would practice sin. But if they do and refuse to repent, then the church must cease association and companionship with them – 1 Corinthians 5; Matthew 18:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6,14,15; Romans 16:17,18; Titus 3:10,11.
Are you willing to honor church disciplinary actions when needed?
I. Do All God’s Will
Luke 14:26-33; Matthew 28:18-20; 16:24-27; 6:19-33; Romans 12:1,2; 6:1-18. Are you willing to forsake all your desires and give your whole life to Jesus? What should a person do if he sins after baptism? — Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9. Are you willing to repent of any sins you commit after baptism?
Conclusion:
It is very obvious that baptism is more than just an external experience in the Christian life. God wants to do something lasting and permanent at this special time. Sad to say, many people go down into the waters of baptism dry and come up wet and that is the extent of their experience. But if each individual would respond in faith to all that God says is available in baptism, baptism will be one of the greatest experiences of their Christian walk.
Download these materials | Worksheet 1 | Baptism Request Form