Introduction: As a Bible believing Baptist, there are certain doctrines that separate us from other religions. One of those doctrines is the baptism of believers. This lesson will cover things found in the scriptures regarding baptism.
Why Do We Baptize- We are commanded to baptize. Matthew 28:19 the Lord Jesus Christ commanded his disciples to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”. Baptism was not only given to the disciples to do, but it is something that we should be doing today. Baptism according to this verse, baptism is done “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”.
Requirements to Baptize- Before a person is to be baptized, he must believe on the finished work of Jesus Christ. No infant baptism, infants can’t decide for themselves. Ephesians 2:8-10 and Romans 10:9-10. The baptism itself does not save a person, it only picture what has already taken place on the inside.
Method of Baptism- Baptism should be done by immersion not sprinkling or infant baptism. In Acts 8:38-39 when Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch, the Bible says “and they went down both into the water”. When Jesus Christ was baptized the Bible says in Matthew 3:16 “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water”.
What does Baptism Represent- I Corinthians 15:1-4- It is an outward expression of something that has taken place on the inside. It pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. In Romans 6:3-5 the submergence and emergence of immersion, according to Pau, symbolize the death and burial to sin on the one hand and the resurrection to the new life in Christ on the other. In Colossians 2:12 Paul again says: “having been buried with him in baptism, wherein ye were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead
Examples of Baptisms in the Bible- The Ethiopian eunuch- Acts 8:36-39. Saul/Paul- Acts 9:15-18. Lydia Acts 16:14-15. Philippians Jailor- Acts 16:30-33. Jesus Christ- Matthew 3:11-17.
Conclusion: Baptism is a biblical doctrine that we gladly follow because of its significance. If you are not saved, get saved. If you are saved, be obedient to the Word of God and get scripturally baptized.
Anchor Baptist Church 