In this lesson
Baptism is one of the first steps of obedience that a “newly born” Christian should take. The definition of Christian is one who has personally repented of his sin and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ to be his Saviour. One is not a Christian who is born into a Christian family, attends a Christian church, or lives in a Christian nation.
Today, there is much confusion and misunderstanding concerning baptism. Many winds of doctrines are floating around which lead many to be deceived. We must realize that salvation is by grace through an act of faith for “...the just shall live by faith.” Any work that we try to add to faith destroys the complete and finished work of Christ through His blood. Once again, by comparing scripture with scripture, we can understand the Lord’s intent on this issue.
I. What Is Baptism?
1 Corinthians 12:13The Holy Spirit put us into the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:13 · KJV
13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Colossians 2:12The Spirit performs a powerful operation, circumcision of the heart, when a person believes from the heart in the gospel. The gospel is the death, burial and resurrection unto salvation. (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
Colossians 2:12 · KJV
12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Romans 6:3-4The Spirit baptizes us into Jesus Christ.
Romans 6:3-4 · KJV
3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore 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.
Titus 3:5-7The washing of regeneration is the work of the Spirit using the Word of God as the water (Ephesians 5:26).
Titus 3:5-7 · KJV
5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
II. How Should We Be Baptized?
Mark 1:9-10Jesus was baptized by immersion.
Mark 1:9-10 · KJV
9And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 10And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
Romans 6:3-6This portion of scripture shows the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Water baptism by immersion best symbolizes this.
Romans 6:3-6 · KJV
3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore 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. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Acts 8:38The eunuch went down into the water to be baptized.
Acts 8:38 · KJV
38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Matthew 28:19-20Believers should be baptized in “the name” of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost - that name is Jesus Christ. One who is baptized in Jesus’ name is declaring to the world that he is Jesus’ disciple.
Matthew 28:19-20 · KJV
19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Acts 2:38Repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:38 · KJV
38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 10:48Peter commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
Acts 10:48 · KJV
48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 19:3-5The disciples of John were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus once they understood they had been baptized unto John’s baptism.
Acts 19:3-5 · KJV
3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
III. Who Should Be Baptized?
Acts 8:36-38They that believe with all their hearts that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Acts 8:36-38 · KJV
36And 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? 37And 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. 38And 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 2:41They that gladly receive His Word.
Acts 2:41 · KJV
41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Acts 16:14-15Those whose heart the Lord opens.
Acts 16:14-15 · KJV
14And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. 15And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
IV. When Should You Be Baptized?
Acts 2:41When they gladly received His Word, they were baptized the same day.
Acts 2:41 · KJV
41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Acts 8:12-13When they believed His Word, they were baptized.
Acts 8:12-13 · KJV
12But 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. 13Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Acts 9:18New born believers (like Saul who became Paul - the apostle) should be baptized.
Acts 9:18 · KJV
18And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Acts 16:31-33The Phillipian jailer and his whole house were baptized that night after they believed.
Acts 16:31-33 · KJV
31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
Acts 18:8Crispus, a chief ruler, and many others were baptized right after they believed.
Acts 18:8 · KJV
8And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
Acts 16:14-15Lydia believed and was baptized. Then she immediately began serving.
Acts 16:14-15 · KJV
14And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. 15And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
Acts 19:3-5Disciples of John were baptized again when they realized they were not believers before and were not baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 19:3-5 · KJV
3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
V. What Is the Purpose of Baptism?
Galatians 3:27“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ”, as their pattern of life.
Galatians 3:27 · KJV
27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Hebrews 6:1-3Water baptism falls under the “doctrine of baptisms”, pointing to the one true baptism (Ephesians 4:5).
Hebrews 6:1-3 · KJV
1Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3And this will we do, if God permit.
1 Peter 3:21Baptism is an indication of the willful putting away of the flesh and the answer of a good conscience toward God.
1 Peter 3:21 · KJV
21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
VI. Baptism Is Commanded - It Is Not an Option
Mark 16:15-16Christ’s followers were commanded to go, preach, and baptize all who believe.
Mark 16:15-16 · KJV
15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Acts 2:38“...Repent and be baptized every one of you...”
Acts 2:38 · KJV
38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 10:47-48He commanded them to be baptized.
