Why Be Baptized?
Among our Lord's last words to his disciples was the charge to preach the saving gospel to all men. In Matthew Chapter 28,verse 19, he said, "Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost". The question before us is what was and is the action of that baptism commanded by Christ and his apostles. The Bible clearly describes the action of Christian baptism as a burial in water, for baptism is a likeness to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
We are not saved by our own goodness, but by the goodness, the love, and the favor of God. We are not saved by our own merit, but by the blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus shed his precious blood in his death and as penitent belie vers in Christ we contact his saving blood by going through a likeness to his death, his burial, and his resurrection. Listen to the Apostle Paul's vivid description of baptism in Romans 6, verses 3 through 5. "Know you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 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." Here the Bible clearly describes the baptism which was taught and practiced in the early church and which puts one "into Jesus Christ" as a burial. Paul said, "We are buried with him by baptism into death". Again, in Colossians Chapter 2, verse 12, we read that we are "buried with him in baptism". Nowhere in the Bible is the action of Christian baptism described as being anything other than "a burial", or an immersion in water.
In Mark Chapter 1, verse 5, we find that John baptized in water. The passage reads, "And there went out unto him all the land of Judea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan...". Again, in Mark Chapter 1, verse 9, we find that Jesus was baptized in the Jordan. "And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan."
In John Chapter 3,verse 23, we find John's reason for selecting the place where he baptized those who came to him. "And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized."
Now let us notice carefully the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch by Philip the evangelist. The two men were riding in a chariot. Philip was preaching Jesus unto the eunuch. In Acts Chapter 8, beginning with verse 36, we read, "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'. And he commanded the chariot to stand still; and they went down both into the water, and 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, that the enuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing".
From these verses of scripture we find that baptism requires "much water" and a "going down into water". We see that it is a "burial" in water and a "resurrection". Also we see it requires a "coming up out of the water". Only immersion fits the New Testament description of Christian baptism.
If you believe in Jesus and want to receive the remission of your sins; as a penitent person, be buried with Christ in baptism to "wash away your sins". Romans Chapter 6, verses 3,4, and Acts Chapter 22, verse 16.
There are two main points of view about why a person should be baptized. One view holds that baptism is a purely symbolic act which should be done in order to show that we have recently been saved. The other view says that, while baptism is symbolic of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, that it is more than just a symbol. This view holds that baptism is a direct and vital command of the Lord which must be obeyed in order to receive salvation. If you have been baptized, think back for a moment about why you were you baptized. Was it because you felt that you had recently been saved, or were you baptized in order to be saved? And now with this question in mind, let's turn to the Bible to see what God really says about why a person should be baptized. In Acts Chapter 2, verse 38, the Apostle Peter in his great sermon on the day of Pentecost said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost". The Bible says in this passage that both repentance and baptism are equally necessary for the remission of sins. When we remember that Peter was speaking by the inspiration of God, this verse should forever settle this question in our own minds. Baptism, according to the Bible, is not because we have already been saved. But Does baptism really wash away sins? Some say no! The Bible says yes. In other related scriptures we read that "Baptism doth also now save us" (I Peter 3: 20,21). The Apostle Paul adds that we are not even in Christ until we have been scripturally baptized. We read this in Galatians 3: 27, and in Romans 6: 3,4). If you have never obeyed the Lord by being baptized for the remission of sins as the Bible requires, may we encourage you to do so today. If you need assistance in obeying the Lord in this vital matter, please feel free to contact the Church of Christ nearest you.
Who Should Be Baptized?
The Bible not only teaches us what baptism is, but also teaches us who is to be baptized. The Bible clearly sets forth conditions that must be in the heart of the individual who has heard the gospel preached and desires to be baptized.
In Mark Chapter 16, verse 16, Jesus says, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved". Therefore, one must be a believer in order to be a subject of baptism. In Acts Chapter 8, Philip instructed the eunuch who was reading in Isaiah Chapter 53. The eunuch wondered if the prophet was speaking of himself or another. Philip made it abundantly clear as he preached unto him Jesus. They came to a certain water and the eunuch says, "Here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptized?". At verse 37, 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".
In Chapter 2 of the book of Acts, the Apostle Peter for the first time in the Christian age answers the question of those who wanted to be free from their sins. In verse 38 he says, "Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost". In Romans Chapter 6, verse 4, Paul tells us we are raised from baptism to walk in a newness of life.
From these verses we see that a penitent, believing individual who is willing to confess the Lord can be baptized in order to walk in the newness of life. A person failing to qualify in any one of these areas should not be baptized. For example, since an infant cannot be a believer, the infant should not be baptized. If a person is baptized to please someone else rather than being a sincere believer in Christ, this person should not be baptized. If a person in unwilling to cease the practice of sin and live a new life in Christ Jesus, he should not be baptized. The student who is interested in further study along this line should read carefully the entire chapters from which verses have been quoted in this study.
