A Discussion On Baptism

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Why do we Baptize? ++ We baptize because we are commanded to as part of raising disciples.

Begin Point 2

What is Baptism?

βαπτίζω - Baptidzo

Literal English translation - I dip/immerse/dunk in water

Usually the word is accompanied by a preposition such as in, out of, and into.

Baptism by immersion is the only kind of baptism known in the Bible.

Even those who advocate for sprinkling or pouring acknowledge this and acknowledge that immersion is definitely not “wrong or incorrect”

What is Baptism? ++ At its simplest, Baptism is immersing a person under water

but it goes far deeper than than that.

Romans 6:3–4 ESV

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Paul repeats much of the same in

Colossians 2:12 ESV

having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

What is Baptism? ++ It is an identification of a believer with Christ’s death, burial, and ressurection

Notice, “of a believer”

What is Baptism? ++ At its simplest, Baptism is immersing a person under water ++ It is an identification of a believer with Christ’s death, burial, and ressurection

but it is more.

Lets take a quick walk through baptism in Acts...

Peter at Pentacost

Acts 2:41 ESV

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Philip preaching in Samaria

Acts 8:12 ESV

But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Peter preaching to gentiles in Cornelius’ house

Acts 10:47–48 ESV

“Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

What is Baptism? ++Baptism is associated with entrance into the covenant community

Application: Don’t wait to be Baptized.

Begin Point 3

Is Baptism required?

Another common error is the belief that baptism is required for salvation

Acts 2:38 ESV

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.

Acts 22:16 ESV

And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

Acts 8:35–39 ESV

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.

Ephesians 2:8–9 ESV

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Example: Paul and Ananias

Is baptism required? ++Yes and no

Begin Point 4

Who do we Baptize?

We have already answered this question:

Who do we baptize?: We baptize believers

But what is a believer?

1 Corinthians 15:1–4 ESV

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,