Baptism

1. Is baptism really essential?
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16.

Answer: Yes, indeed! How could any language or words make it plainer?

2. But the thief on the cross was not baptized, so why should I be?
"For He knoweth our frame: He remembereth that we are dust." Psalm 103:14

Answer: Neither did he restore what he had stolen, as the Lord specifically directs in Ezekiel 33:15. God holds us accountable for what we can do, but He also recognizes the limitations of "dust." He will not require a physical impossibility. Could the thief have come down from the cross, he immediately would have been baptized. This is the only example in the Bible of an exception to this rule. God wanted to make certain that no one would be presumptuous in refusing baptism.


3. There are many ordinances called baptism. Isn't any one of these acceptable, provided a person is sincere and earnest about it?
"One Lord, one faith, one baptism." Ephesians 4:5.

Answer: No! there is only one true baptism. All other so-called baptisms are counterfeits.

Note: The devil's "buffet" plan for baptism says, "Take your pick. The method of baptism doesn't matter. It is the spirit that counts." But the Bible says, "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." Ephesians 4:5. It also says, "Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the Lord." Jeremiah 38:20.


4. How was Jesus baptized?
"Jesus . . . was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened." Mark 1:9, 10.

Answer: By immersion! Notice that after the ordinance, He came "up out of the water." Jesus was baptized "in Jordan," not on the bank, as many believe. John always found a place to baptize where "there was much water" (John 3:23), so it would be deep enough (1 Peter 2:21). If they were merely sprinkling believers, they would have only needed a cup full of water. Any baptism other than immersion breaks this command. The word baptism comes from the Greek word baptizo. It means "to dip under or submerge or immerse." There are eight different Greek words in the New Testament used to describe the application of liquids. But among these various words—meaning to sprinkle, to pour, or to immerse—only the one meaning "to immerse" (baptizo) is used to describe baptism.

5. But didn't the disciples or the apostles change the method of baptism?
"They went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip." Acts 8:38, 39.

Answer: No! Please notice that Philip, a leader in the early church, baptized the treasurer of Ethiopia by immersion precisely as John baptized Jesus. And the apostle Paul warned that any who teach contrary to what Jesus taught should be "accursed." Galatians 1:8. No person—no matter how godly—is authorized to change God's words and commands.

6. Since Jesus and the disciples baptized by immersion, who introduced these other so-called baptisms which exist today?
"In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matthew 15:9.

Answer: Yes, Bible historical statements are accurate. What God says in His Book is true. Sometimes, temporarily, evidence may not be found to substantiate certain historical facts from the Bible; but in time the evidence surfaces. Note the following: Misguided men introduced other forms of baptism in direct contradiction of God's Word. Jesus says, "Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?" "Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition." Matthew 15:3, 6. Worship that follows human teaching is "vain." Just think of it! The sacred ordinance of baptism has been changed and made of little consequence during truth's hazardous journey through the centuries. No wonder the Bible exhorts us to "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Jude 3.


7. What must a person do to prepare for baptism?

Answer:
A. Learn God's requirements. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them . . . . Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19, 20.
B. Believe the truth of God's Word. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Mark 16:16.
C. Repent of and turn away from his sins and experience conversion. "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." Acts 2:38. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out." Acts 3:19.



8. What is the meaning of baptism?
"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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection: 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." Romans 6:4-6.

Answer: It represents the believer following Christ into His death, burial, and resurrection. The symbolism is perfect and filled with deep meaning. In baptism the eyes are closed, hands are folded, and breath is suspended as in death. Then comes burial in the water and resurrection from the watery grave to a new life in Christ. When raised from the water, the eyes open and the candidate begins breathing again and mingles with friends—a complete likeness of resurrection. The great difference between Christianity and every other religion is simply the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. In these three acts is made possible all that God desires to do for us. To keep these three vital acts alive in the minds of Christians until the end of time, the Lord instituted baptism by immersion as a memorial. There is no symbolism of death, burial, and resurrection in other forms of baptism. Only immersion fulfills the meaning of Romans 6:4-6.

9. But a person should not be baptized until he is certain he will never slip and fall, should he?
"If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not." 2 Corinthians 8:12.

Answer: This is like saying a baby should never try to walk until certain that he will never slip and fall. A Christian is a newborn "babe" in Christ. This is why the experience of conversion is called "the new birth." The ugly, sinful past no longer exists for a child of God. A person's sinful past is forgiven and forgotten by God at conversion. And baptism symbolizes the burial of that old life. We begin the Christian life as babies, rather than adults, and God judges us on our attitude and the trend of our life, rather than on a few slips and falls that we may experience as immature Christians.


10. Why is baptism an urgent matter for a converted sinner?
"And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Acts 22:16.

