BIBLE Answers About Baptism

IS BAPTISM FOR ME?

"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."
Acts 8:37

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
Acts 2:41

"And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway."
Acts 16:30-33

CONCLUSION: Baptism is for believers only.

WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

  1. Commanded by Christ
    "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."     Matthew 28:19
  2. Christ our example
    "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him." Matthew 3:13
  3. Believer shows obedience
    "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
    Acts 2:41

CONCLUSION: We are baptized to obey the command of Jesus Christ.

HOW SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

Baptism by immersion pictures our position with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection. (Romans 6:3-5)

  1. Baptism is with water
    "John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not." John 1:26
  2. Baptism by immersion (under the water)
    "And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan;
    And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:"
    Mark 1:9,10
    "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."
    Acts 8:38

CONCLUSION: Only baptism by immersion pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

Following Salvation

"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 8:12

"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?
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."
Acts 8:36,37

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
Acts 2:41

  • See also Acts 16:25-33
    •

    CONCLUSION: Baptism follows salvation, immediately, if possible.

    WHAT IF I REFUSE TO BE BAPTIZED?

    Disobedience: "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
    James 4:17

    Loss of testimony: "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed."
    John 8:31

    Loss of fellowship: "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."
    John 15:14

    Tract from Temple Baptist Church, Powell TN

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    [updated 01/26/2007 ]