In Mark Chapter 16, verse 16, Jesus says, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved". Therefore, one must be a believer in order to be a subject of baptism. In Acts Chapter 8, Philip instructed the eunuch who was reading in Isaiah Chapter 53. The eunuch wondered if the prophet was speaking of himself or another. Philip made it abundantly clear as he preached unto him Jesus. They came to a certain water and the eunuch says, "Here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptized?". At verse 37, 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".
In Chapter 2 of the book of Acts, the Apostle Peter for the first time in the Christian age answers the question of those who wanted to be free from their sins. In verse 38 he says, "Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost". In Romans Chapter 6, verse 4, Paul tells us we are raised from baptism to walk in a newness of life.
From these verses we see that a penitent, believing individual who is willing to confess the Lord can be baptized in order to walk in the newness of life. A person failing to qualify in any one of these areas should not be baptized. For example, since an infant cannot be a believer, the infant should not be baptized. If a person is baptized to please someone else rather than being a sincere believer in Christ, this person should not be baptized. If a person in unwilling to cease the practice of sin and live a new life in Christ Jesus, he should not be baptized. The student who is interested in further study along this line should read carefully the entire chapters from which verses have been quoted in this study.
Baptism Is Immersion
Our word "baptize" is translated from the original Greek word "baptizo", which means to immerse. "Baptizo" does not mean sprinkle or pour. If our Lord had wanted people to be sprinkled, he would have inspired the New Testament writers to use the Greek word "rhantizo". If our Lord wanted people to be poured He would have inspired New Testament writers to use the Greek word "katacheo". But he didn't, so "baptizo" was used, which can only mean to immerse.
Let's look in the Bible to see how people were baptized. In John 3:23 we read, "Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there." Why was John baptizing near Salim? "Because there was much water there." Scriptural baptism, which is immersion, according to the Bible requires much water.
In Mark 1:5 we read, "Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to Him, and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River." Why was John baptizing in the Jordan River? Could it be "because there was much water there" in a river?
In Mark 1:9-10, we continue to read, "And it came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And immediately, coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove." When Jesus was baptized, he was baptized in the Jordan River. Why? Again, because there is much water in a river which is required for scriptural baptism, which is immersion. Also notice that after Jesus was baptized, he came "up out of the water." So scriptural baptism not only requires much water, but it also requires "coming up out of the water." This cannot be said of sprinkling or pouring.
Next we turn to Acts 8:36-39. The evangelist, Philip, had been teaching the gospel or good news of Christ to an Ethiopian eunuch while they were riding along in a chariot. Then in verses 36-39 we read: "Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, See here is water, what hinders me from being baptized? And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing." Here we see that the baptism that God has authorized in the Bible requires the "coming to some water", "going down into the water," and after a person is immersed it requires "coming up out of the water." How much clearer could the Bible be on the mode of baptism? Also notice that after the eunuch was baptized, "he went on his way rejoicing." Why? Because he was now saved and all of his sins had been taken away. This is certainly something to rejoice about.
Romans 6:4 says, "Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death." Here we see that baptism is a burial, which is what is done when one is immersed. Sprinkling is not a burial; it is only sprinkling. Neither is pouring a burial. Both are unlawful substitutions made by man which will cause many people to be lost.
Colossians 2:12 says that we are "buried with him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him." Here again God requires the one being baptized, to be buried and raised when he is baptized. When we bury a dead person in the cemetery, we do not lay him out on the grass and sprinkle a little dirt on him. No, that would be absurd, and it is just as absurd in trying to substitute sprinkling for baptism. Sprinkling for baptism is foreign to the scriptures. God did not authorize it. There is not one instance anywhere in the Bible where anyone was sprinkled for baptism.
But we then ask the question, where then did sprinkling or pouring come from? The first recorded case in all of early church history was that of Novatian in 251 AD, who lay sick on his bed and water was poured on him. Who made this first exception, man or God? Man did without the authorization of God. God has not approved of it. Sprinkling is just as vain as if it had never been done. This man made exception over the centuries became the man made accepted practice until at the Council of Ravenna in 1311 AD, man legalized sprinkling for baptism, but without God's authority. Since sprinkling is without God's authority, if you were sprinkled or poured, then you have not been scripturally baptized, and you still have every sin that you have ever committed and are still lost.
Source: http://www.bible.ca
Let's look in the Bible to see how people were baptized. In John 3:23 we read, "Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there." Why was John baptizing near Salim? "Because there was much water there." Scriptural baptism, which is immersion, according to the Bible requires much water.
