Baptism

Baptism is an essential part in the plan of salvation. In this study, we will explain the “Why of baptism;” the “What of baptism” and the “How of baptism.”

I. Why Baptism?

Matthew 28:18-20

Q. What do you see here?

• Baptism is a major component of the Great Commission.

• It is not an option. It is commanded.

• It is part of being a disciple of Jesus.

Acts 2:36-39

Q. What does the audience believe when they say “What shall we do?”

• They believe that Jesus is the Messiah and they are responsible for his death.

• They believe God has made Jesus both “Lord and Christ.”

• They are expressing their guilt. They want to know what to do in order to be saved.

Q. What does Peter tell them?

• He tells them to repent and be baptized. Both repentance and

• baptism are commanded, not just suggested.

• When they repent and are baptized, they will receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

• This plan is promised to every one for all time.

Q. Does repentance and baptism occur before one receives the forgiveness of sins or does it occur afterwards?

• Both repentance and baptism occur BEFORE one receives the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Q. Did you do this?

II. What Is Baptism?

John 3:1-7

Q. What do you see here about baptism?

• Baptism (being born of water) is a “rebirth.” It is necessary to enter the kingdom of God.

• Here, water and the Spirit are closely linked with being born again.

Romans 6:1-7

Q. What do you see here about baptism?

• When one is baptized, they are baptized “into Christ.”

• When baptized, one is sharing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

• Baptism is the point at which a person enters a new life.

Note: In the downloadable PDF of this Bible Study, there is a helpful diagram which illustrates Romans 6:1-7 well.

Acts 22:6-16

Paul encounters Jesus, he repents, prays, fasts (Acts 9:9-11) and is healed by Ananias. Yet Paul did not yet have his sins washed away at that time.

Q. What does Ananias tell Paul to do to wash away his sins?

• Arise and be baptized. (Acts 22:16)

We see in this passage that baptism is the point when one’s sins are

“washed away” which is consistent with previous passages on baptism.

Baptism is:

• For the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).

• The point when one is born again (John 3:5).

• The point when one enters Christ and begins to experience the new life (Romans 6:3-5).

1 Peter 3:18-22

Q. What do you see here about baptism?

• Water separated the lost from the saved.

• The water of Noah symbolizes Christian baptism which is the point that separates the lost from the saved.

• Baptism saves you by the resurrection of Jesus and your internal pledge to God.

III. How Is One Baptized?

Colossians 2:12-13

Q. What do you see here about baptism?

• One is buried with Christ in baptism and raised through their faith. Scriptural baptism occurs with faith.

• It is essential that there be faith at that point. Therefore, anyone who cannot have faith cannot be baptized.

• Baptism is the point where faith saves.

Conclusion

Acts 8:26-40

Q. What do you see here about baptism?

• It is done in water. Water is the element in which one is baptized.

• There is an eagerness to be baptized.

Q. Based upon what you have learned, why do you think the eunuch was eager to be baptized?

• The eunuch most probably knew that when he was baptized, he would be born again, participate in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, be saved, receive forgiveness of his sins, have his sins washed away, be baptized into Christ, and have a new life in Christ. Why would he NOT want to be baptized?

Q. Do you want to imitate the eunuch and be baptized?