Answer: Baptism is a public testimony that the repentant sinner has been forgiven and cleansed by Jesus (1 John 1:9) and that his sinful, traitorous past is behind him. No incriminating evidence against a person exists after conversion. Men and women today stagger and struggle along under heavy loads of guilt and sin. This contamination and burden is so devastating to the human personality that people will go to almost any length to achieve a sense of forgiveness and cleansing. Many have been driven to the psychiatrist's couch, where human beings earnestly attempt to assist other human beings. But the real help is found in coming to Christ, who says to all who approach Him, "I will; be thou clean." Matthew 8:3. Not only does He cleanse, but He crucifies the old nature of sin within you. Burial in the water of baptism symbolizes the burial of the ugly corpse of the old sinful life. The ordinance is of utmost importance because it publicly represents the most stupendous provisions ever made for people.


11. How long does it take to prepare for baptism?

Answer: That depends on the person. Some grasp things more quickly than others. But in most cases, preparation can be made in short order. Here are some Bible examples:
A. Ethiopian treasurer (Acts 8:26-39)—baptized same day he heard truth.
B. Philippian jailer and his family (Acts 16:23-34)—baptized same night they heard truth.
C. Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1-18)—baptized three days after Jesus spoke to him on the road to Damascus.
D. Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48)—baptized same day he heard truth.

At conversion, God:
1. Forgives and forgets our past.
2. Miraculously transforms us into new spiritual beings.
3. Adopts us as His own sons and daughters. Certainly no truly converted person would want to delay baptism, which publicly pays tribute to Jesus for working all these miracles.

12. How does God feel about the baptism of a converted person?

Answer: He said at His Son's baptism, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:17. So, today, God is well pleased when a person is baptized by immersion in harmony with His command. Those who love the Lord will always strive to please Him (1 John 3:22; 1 Thessalonians 4:1). Is God pleased with your baptism?

13. Can a person experience true baptism without becoming a member of God's church?

Answer: No! God clearly outlines this. Notice the steps:
A. All are called into one body. "Ye are called into one body." Colossians 3:15.
B. The church is the body. "He is the head of the body, the church." Colossians 1:18.
C. We enter that body by baptism. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body." 1 Corinthians 12:13.
D. God's converted people are added to the church. "The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." Acts 2:47.


14. Notice four things that baptism does not do:

First:
Baptism itself does not change the heart of man; it is a symbol of the change that has taken place. A man might be baptized without faith, without repentance, and without a new heart. He might even be immersed after the example of Jesus, but he would simply come up a wet sinner instead of a dry one—still without faith, without repentance, without a new heart. Baptism cannot make a new person. Neither can it change or regenerate anyone. It is the transforming power of the Holy Spirit that changes the heart in conversion. One must be born of the Spirit as well as born of water.
Second:
Baptism does not necessarily make a person feel better. It does not necessarily change his feelings. Some people are disappointed because they do not feel different after baptism. Salvation is a matter, not a of feeling, but of faith and obedience.
Third:
Baptism does not remove temptations. The devil is not through with a person when he is baptized. But Jesus is the Helper of every believer. He says, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5. No temptation will come without a way of escape. This is the promise of Scripture (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Fourth:
Baptism does not guarantee salvation. It is not a magical rite. Salvation comes only as a free gift from Jesus Christ when one experiences the new birth. Baptism is a symbol of true conversion, and unless conversion precedes baptism, the ceremony is meaningless.


15. Jesus asks you to be baptized as a symbol that your sins have been washed away. Would you like to plan for this sacred ordinance soon?

Your Answer: _____________________________________

YOUR THOUGHT QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Is it ever proper to be baptized more than once?

Answer: Yes, Acts 19:1-5 shows that the Bible endorses rebaptism in certain cases.

2. Should infants be baptized?

Answer: No! No one should be baptized unless he (1) knows the truth of God, (2) believes it, (3) has repented, and (4) has experienced conversion. No baby could possibly qualify here. No one has a right to baptize a baby. In fact, to do so completely disregards God's direct commands regarding baptism. Misguided men in the church years ago decreed that unbaptized babies are lost, but this is scripturally untrue. It defames God as an unjust tyrant who would destroy innocent infants who died, simply because unworthy parents failed to have baptism administered. Such a teaching is tragic beyond words. It is bad enough to sprinkle babies and call it baptism. It is infinitely worse to hold to the unscriptural concept that babies are lost eternally because careless parents failed to do their duty.

3. Isn't baptism just a matter of personal opinion?

Answer: Yes, but not your opinion or mine. It is Christ's opinion that matters. Christ says baptism is important to Him. "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." John 3:5. To refuse baptism is to refuse the direct counsel of God (Luke 7:29, 30).

