Water Baptism

Note: This teaching is for those wanting to be baptized by immersion and can also be used during the baptism itself.

Foursquare Belief:

We believe that baptism by immersion in water is an outward sign of an inward work (Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:4).

Water Baptisms Explained:

What in baptism by immersion is only in response to what God has already done. It is always true that we are saved by grace through faith. It is always true that we are washed in the blood, even though we are baptized in water. What we do in the practice of water baptism is highly significant. It shows our willingness to obey Christ’s commands. It shows our understanding of the proper response to grace. It illustrates the benefits of salvation. Most of all it illustrates the great deeds of Christ’ death, burial and resurrection.

3 Symbols of Water Baptism:

A. We are washed.

1. There is a washing that is symbolic. Baptism involves the use of water, the universal agent of cleansing.

2. There is a washing that is more than symbolic.

a. The apostle Paul said so (Ephesians 5:26; 1 Corinthians 6:11).

b. The preacher Ananias said so (Acts 22:16).

Acts 22:16 (ESV) — 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

c. The apostle James said so (James 4:8).

d. The apostle John said so (1 John 1:7).

e. The apostle Peter said so (Acts 2:38).

Acts 2:38 (ESV) — 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

f. The writer of Hebrews said so (Hebrews 9:14).

g. The Lord Jesus said so (John 15:3).

B. We are born again.

The word regeneration in Titus 3:5 means the same thing as the words born again in John 3:5.

Titus 3:5 (ESV) — 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

C. We are renewed.

1. The apostle Paul loved this term.

a. He wrote of a new life (Romans 6:4).

b. He wrote of a new mind (Romans 12:2).

c. He wrote of a new attitude (Ephesians 4:23).

d. He wrote of a new self (Ephesians 4:24).

e. He wrote of a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:16).

2. The apostle Peter loved this term (1 Peter 1:3).