What The Bible Teaches About Water Baptism
Who should be baptized?
Those who have repented from their sins, and have a personal faith in Christ
(Acts 2:38, Mark 16:15, Acts 8:36-37).
Those who have committed their lives to be disciples of Jesus Christ
(Matthew 28:19-20; Note the qualifications for becoming a disciple in Luke 14:26-27).
Examples from the Bible
In every case those who had placed their faith in Jesus Christ were baptized. The day of Pentecost (Acts 2:37), the new Christians at Samaria (Acts 8:12), the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:35-38), the Apostle Paul (Acts 9:17-18), Cornelius and his company
(Acts 11:17-18; Acts 10:47-48), the Corinthians (Acts 18:8), the Ephesians (Acts 19:1-5).
Household Baptisms
Stephanas (1 Corinthians 1:16, 16:15), the Jailor (Acts 16:31-34), Crispus (Acts 18:8), Lydia (Acts 16:14-15). In each of these cases, all of the household members first placed their faith in Christ for salvation, then were baptized. Infants cannot do this. There is not one instance of infant baptism in the bible.
How should we be baptized?
By immersion in water.
a) “Baptism” from the Greek “Baptizo” means literally “to dip”, to “plunge under”, “toimmerse”.
b) Examples in the bible showing immersion under water can be found in…
- John 3:22-23 (John the Baptist).
- Mark 1:9-11 (Jesus).
- Acts 8:38-39 (Ethiopian Eunuch).
c) Must be symbolic of Burial and Resurrection (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians2:12).
In The Name Of The Lord Jesus Christ
“In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). This is symbolic of our identification with God.)
For circumcision of the heart
In the Old Testament, circumcision was an outward symbol of identification with God’s people. God made an everlasting covenant with Abraham and sealed it with the sign of circumcision. In the New Testament, the outward symbol becomes Water baptism (Colossians 2:11-12)
Where should we be baptized?
Wherever there’s enough water (John 3:22-23).
Why should we be baptized?
- Because the Lord commanded us to (Matthew 28:18-20).
- Because it shows we have a clear conscience before God (1 Peter3:20-21).
- Because it is a testimony to the world of the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans6:3-4).
- Because it is symbolic of burying the “old person” (Romans 6:4-7).
- Because it is a testimony to Satan’s defeat (Colossians 2:12, 15).
- Because it is a public acknowledgement of repentance and faith in Christ (Matthew 10:32-33).
- Because it is a testimony to the oneness of true believers in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).
- Because it shows our willingness to accept God’s purpose for our lives (Luke7:30).
When should we be water baptized?
- “Now” (Acts 22:16).
- Because Biblical examples: in each case there was no delay…
(Acts 2:41, Acts 8:12, Acts 8:35-37, Acts 9:17-18, Acts 10:48, Acts 16:30-34, Acts 19:4-5) - As soon as you have repented from your sin and received Christ as your Savior. (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:36-37).
How can I get baptized?
If you would like to get baptized, please download and print our Baptismal Application and return it to the Pastor in person. You may also submit it online.