Baptism

A)

Baptism is the act of immersing a person in water and raising them back up again. It is typically done in church baptisteries, but can be done anywhere where there is enough water (pools, rivers, lakes, etc.). The normal method is immersion, but pouring or sprinkling can be used if this is not possible (e.g. when a person is ill, disabled, elderly, confined, etc.).

A)

Water baptism is commanded by Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18–20).

B)

Jesus, our example, was Himself baptized (Matthew 3:13–17).

C)

Jesus and His disciples baptized those who believed and repented (John 3:22–26; 4:1–2).

D)

New converts in the early Church were always baptized (Acts 2:38–41; 8:26–38; 16:31–34).

A)

Being born again (see the lesson “Salvation”).

B)

Understanding the spiritual significance of the act of baptism.

A)

Our union with Christ. Baptism is symbolic of being saved. It is an outward physical sign of our inward spiritual union with Jesus Christ.

1)

Being immersed in water is symbolic of our death and burial with Christ (Romans 6:3–4). When we’re saved, we die with Christ, that is, we die, spiritually speaking, to sin and our old way of life. “Dying to sin” means that our relationship with sin is ended. Its power over us is broken, and we are no longer its slave (Romans 6:7).

2)

Being raised up from the water is symbolic of our resurrection with Christ (Romans 6:5). When we’re saved, we’re made alive with Christ, that is, we become alive, spiritually speaking, to God. Becoming “alive” to God means that we have begun a relationship with Him (John 17:3). God places His Spirit in our hearts (2 Corinthians 1:21–22; Ephesians 1:12–14), and we are born again (John 3:1–8).

B)

Our commitment to discipleship. When we’re baptized, we are publicly declaring our faith in Jesus Christ and our intention to become His disciple (Matthew 5:14–16). Our goal as a disciple of Jesus is be like Him.

A)

The act of baptism does not save you (cf. Luke 23:39–43). The Bible is clear that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 4:1–11; cf. Luke 19:8–10; 23:39–43). Baptism is simply the first and necessary step of obedience as we begin our relationship with God.

A)

In the early church, baptism took place very soon after conversion (Acts 2:41; 9:17–18). Because of this, baptism should be requested as soon as possible after being saved. Generally, a pastor will arrange this, and he can answer any questions about the process.

A)

Anyone who is a Christian and who understands the nature and significance of baptism can baptize another believer. Scripture gives no other requirements. The reason baptisms are typically done by pastors is because of denominational restrictions and the desire to ensure that people are truly saved before they are baptized.