The Ordinance of Water Baptism

The Ordinances of Christianity

What did Jesus teach about Baptism?

Over the years men have established many religious traditions, rituals, etc., but Jesus commanded the keeping of only two ordinances (that is religious rites or ceremonies) after the new birth, one was Communion, and the other was Water Baptism (He also instructed us to remember what the woman had done with the alabaster box, but this found no common place in Christendom). In this lesson we will learn about Water Baptism. Let's look to the scriptures and see where Jesus commanded us to be Water Baptized;

Matthew 28:19 NLT

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Baptism Simplified

In the name of Jesus? In the name of the Trinity?

Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) 1650 εἰς

1650 εἰς (eis): prep.; ≡ Str 1519; TDNT 2.420—1. LN 84.16 (always in the accusative) to, toward extend to a goal (Mt 21:1); 2. LN 84.22 into, extend into an area (Mt 8:3; Jn 20:6)

Question? So must I be baptized to be saved?

This question comes up a quite often; but it think it begs a bigger question; “Why are you asking?” If Jesus is Lord of your life, and Jesus commanded you to be Baptized, a saved person wouldn’t question, but obey. If you are still concerned with salvation, I question the Lordship of Christ over your life.

Jesus was Himself Baptized, and taught His disciples to baptize His converts.

John 3:22 NLT

Then Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem and went into the Judean countryside. Jesus spent some time with them there, baptizing people.

John 4:1 NLT

Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John

Jesus' Disciples Continued to Teach Water Baptism after our Lord's ascension.

Acts 2:38 NLT

Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Paul was baptized immediately upon conversion:

Acts 9:17–18 NLT

So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.

Apollos was immediately baptized upon hearing the commandment:

Acts 19:1–6 NLT

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers. “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them. “No,” they replied, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” “Then what baptism did you experience?” he asked. And they replied, “The baptism of John.” Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.” As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied.

Who May be Water Baptized?

Baptism is always to follow the new birth experience, which is the acceptance of Christ. You are being baptized out of obedience to your Lord.

Baptism alone without Christ is of itself unable to forgive or cleanse sins.

The command of Acts 2:38 above was “repent" and then "be baptized".

The act of being baptized is the first outward sign of obedience to the inward manifestation of the Holy Spirit. The baptism of the non-converted sinner is meaningless.

Acts 8:35–38 NLT

So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus. As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.

What about infant baptism?

Can a newborn infant "believe with all thine heart"?

Further; an infant has no need of baptism. The newborn infant, while not being righteous, is innocent before God and not accountable for sin and judgment. A baby may not "repent" for that which it is incapable of being cognizant. And without repentance and conversion, baptism as taught in the Bible may not take place.

What is the Symbolism of Water Baptism?

Water baptism is symbolic of our death, burial, and resurrection with Jesus Christ. Our old sin natures were crucified with Him and are symbolically buried with Him in the baptismal waters. We then come out of the water even as Christ came out of the grave, with His new nature and resurrection power in our lives. Power to live holy , to love fully, and to reach a lost and dying world, as Jesus so did, and commands us also to do.

Romans 6:3 NLT

Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death?

This scripture also addresses the mode of baptism. Why immersion and not sprinkling?; because it’s symbolic of burial.

We are Baptized into Christ.

We are now brothers and sisters in Christ, and as such are not to look upon our differences, but now we are to see that we are one in Christ.

John 13:35 NLT

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Galatians 3:26 NLT

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.