In Mark 1:5 we read, "Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to Him, and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River." Why was John baptizing in the Jordan River? Could it be "because there was much water there" in a river?
In Mark 1:9-10, we continue to read, "And it came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And immediately, coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove." When Jesus was baptized, he was baptized in the Jordan River. Why? Again, because there is much water in a river which is required for scriptural baptism, which is immersion. Also notice that after Jesus was baptized, he came "up out of the water." So scriptural baptism not only requires much water, but it also requires "coming up out of the water." This cannot be said of sprinkling or pouring.
Next we turn to Acts 8:36-39. The evangelist, Philip, had been teaching the gospel or good news of Christ to an Ethiopian eunuch while they were riding along in a chariot. Then in verses 36-39 we read: "Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, See here is water, what hinders me from being baptized? And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing." Here we see that the baptism that God has authorized in the Bible requires the "coming to some water", "going down into the water," and after a person is immersed it requires "coming up out of the water." How much clearer could the Bible be on the mode of baptism? Also notice that after the eunuch was baptized, "he went on his way rejoicing." Why? Because he was now saved and all of his sins had been taken away. This is certainly something to rejoice about.
Romans 6:4 says, "Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death." Here we see that baptism is a burial, which is what is done when one is immersed. Sprinkling is not a burial; it is only sprinkling. Neither is pouring a burial. Both are unlawful substitutions made by man which will cause many people to be lost.
Colossians 2:12 says that we are "buried with him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him." Here again God requires the one being baptized, to be buried and raised when he is baptized. When we bury a dead person in the cemetery, we do not lay him out on the grass and sprinkle a little dirt on him. No, that would be absurd, and it is just as absurd in trying to substitute sprinkling for baptism. Sprinkling for baptism is foreign to the scriptures. God did not authorize it. There is not one instance anywhere in the Bible where anyone was sprinkled for baptism.
But we then ask the question, where then did sprinkling or pouring come from? The first recorded case in all of early church history was that of Novatian in 251 AD, who lay sick on his bed and water was poured on him. Who made this first exception, man or God? Man did without the authorization of God. God has not approved of it. Sprinkling is just as vain as if it had never been done. This man made exception over the centuries became the man made accepted practice until at the Council of Ravenna in 1311 AD, man legalized sprinkling for baptism, but without God's authority. Since sprinkling is without God's authority, if you were sprinkled or poured, then you have not been scripturally baptized, and you still have every sin that you have ever committed and are still lost.
Source: http://www.bible.ca
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scripture about baptism
Despite having received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Peter commanded Cornelius and his household to be baptized - Acts 10:48
All, including Paul, were baptized into Jesus and into Jesus’ death - Romans 6:3
They were baptized in order to be able to walk in newness of life - Romans 6:4
They were baptized so they could share in Christ’s resurrection - Romans 6:5
They were baptized so that old, sinful ways might be done away with - Romans 6:6
They were baptized so that they would no longer be slaves to sin - Romans 6:6-7
We are circumcised with a circumcision done without hands, removing sins, by being buried with Jesus in baptism - Colossians 2:11-12
That baptism made us alive together with Jesus - Colossians 2:13
That baptism allowed us forgiveness of all our trespasses - Colossians 2:13
Baptism when joined with repentance is for the forgiveness of our sins - Acts 2:38
Baptism when joined with repentance is needed to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (see Ephesians 1:13-14).
We are cleansed and sanctified with water - Ephesians 5:26
Baptism immediately saves - I Peter 3:21
Baptism when joined with belief saves - Mark 16:16
Baptism washes away sins - Acts 22:16
Baptism puts us into Christ - Galatians 3:27-29
Baptism makes us Abraham's descendants and heirs to the promise - Galatians 3:26-29
Baptism puts us into the church - I Corinthians 12:13
Rejoicing came after baptism - Acts 8:38-39
Baptism is called a washing of regeneration (new birth) - Titus 3:5
Jesus commanded baptism - Matthew 28:19
Jesus and his disciples baptized while on earth - John 3:26
Jesus baptized more disciples than John - John 4:1-2
Those who heard Peter’s sermon were baptized - Acts 2:41
Those who heard Philip’s message were baptized - Acts 8:12-13
The Ethiopian eunuch was baptized - Acts 8:36-39
Lydia was baptized - Acts 16:15
The Philippian was baptized - Acts 16:33
Crispus and many in Corinth were baptized - Acts 18:8
John’s disciples in Ephesus were baptized - Acts 19:4-5
Paul was baptized Acts 22:16
Paul had baptized Crispus, Gaius, and the household of Stephanas - I Corinthians 1:13-16
There is one baptism - Ephesians 4:5
Source: http://lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVIndex/baptismNecessary.htm
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