4. How old should one be to qualify for baptism?

Answer: Old enough to understand the difference between wrongdoing and rightdoing and to make an intelligent decision to surrender to Christ and follow Him. Many children are ready for baptism at 9 or 10 years of age, some at 7 or 8. And some are not ready at 12 or 13. No age level is specified in the Bible, because children have different levels of experience and understanding. Some are ready for baptism earlier than others.

5. Can baptism in and of itself save you?

Answer: No! But refusing baptism can cause one to be lost, because it means disobedience. Salvation is for "all them that obey Him." Hebrews 5:9.

6. Isn't baptism of the Holy Spirit all that is necessary?

Answer: No! The Bible shows in Acts 10:44-48 that water baptism is necessary, even when the baptism of the Holy Spirit has preceded it.

7. There is one sin I do not wish to surrender. Should I be baptized?

Answer: No! Obviously you are not ready to be buried in the baptismal waters, because the old life of sin is not dead. It would be a criminal act for a funeral director to bury someone who is not dead and equally serious for a minister to baptize one whose old sinful life is not dead.

8. Can you explain Galatians 3:27, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."?

Answer: Here God compares baptism to marriage. The person who is baptized thus publicly acknowledges that he has taken Christ's name (Christian), just as a bride publicly announces the taking of her husband's name at the time of the wedding. In baptism, as with marriage, several rules always apply:
A. It should never be entered into unless true love rules supreme.
B. It should never be entered into unless the candidate has determined to be faithful through thick and thin.
C. It should be approached with full understanding.
D. It should not be unduly delayed.

9. What are the qualification of the one doing the baptizing, and what should he say during baptism?

Answer: There are no qualifications for the one doing the baptizing, only the one being baptised. And a basic baptism may involve saying the following:

"Brother/sister so an so.
Do you repent and turn away from your sins? (Luke 13:3)
Do you believe the gospel? (Mark 1:15)
Do you believe on the Lord Christ Jesus, (Acts 16:30-31) and that he is the Son of God? (Acts 8:37)
Do you believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead? (Romans 10:9).
By the authority vested in me by Jesus, the Christ, and by the Grace of God, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, Jesus the Christ, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19) for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
Cross your arms, placing one hand upon your shoulders, and the other closing your nose, close you eyes and hold your breath."

Then you may fully immerse him or her in water, completely. Place your arms behind his back and gently dunk him, then lift him back up.

10. Didn't Paul say that baptism was not essential when he said, "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect" (1 Corinthians 1:17)?

Answer: No. If Christ told Paul that baptism was not essential, then Paul disobeyed Christ when he taught baptism to those who believed, and when he actually baptized people. If Paul literally meant that Christ did not give him a commission to baptize in water, and if all of these people have been baptized and Paul doesn't condemn them, then wasn't Paul negligent? And, if Paul literally meant that Christ did not give him a commission to baptize in water and Paul baptized people, then Paul stands self-condemned and was a sinner!

But Paul did baptize people. He baptized Crispus and Gaius (1 Corinthians 1:14), the household of Stephanas (1 Corinthians 1:16), Lydia and her household (Acts 16:13-14), Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household, and many of the Corinthians (Acts 18:8). Paul preached to the Ephesians and they were baptized (Acts 19:1-6), Paul preached to the Philippian jailor and his household and they were baptized (Acts 16:30-34). Why did he baptize them? Were they baptized without divine authority?

When Paul said, "I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius" (1 Corinthians 1:14), he didn't say "I thank God that I baptized none of you because Christ sent me not to baptize." He meant throughout this passage that Christian baptism can only be in the name of the Master Teacher and not in the name of the preacher. In order to properly understand the passage we must keep it in it's context. In verses 10 and 11, we read that there were "divisions" and "contentions" in the church. The brethren were factious, and prone to call each other after the name of the preacher who baptized them. "Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? (1 Corinthians 1:12-13).

The state of division there was such that Paul was glad he had not baptized many there: "Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name" (1 Corinthians 1:15). Paul was sent to preach. Preaching made people want to be baptized.

Paul neither says nor implies that baptism is no part of the gospel. In fact, this passage is a strong and compelling argument showing that baptism is essential and that no accountable person can belong to Christ until he is baptized. The Bible makes clear that it is the case that baptism is absolutely necessary in order for the alien sinner to be forgiven of his past sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; I Peter 3:21). In Galatians 3:27, he says "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ" are the children of God.

When people reject baptism, they reject the counsel of God for their lives. Luke 7:30, "But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him." Before one is taught to observe all things the Lord had commanded (Matthew 28:20), one is to be baptized first! Why is this so? In Mark 16:16, it is written: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…".

About the structure of Paul's language in 1 Corinthians 1:17, "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel," this is an excellent example of an ellipsis, a figure of speech where certain words not directly expressed are understood. Other scriptural examples illustrate how we are to interpret these words.

