WHAT ABOUT BAPTISM

Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in Jesus Christ according to the command of our Lord. 

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

            Baptism should be for all believers in Christ and only for believers.

            The early church practiced baptism for those who accepted the message of Christ.

                             “Those who accepted his message were baptized . . .” Acts 2:41

            The order always observed in the New Testament –  Acts 8:34-38; 16:29-33

                        - People heard the message of Christ.

                        - They believed what they heard.

                        - They expressed their faith in Jesus openly.

                        - Then they were baptized.

WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

          Jesus Himself was baptized.  Matthew 3:13-17

                        - He gave us an example to follow.

                        - God, the Father, was pleased with His Son.

                        - Jesus said, “It is proper for us to do this.” 

            Jesus commanded that we should baptize those who believe.  Matthew 28:18-20 

            The early church practiced baptism.  Acts 2:8-41

WHAT IS THE PROPER METHOD OF BAPTISM?

            The meaning of the word “to baptize.”

                        The word baptizo, used in the New Testament for baptism always has the

                        meaning of “to immerse.” 

            The symbolism of baptism.

                        Baptism presents a picture of what has happened in the believer’s life.

                        “Having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your

                        faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.”  Colossians 2:12

                        Baptism portrays the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, as well as the

                        believer’s identity with Him.

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?

                Baptism is an act of obedience to Jesus’ command. 

                     -  a testimony of what has happened in the believer’s life.  Galatians 3:26-27 

                     -  a reminder that we are to live in a way that is pleasing to God.  Romans 6:1-4 

                     -  often a prerequisite for membership in a local church.  Acts 2:41