The word “baptism” is derived from “baptisma” in the Greek; from the
verb, “baptizo”, which means to dip, immerse. Baptisma emphasizes the
result of the act rather than the act itself.
In Christian baptism the focal point is on the baptized person’s identification with Christ in death, burial, and
resurrection. By this external act the believer professes his death to sin
and resurrection to spiritual life. The rite sets forth the fact that the
believer has received Christ and in faith given himself to Him.
Col. 2:12 “…buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with
Him through faith in the working of God who raised Him from the
dead.”
Rom. 6:3-6 “Or do you not know that as many of us as were
baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore
we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as
Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father even so
we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united
together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in
the likeness of His resurrection,”
In essence, when a person commits to be baptized, he/she is identifying with Christ’s death, burial and
resurrection. It is a public identification with Christ; an outward
expression of what God has already done inside of us. It is a
proclamation stating that we now belong to Christ and our old life is
dead, and we are raised to newness of life.
We are a new creation in Christ.
2 Cor 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have
become new.”
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Christ commands us to be baptized in Mark:
Mark 16:16 “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be
condemned.”
Acts 8:12 “But when they believed Philip as he
preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name
of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.”
Water baptism does not bring salvation, as salvation comes first and then the
baptism confirms the belief. Hence, baptism does not save. The key is
to believe and if you believe you will be baptized.
Luke, the writer of the gospel, tells the story of Christ on the cross with two criminals, one on
His left and one on His right. One mocked Him while the other said to
Jesus in Luke:
Luke 23:42, 43, “Lord, remember me when You come into
Your kingdom. And Jesus said to him “Assuredly, I say to you,
today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
This Scripture shows that you don’t have to be baptized in order to be saved; the criminal was “that
day” with Jesus in Paradise.
What are the Qualifications for Baptism?
Those who have evidence of regeneration (salvation), and who by faith,
have entered into the communion of Christ’s death and resurrection, are
considered proper candidates.
As we look in the book of Acts, we see an example of a proper
candidate.
Acts 8:36-39 “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?” Then 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”…..both Philip and the
eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now, when
they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip
away…..”
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Many of us were baptized as babies, but no one can stand in our place
and say what we will or will not do in making a decision for the Lord. A
person must consent, of his own will, to make a public statement that he
has asked Christ to be the Lord of his life, thereby becoming a new
creation in Him.
His baptism proclaims publicly that his old life is gone as
he is immersed, and he rises to a new life in Christ when he comes up
from the water.
Being baptized is a sign and seal of the divine grace of God, which
symbolizes spiritual cleansing.
Acts 22:16,”And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins calling on
the name of the Lord”
If you have not yet been baptized since your salvation, I strongly suggest you carefully
consider being obedient to the command of Jesus. (Rom. 6:4-11; Titus 3:5).
Baptism also affords the opportunity for unsaved loved ones to attend
the ceremony and to hear your testimony and the testimonies of others.
1) What does the word “baptize” mean?
a) Sprinkle b) Dive c) Immerse d) All of the above
2) Baptism expresses a person’s:
a) Zeal for the Lord b) Dedication c) Identity with the Lord d) Spiritual side
3) When baptized, a person identifies with Christ’s:
a) Death b) Burial c) Resurrection d) All of the above
4) Complete this scripture: Rom. 6:3-6 “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His ________?
a) death b) church c) followers d) life
5) Does Christ command us to be baptized?
a) Yes b) No
6) What must you do first before you are baptized?
a) Be regenerated b) Be saved c) Believe in Jesus d) All of the above
7) Complete this scripture: Acts 8:36-39 “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?” Then Philip said, ‘ if you ________, you may."
a) think its the right thing to do b) want to join the church c) don't mind getting wet d) believe with all your heart
8) If you have been baptized as an infant there is no need to be baptized as an adult.
a) True b) False
9) Baptism symbolizes:
a) A seal b) Spiritual cleansing c) Grace of God d) All of the above
10) Who did Philip baptize?
a) A Centurion b) A guard c) A eunuch d) All of the above
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