Acts 10:47-48 · KJV
47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
VII. Baptism Is Not Part of Salvation
Mark 16:15-16“...Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
Mark 16:15-16 · KJV
15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
1 Corinthians 1:13-17Paul indicates that baptism was not important to salvation in his mind.
1 Corinthians 1:13-17 · KJV
13Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 14I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 16And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
John 4:2Neither did Jesus baptize His followers.
John 4:2 · KJV
2(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
Acts 10:42-48The household of Cornelius was saved and filled with the Spirit before they were baptized.
Acts 10:42-48 · KJV
42And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 44While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 22:16Calling on the name of the Lord washes away a man’s sin, not the baptism. Compare Romans 10:12-14 and Revelation 1:5.
Acts 22:16 · KJV
16And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Colossians 2:11-12The operation of God removes sins from a believer like a circumcision. Then immersion into the death of the body of Christ takes place through the power of the Spirit.
Colossians 2:11-12 · KJV
11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Titus 3:5-7We are saved “...not by works of righteousness which we have done...” Baptism is a work performed by us. People easily trust it above their faith because it is something tangible to see and hold on. The washing of regeneration is referring to the washing away of our sins by His blood. (Revelation 1:5).
Titus 3:5-7 · KJV
5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Conclusion
Baptism is an ordinance to be followed by a believer in order to publicly testify to others what took place in his heart. It is a witness of the transforming power of the gospel and identification with the church of Jesus Christ. Many have a zeal for God but not according to knowledge (Romans 10:2). Their zeal often focuses on baptism rather than emphasizing faith in Christ. (Romans 3:22).
Index
I.Fifty-seven (57) times in the Bible we are told to believe to be saved.
- Genesis 15:6 — And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
- Luke 8:12 — Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
- John 1:7 — The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through Him might believe.
- John 1:12 — But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
- John 3:15 — That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
- John 3:16 — For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
- John 3:18 — He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
- John 3:36 — He that believed on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life: but the wrath of God abideth on him.
- John 5:24 — Verily, verily. I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
- John 6:29 — Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
- John 6:35 — And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
- John 6:40 — And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
- John 6:47 — Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
- John 7:39 — (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
- John 8:24 — I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that l am he, ye shall die in your sins.
- John 9:35-38 — Jesus heard that they had cast him out: and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
- John 10:26 — But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
- John 11:25-26 — Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
- John 12:36 — While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus. and departed, and did hide himself from them,
- John 17:20-21 — Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
- John 20:31 — But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
- Acts 8:37 — 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 10:43 — To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
- Acts 11:17 — Forasmuch then an God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
- Acts 13:39 — And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
- Acts 13:48 — And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
- Acts 15:7-8 — And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us.
- Acts 15:11 — But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
- Acts 16:30-31 — 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.
- Romans 1:16 — For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
- Romans 3:22 — Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
- Romans 3:26 — To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
- Romans 4:3 — For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
- Romans 4:5 — But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
- Romans 4:11 — And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
- Romans 4:24 — But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
- Romans 10:4 — For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
- Romans 10:9-10 — That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
- Romans 10:13-15 — For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shalt they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
- 1 Corinthians 1:21 — For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
- 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 — Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
- Galatians 2:16 — Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
- Galatians 3:6 — Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
- Galatians 3:22 — But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
- Ephesians 1:13 — In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
- 2 Thessalonians 2:12 — That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
- 1 Timothy 1:16 — Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
- 2 Timothy 1:12 — For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
- Hebrews 3:18-19 — And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
- Hebrews 4:3 — For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
- Hebrews 10:39 — But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
- Hebrews 11:6 — But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
- 1 John 3:23 — And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
- 1 John 5:1 — Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
- 1 John 5:5 — Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
- 1 John 5:10 — He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
- 1 John 5:13 — These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
II.Nine (9) times we are told to have faith to be saved.
- Luke 7:50 — And he said to the woman. Thy faith hath saved thee: go in peace.
- Luke 18:42 — And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.
- Romans 5:1-2 — Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
- Romans 9:30 — What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
- Galatians 2:16 — Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
- Ephesians 2:8-9 — For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast.
- Ephesians 3:12 — In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
- Hebrews 10:38 — Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
- 2 Peter 1:1 — Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
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