LESSON #3 – BAPTISM

“Now That I Am Saved, Where Do I Start?”

Virtually every religious denomination in existence teaches some form of baptism as part of their doctrine, and the diversities in their teachings are wide.

This lesson is intended to give the Bible’s clear and definite teachings on the subject, so the individual understands perfectly what God’s intention is regarding baptism.

I. Why does God instruct us to be baptized?

A. Baptism is the first act of obedience in service to the Lord.

Anyone can be baptized; it takes no special talents or effort.

B. Jesus set the example Himself by submitting to baptism before He began His public ministry. Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22

Matthew 3:13–17 KJV 1900

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Mark 1:9–11 KJV 1900

9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Luke 3:21–22 KJV 1900

21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

C. In Matthew 3:13-15, it is clear that Jesus was baptized in obedience to God’s plan. In verse 15 He said, “...Suffer (allow) it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.”

Matthew 3:13–15 KJV 1900

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

This point of submission and obedience is the single most important thing to realize regarding baptism.

D. Other Bible characters who submitted to baptism after salvation.

1. The Ethiopian eunuch. Acts 8:36-39

2. The apostle Paul. Acts 9:18

3. The Philippian jailer and his house. Acts 16:25-33

II. What is baptism a picture of?

A. Several realms of baptism are mentioned in the Bible. In each case physical baptism is a picture of a spiritual truth.

The important point to consider is the picture portrayed by baptism.

B. Romans 6:1-7 (specifically verses 3-4) shows the two purposes of baptism.

Romans 6:1–7 KJV 1900

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 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. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

1. It pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

2. It is a public testimony of the new convert’s identification with Jesus Christ through the death, burial, and resurrection which is how he was saved.

It identifies him with the Lord Jesus Christ.

III. Who should be baptized?

A. The clearest case of an individual’s baptism in the Bible is the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-39. In verse 36, the eunuch asked, “...what doth hinder me to be baptized?”

Acts 8:26–39 KJV 1900

26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Philip then answered with the condition of baptism in verse 37. “...If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.”

Then the eunuch’s response sealed the matter “...I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

B. The only requirements for baptism are the requirements for salvation found in Romans 10:9-10.

Romans 10:9–10 KJV 1900

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

1. Heart belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

2. Confession that He is Lord and Saviour.

C. There are NO cases of baptism in the Bible of anyone but believers.

D. Some other instances of baptism immediately after salvation include:

1. Acts 8:12 2. Acts 18:8

Acts 8:12 KJV 1900

12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 18:8 KJV 1900

8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

IV. What is the method of baptism?

A. The meaning of the Biblical word “baptize” is to:

1. completely immerse

2. dip under

B. Acts 8:26-39 gives the clearest example. In verses 38-39, BOTH Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch went down into the water and came up out of the water. Why would both need to go INTO the water if Philip sprinkled or poured as a method of baptism?

Acts 8:26–39 KJV 1900

26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

C. In Matthew 3:16 Jesus was baptized in the same manner.

Matthew 3:16 KJV 1900

16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

D. As seen previously, baptism is a picture of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. When we BURY someone, we put them completely underground. The Biblical method of baptism is complete immersion. Any other method or “mode” is a man-made method and is not BIBLICAL.

V. How important is it to be baptized?

A. It is NOT essential for salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it clear that a man is saved by grace through faith without works, including baptism.

Ephesians 2:8–9 KJV 1900

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

The thief on the cross that accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour did not have the opportunity to be baptized, yet Jesus said, “TODAY thou shalt be with me in paradise.”

B. It IS essential for service and spiritual growth.

Matthew 28:19-20 (the “Great Commission”) proves it is essential.

Matthew 28:19–20 KJV 1900

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: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Baptism is an integral part of the Great Commission and precedes teaching.

C. Before anyone can be taught to follow Jesus Christ they must be willing to submit to the first act of obedience.

If a person refuses to obey the Lord in the first point, he will not obey in future points. Matthew 3:13-15

Matthew 3:13–15 KJV 1900

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

VI. Common Questions.

A. Where should I be baptized?

1. Baptism is an ordinance given to the local church.

Your baptism should be done publicly under the authority of the local church.

You are giving a public testimony of your identification with the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Many times a local church does not have the facilities to baptize their converts.

Under these circumstances people are baptized in rivers, lakes, or facilities at another church.

The actual place of baptism is not as important as the public testimony and the authority of the local church in administering it.

ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS ABOUT BAPTISM. LESSON #3

1. Give the key reason why God instructs the Christian to be baptized.

2. In Matthew 3:13-15, Jesus was baptized to demonstrate His _____________ and ________________ to God and His plan. Jesus fulfilled this before He began His ______________ _____________.

Matthew 3:13–15 KJV 1900

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

3. List three other men who were baptized after salvation in the New Testament.

A.

B.

C.

4. What are the purposes for baptism found in Romans 6:3-4?

Romans 6:3–4 KJV 1900

3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 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.

A.

B.

5. In Acts 8:36-37, the Ethiopian eunuch had to fulfill two requirements before he could be baptized. What were the two requirements?

Acts 8:36–37 KJV 1900

36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

A.

B.

6. How do we know that the Ethiopian eunuch and Jesus were not baptized by the sprinkling of water?

A.

B.

7. Baptism by a complete immersion of water is a picture of what?

8. Baptism is essential in order for the Christian to ______________ and _________ __________________. Also, one must be willing to submit to baptism so they can be ________________ to follow Jesus Christ.

9. Is baptism essential for salvation? Give a Scripture reference that explains this.

10. Briefly explain the primary purpose of this lesson.

Key Memory Verse: Memorize at LEAST ONE of these verses. Matthew 3:13-17; Acts 8:36-39; Romans 6:1-7

Matthew 3:13–17 KJV 1900

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Acts 8:36–39 KJV 1900

36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Romans 6:1–7 KJV 1900

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 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. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

NOTE: Can you see that some churches wrongly teach that:

1. Man must be baptized in order to be saved.

2. Baptism by being sprinkled is just as meaningful as immersion.

3. Babies should be baptized into God’s family or into “church.” Write any questions you may have concerning the subjects in this lesson.