Why Baptism?

Repentance proceeds baptism

Christian Standard Bible (Chapter 2)

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew Words Defined and Explained Repentance

Repentance

Greek expression: metanoia

Pronunciation: meht AH noy ah

Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew Words Defined and Explained Repentance

The Greek word for “repentance” is a compound word derived from meta, meaning “after,” and suggesting “some type of change,” and nous, meaning “mind.” Thus, metanoia strictly denotes “a change of mind”—a rejection of past sinful ways. But it also connotes remorse for sin, accompanied by a desire to turn away from one’s sin and to God for salvation. Such repentance accompanies faith in Christ (Acts 20:21).

A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Acts (Exegetical and Critical)

(1) change their minds, (their whole moral state should undergo a change, μετανοεῖτε), and (2) be baptized in the name of Jesus (ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰηα. Χρ., as an expression of their faith in Jesus, or a recognition of him, and as a pledge of their submission to him as the Lord and Messiah).

Christian Standard Bible (Chapter 1)

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 20

21 I testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 7

9 I now rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance. For you were grieved as God willed, so that you didn’t experience any loss from us. 10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death.

17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ will not be emptied of its effect.

Christian Standard Bible (Chapter 1)

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel,, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith,, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.,,

Christian Standard Bible (Chapter 15)

7 I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who don’t need repentance.

Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew Words Defined and Explained Repentance

Repentance, however, is not just a one-time experience. Recognition of daily sins and shortcomings provides the occasion for renewed acts of repentance. A good example of this is found in the book of Revelation in Jesus’ address to the church in Ephesus

Christian Standard Bible Psalm 51

1 Be gracious to me, God,

according to your faithful love;

according to your abundant compassion,

blot out my rebellion.

2 Completely wash away my guilt

and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I am conscious of my rebellion,

and my sin is always before me.

4 Against you—you alone—I have sinned

and done this evil in your sight.

Christian Standard Bible (Chapter 2)

41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them.

Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew Words Defined and Explained (Baptize)

BaptizeGreek expression: baptizōPronunciation: bahp TEE dzoh

The Greek word baptizō means “to dip” or “to immerse.”

Faithlife Study Bible Baptism

Baptism is an initiatory rite that serves as a proclamation of God’s work in the life of the individual and the Church

Receiving Christ as saviour

Christian Standard Bible (Chapter 10)

Then Peter responded, 47 “Can anyone withhold water and prevent these people from being baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.

Removing the debt we could not pay

Christian Standard Bible (Chapter 2)

13 And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive with him and forgave us all our trespasses. 14 He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; he triumphed over them in him.,

Rejoicing in the fact of a changed life both the individual and those involved

Christian Standard Bible (Chapter 8)

36 As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there’s water. What would keep me from being baptized?” 38 So he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him any longer but went on his way rejoicing. 40 Philip appeared in Azotus, and he was traveling and preaching the gospel in all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

Resurrection its about the outward show of the inward change

Christian Standard Bible (Chapter 6)

2 Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

Christian Standard Bible (Chapter 6)

4 Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection.

Reminder to the church

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 28

19 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, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”