Immersion (Baptism)

Picture
Immersion (Baptism) - Outline
1. What is Baptism?
2. Who should be baptized?
3. What does Baptism do?
4. What does Baptism mean?
5. What does Baptism make me?
6. Who has the authority to Baptize?
7. Why should we be baptized?

The subject of “baptism” is one of the most confusing and controversial subjects in all the Bible
teachings. Many types of “churches” practice many types of “baptism”. Some sprinkle, some
pour, and some immerse. Some do it to infants, others to adults, and some even baptize on
behalf of the deceased! The others tell us that it is not important thing to do, so they practice no
“baptism” at all.

History tells us that baptism has been one of the most divisive issue for the last 2,000 years.
Our Baptist forefathers paid dearly for their stand on the Bible truth of baptism. Millions were
cruelly put to death just because they refused to have children “sprinkled,” or dared to cling to
the teaching of God’s Word. We may not have to face such persecution today – but we ought to
be willing to take a stand for truth.

You can learn the truth by carefully studying the following scriptures. Set aside any
preconceived notions and see exactly what the Bible teaches. DO NOT COMPROMISE!

1. What is Baptism?
A. Ephesians 4:5 (starting from verse 1)
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation
wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one
another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one
body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one
baptism, How many baptisms are there?

B. Colossians 2:12
Buried 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.
What is baptism called? (It is a burial.)

C. Romans 6:4
Therefore 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.
 We are buried in the likeness of Christ’s death by baptism.

D. Romans 6:5
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the
likeness of his resurrection:
Baptism pictures a planting. Which action in D (immersion or sprinkling) best pictures
a burial, or planting?

E. Matthew 3:6
And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
Where did John the Baptist baptize?

F. 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.
What was John the Baptist’s reason for baptizing at a place called Aenon (there
was much water there)?
What does this say about the method of baptizing? (it required a lot of water,
i.e.; immersion.)

G. Mark 1:10
And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the
Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
When Jesus was baptized, what did He come up out of?

H. 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, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went
on his way rejoicing.
When Phillip baptized at the Ethiopian, what was the relationship of both men to
the water?

I. From your honest study of these verses of scripture, what do you conclude to be the proper
mode of Baptism: Sprinkling, pouring, or immersion?
Also:
i.) The Greek rendered “baptize” in your Bible “baptidzo.” The meaning of “baptidzo” is to
dip, plunge, immerse, overwhelm.” ALL reputable Greek scholars agree on this point?
ii.) Pope Stephen II declared the practice of pouring for baptism was valid in the case of sick
candidates in the year 754 AD. The Roman Catholic Council of Ravenna, 1311 AD gave the first
official sanction of sprinkling. Prior to these times, immersion was the usual mode of practice. In
some Roman Catholic circles, immersion was practiced in the 1700s.

2. Who should be baptized?

A. Repentance was required before baptism. Matthew 3:7-8
 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said
unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring
forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

B. You must be made a disciple and then get baptized. John 4:1
When therefore the LORD knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and
baptized more disciples than John,

C. First you must accept Jesus Christ then get baptized. Acts 2:41
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were
added unto them about three thousand souls.

D. You must believe FIRST then be baptized. Acts 8:12

But 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.
Why would a church want baptism before belief?

E. Belief was required before the Ethiopian’s baptism 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.

F. A person receives the Holy Spirit after belief, not baptism. Acts 10:47
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the
Holy Ghost as well as we?
(Thereby implying they already had the Holy Spirit even though they had not be
baptized.)

G. Lydia worshiped God before being baptized. Acts 16:14-15

And 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. And 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.

H. Another belief BEFORE baptism – keeper of the prision and his household. Acts 16:30-
34
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. And they spake unto
him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of
the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he
had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with
all his house.

I. List the three (3) steps taken by the Corinthians as given in Acts 18:8
And 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.
 i. Hearing
ii. Believing
iii. Baptism

J. From your study of these verses of scripture, who do you conclude to be the proper
candidates for Baptism?
i. Babies
ii. Believers
iii. Jews

Having drawn your conclusion from the Bible, the following information will reinforce the truth:
• There is NO evidence of “infant baptism” in the first couple centuries of church history.
The first recorded instance of “infant baptism” was when Roman emperor Valens insisted his
dying son be baptized – in the year 370 AD
• Infant baptism was eventually made “law” by the Catholic Council of Mela in the year 416
AD. It was from this point that the bloody butchering of Baptists began to be practiced by other
“Christians.”

