BASIC CHRISTIANITY L4

SCRIPTURAL BAPTISM Baptism is a divine command (Acts 10:4 and is included in the Great Commission. (Matt. 28:19-20). The Bible mentions water baptism in 77 different verses. In any serious study of the New Testament baptism, four questions must be answered:

I. WHY IS BAPTISM IMPORTANT?

1. There are only two ordinances given by Christ for every believer to observe: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Of these, Baptism was given first and is mentioned about ten times as often in the New Testament.
2. It is commanded by:
   a. Christ (Matt. 28:19-20). It is part of the Great Commission.
   b. Peter (Acts 10:4 (cf Acts 2:41)
   c. Phillip (Acts 8:3 d. Paul (Acts 19:1-7)
3. Jesus chose to be baptized and publicly to show us that we should be (Matt. 3:15).

II. WHAT IS BAPTISM?

1. The Greek word for “Baptism” means “to dip, to immerse, to plunge.” If Bible Baptism is by immersion, then why doesn’t the Bible say so? It does! The Greek word translated “Baptize” means to immerse.
2. Note the requirements for baptism: baptism requires__________(Matt. 3:11); it requires a going__________into the water (Acts 8:38); it requires__________water (John 3:23): it requires a__________in water (Romans 6:5); it also requires a coming __________out of the water (Matt. 3:16-17).
3. Baptism pictures the__________, __________, and__________of Christ. (Romans 6:4-5). The only form of baptism that fully symbolizes this is__________.
4. In Baptism we confess our faith in the__________and the__________and the__________(Matt. 28:19).

III. WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

1. Note the order in the Great Commission. (Matt. 28:19-20).
2. There is NOT ONE CASE recorded in the Bible where one was baptized who did not ALREADY claim salvation.
   a. John the Baptist demanded evidence of repentance before he would baptize. (Matt. 3:7-
   b. Note the divine requirements in Acts 8:37.__________
   c. Note the divine order in Romans 6:3.__________
   d. Jesus said in Matt. 3:15 that “It__________us to fulfill all__________.”
3. Peter says in I Peter 3:21 that baptism is the “answer of a __________ __________ __________ __________.”
4. Although baptism is certainly a good work, the Bible plainly says that we are not saved by our works, and that it is altogether a matter of God’s mercy. “Not by works of__________,which we have done…..”(Titus 3:5). “For by__________are ye saved through__________, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of__________, lest any man should boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9).
5. The thief on the cross was saved without being baptized. (Luke 23:42-43).
6. Since salvation must come first before there can be Scriptural Baptism, there is no reason for baptizing babies who are unaccountable infants. There is not ONE New Testament record of the baptism of an infant or of anyone before a profession of salvation.

IV. WHEN SHOULD ONE BE BAPTIZED?

1. Study the seven examples in the book of Acts. These give us the practice of the first churches;
   a. the practice of the first church in Jerusalem, Acts 2:41-47.
   b. the practice of Phillip at Samaria, Acts 8:12-13.
   c. Phillip and the eunuch, Acts 8:37-38.
   d. Paul’s example, Acts 9:17-18.
   e. Cornelius’ example, Acts 10:47-48.
   f. Lydia’s example, Acts 16:14-15.
   g. The Philippian Jailor’s example, Acts 16:33.
2. Baptism, therefore, is the first step of obedience after salvation.
3. A Christian’s happiness and blessings depend on his obedience. (Acts 2:41,46; John 14:15).