For example, in John 6:27, Jesus used this construction when He said, "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life..." Plainly, Jesus didn't prohibit working for physical food (2 Thessalonians 3:10, "...if any would not work, neither should he eat.") but He showed where we should place the emphasis, i.e., spiritual food should take precedence over physical food.

Similarly, in 1 Peter 3:3-4, Peter said, "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart..." In this passage, which is similar in construction to 1 Corinthians 1:17, Peter didn't forbid putting on apparel - surely women were to adorn themselves with clothing, but he placed the emphasis upon women's inward adorning, the adorning of their spirit!

And in 1 Timothy 5:23, "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities." Instead of saying, "give up water totally and use a bit of wine," Paul really said, "put a small quantity of stomach wine into your water." This was typically 20 parts of water and one part wine. By the neglect of common sense we can have Paul saying, "I want you to sin a lot so that you can get a lot of grace." Or we can have Timothy saying, "Paul sent me not to drink water."

Likewise, when Paul said Christ sent him not to baptize, but to preach, he didn't depreciate baptism. Christ merely showed where Paul should place the emphasis, i.e., upon preaching the word of God. When the apostles delivered the gospel, it was more important that they preach. At that time, not just anybody could teach the word of God, but anybody could baptize! Thus, the apostles rightly emphasized their preaching over baptizing believers themselves.

In this situation, it indicates the function of Paul. The function of Paul was to preach the Gospel. At Lycaonia, the people called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker (Acts 14:11,12). This explains why he baptized only a few. He was not saying that baptism is of secondary or low in importance and is therefore not essential for salvation.

Paul's main function was to preach, but he did baptize as well, as was shown earlier. Philip preached Christ and the things concerning the kingdom of God to the Samaritans and they were baptized (Acts 8:5,12). Philip preached Jesus (Acts 8:35) and the eunuch asked, "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" (Acts 8:36). Obviously, in preaching Jesus, the name of Jesus Christ and things concerning the Kingdom of God, one needs to include preaching baptism! Baptism is definitely a part of the Gospel!

Besides Paul and Philip, how did the others preach? On the day of Pentecost, when the audiences were pricked in their hearts after hearing the Gospel being preached, they asked: "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Peter answered: "Repent, and be baptized…" (Acts 2:37,38).

An excellent example of one sent not to baptize but to preach was our Lord Himself! It is written, "When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John. (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples.)" (John 4:1,2). Our Lord preached but His disciples did the baptizing! But His preaching definitely included baptism!

Therefore, even if Paul preached without baptizing, it was because Paul himself was not sent to baptize, but his companions did the baptizing. The "handler" is not important because one is being baptized in or in connection with Christ. Paul did not have to do the physical baptizing by his own hands. When a lowly believer baptized a person it was in the highest sense being baptized by Jesus Christ. John wrote, "After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized (John 3:22 ).

Paul usually did not go round preaching alone. He had at least one companion with him. He preached and those with him did the baptizing! This is commonly practiced even today! The churches of Christ worldwide usually hold Gospel meetings annually or half-yearly and the local congregations are no exception. Preachers are invited from other congregations (usually from overseas) to preach in these Gospel meetings. During the meetings, there are visitors who responded to the call of the Gospel. However, local brethren will do the baptizing of these precious souls. So, we can safely say that the foreign brethren are sent not to baptize but to preach the Gospel. But their preaching includes baptism just as Philip's and the apostles' preaching does!

Why is baptism always included in preaching to lost souls? Reason: The Lord Christ Jesus included it in Matthew 28:19, it is written: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost". He also encouraged others to be baptized with the same kind of baptism that he was baptized with (water) in Matthew 20:22-23.

In Acts 2:37-38, the precious souls were pricked in their hearts and asked the apostles: "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37). This obviously shows that they had believed. In his answer, Peter said (with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit ­ Acts 2:4): "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…" (Acts 2:38a). However, most of the Protestant friends would have answered: "There is nothing you need to do but pray to the Lord that you have accepted Christ as your personal Saviour and ask Him to enter your heart". Read today's reports of so-called mission work by Protestants and you will notice a different Gospel being preached. They write of souls having accepted the Lord as their personal Saviour. But the Word of God wrote of souls having believed and were baptized. How do you want to preach? I choose the way of Peter, Paul, Philip and other inspired men in the first century. 'For the remission of sins' is found in Acts 2:38 and Matthew 26:28. In both instances, previous actions are required in order to obtain the result ­ that is, the remission of sins. 'Repent, and be baptized' are essential on the part of the penitents. The 'shedding of blood' is essential on the part of the Lord Jesus Christ. These are written in the Word of God and let them be so.