Water Baptism
INTRODUCTION
Water baptism is a very important doctrine in the Bible and is essential for salvation. Right before Jesus ascended into heaven, He said:
Mark 16:16 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
By this scripture alone we see the importance Jesus placed on water baptism. Jesus gave us the command of baptism in the Great Commission.
Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
Luke 24:45–47 “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
There is no option or alternative to the command of the Lord Jesus Christ. The command of Jesus makes it necessary for those who believe the gospel of Jesus Christ and want to be saved to be baptized. In this lesson, we will define the biblical mode and formula of baptism. Also, we will show what being “born of water” means and that baptism is essential to salvation.
WHAT IS THE BIBLICAL MODE OF BAPTISM?
The mode (manner or method) in which baptism is to be practiced is by a single immersion in water. The English word baptism comes from a Greek word baptize, which means “to dip, plunge, immerse, submerge or to bury.” It is clear baptism literally means to “immersion” in water.
Here are some biblical examples of water baptism by immersion:
John the Baptist: John 3:23 “And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.”
Jesus’ Baptism: Matthew 3:16 “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water…”
The Ethiopian Eunuch: Acts 8:38-39 “And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water…”
Romans 6:4 “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death…”
Colossians 2:12 “Buried with him in baptism…”
You cannot sprinkle someone and call them buried! Sprinkling is not a Bible teaching. Also, infant baptism is not a Bible teaching. Children must have an understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They must also have knowledge and faith to accept God’s plan of salvation for them. Remember, Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.”
WHAT IS THE BIBLICAL FORMULA OF BAPTISM?
Just as there is a biblical mode of baptism, which is immersion, there is also a biblical formula of baptism. The word formula refers to the words spoken by the minister while baptizing a convert. Without a single exception, the early church always administered baptism in the name of Jesus. At baptism, one is baptized into the name of Jesus, which is the saving name of God.
Acts 4:10-12 “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Matthew 28:19 is not a formula for baptism, but a command from Jesus to baptize.
Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
The Apostles did not repeat the words of the command, but they obeyed it by baptizing in the Name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 8:16 “…only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)”
Acts 10:48 “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord…”
Please note the word “name” is singular. It is name, not names. The word “Father” is not a name but only a title. There are many fathers in the world and each one has a name. Again, the word “Son” does not denote a specific person. Rather, “Son” is not a name but denotes the relationship between a male and his father and/or mother. A name is personal and distinguishes one person from another. A name expresses the term by
which a person is known or called.
Jesus said, “I am come in my Father’s name…” (John 5:43)
The angel said, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
Jesus said, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name…” (John 14:26)
Father,” “Son,” and “Holy Ghost” are only titles of the manifestations of the Almighty Spirit and the body of Jesus. In John 17:6, Jesus was praying and said “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me…” Therefore, the Apostles understood that His “saving name” is Jesus.
WHAT DOES “BORN OF WATER” MEAN?
Jesus gave the keys to the kingdom of heaven to Peter, one of His disciples.
Matthew 16:18-19 “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Keys unlock something that is locked and allows entrance into a building or room. Keys also mean authority. Jesus gave Peter the authority to open up the way to heaven. The word “keys” in Matthew 16:19 does not mean Jesus handed the Apostle Peter a set of metal keys. It means that Jesus gave to Peter a spiritual understanding of the plan of salvation. Peter was chosen to open the door of salvation that would allow men and women entrance into the church. When Peter preached the gospel on the Day of Pentecost, he opened the door of salvation. What Peter preached on the day of Pentecost agrees with what Jesus told Nicodemus when he
asked how could he be born again.
John 3:5 “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
John 3:7 “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
The message Peter preached on the day of Pentecost is the fulfillment of Jesus’ command in John 3:5-7. To be born of water is to be baptized in Jesus’ name. To be born of the Spirit is to be filled with the Holy Ghost. The only way you can experience New Testament salvation is to be born again “of water and of the Spirit.”
BAPTISM FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS
When a person is baptized in the name of Jesus, they receive remission of sins.
Acts 2:38 “Then 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.”
Remission means “to forgive or pardon, or to refrain from inflicting punishment.” When a person is baptized in Jesus’ name the blood of Jesus cleanses them from sin.
Hebrews 9:22 “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”
The blood of Christ is necessary to remit sin. What then is the biblical way to receive remission of sins? Baptism in Jesus’ name.
Acts 10:43 “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”
CONCLUSION
The name of Jesus is the only name that can save from sin.
Acts 4:12 “Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Baptism by immersion in the name of Jesus is not an option, but is an essential part of the plan of salvation. If water baptism in Jesus’ name was necessary for all believers in the New Testament to be saved, it is necessary for us today. Ananias said to Saul of Tarsus, “And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)
Do not wait; obey the plan of salvation today! one was being baptized in Matthew 28:19. This is only a commission or command by Jesus.
Commission: an authorization to perform certain duties or tasks; that which one is authorized to do.