3. What does Baptism do?

Many people believe (and are taught) that baptism is a sacrament – that is a “means of God’s
grace” – a channel through which salvation comes. But let’s study:

A. Faith is the channel of saving grace. Ephesians 2:8

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

B. We are not saved by anything we “do”. Ephesians 2:9

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

C. Our sins are cleansed through:

i.) The WORD of GOD
a. Ephesians 5:26
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the
word,
b. John 17:17
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. [Sanctify - To set apart
for sacred use; consecrate. To make holy; purify]
ii.) By the blood of Jesus
a. Revelation 1:5
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of
the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from
our sins in his own blood,
b. Revelation 7:14
And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are
they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in
the blood of the Lamb.
 D. Baptism is not essential for salvation. Reference Luke. One thief was saved. Was he
ever baptized? – NO! Luke 23:32, 33, 39-43
And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when
they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the
malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive
them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the
people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let
him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming
to him, and offering him vinegar, And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. And
a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS
THE KING OF THE JEWS. And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him,
saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying,
Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for
we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said
unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him,
Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

E. From your study of this scripture, what part in your salvation does baptism play?
i.) No part
ii.) Some part
iii.) Absolutely essential

4. What does Baptism mean?

A. Look up: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
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. For I delivered unto you first of all
that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that
he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

i.) What does Paul declare here? The Gospel

ii.) Where does he ask them to keep it? In Memory
iii.) Exactly what is Gospel (Good News)? …Christ died for our sins according to
the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the
scriptures:

B. According to Romans 6:5 (starting at verse 4)

Therefore 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. For
if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of
his resurrection: Baptism is called the Likeness of death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

C. Look up 1 Peter 3:21

The 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:
Baptism is called the Like Figure (Be careful, as you read this verse, It does not teach that
baptism saves anyone; it is that which baptism pictures that saves. Baptism is the answer or
response of a good conscience. We get a good conscience before God when we are saved!)

D. From your study and consideration…

i.) A symbol of the Gospel
ii.) The washing away of sins

5. What does Baptism make me?

We have already seen that baptism plays no part in our salvation. A person is scripturally
baptized AFTER salvation, NOT before it.

There are two things your baptism will make you:

A. Baptism makes you a Baptist
Attending a Baptist church is wonderful but that doesn’t make you a “Baptist.” It is only when
you are scriptually baptized that you become a Baptist In Fact.
Salvation makes us a Christian. Baptism makes us a Baptist. Thus, every Baptist is a Christian
but not every Christian is a Baptist.

i.) The name Baptist is a biblical name and found 15 times in the new testament
referring to John the Baptist. According to Matthew 3:1
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,, John
was a Baptist before he ever baptized anyone.
It is a God-given name (he wasn't called John the Catholic or John the Presbyterian, etc. or as
some moderm translations of the bible say “John the Baptizer”)
ii.) Christ honored John the Baptist – Matthew 11:11
Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater
than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than
he.
iii.) All the apostles received Baptist baptism. This was never repudiated – in fact it was
a requirement for church office. Acts 1:22
Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must
one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

The name “Baptist” stands for:

• What we believe ( in Jesus Christ) – 1 Corinthians 15:3 – 4
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our
sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day
according to the scriptures:
• What we are (saved) – Romans 6:17 – 18
But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart
that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the
servants of
righteousness.
• What we do (spread the Gospel) – Matthew 28:19 – 20
 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching 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.

B. Baptism Makes You A Church Member

Look up Acts 2:41 – 42
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added
unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine
and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

The order of events was:

• Receive the Word (salvation)
• Baptism
• Added unto them (church membership)
• Continued steadfastly (Christian growth)

According to John 3:3 and 5, the “new birth” is the doorway to eternal life.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born
again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born
when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 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.

According to Acts 2:41

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added
unto them about three thousand souls.
And 1 Corinthians 12:13
For 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., baptism (which
follows salvation) is the doorway into membership of a church (a body of baptized believers).

6. Who has the authority to Baptize?

A. Two facts to keep in mind:
i.) There is a “Heinz 57” variety of ‘baptisms’ in the religious world today.
ii.) According to Ephesians 4:5
One Lord, one faith, one baptism
There is only ONE BAPTISM – so all cannot be right!

B. Authority to Baptize was given to New Testament Churches

i.) Just before our Lord ascended back to Heaven, He left orders for His work to be
continued. These orders are given in Matthew 28:19-20
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching 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.;
also in Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21 and Acts 1:8
ii.) The Lord gave this Great Commission institutionally to His Church.
 Since the command to “baptize” was given to New Testament Churches and not to
INDIVIDUALS or any man-made religion.
iii.) The Lord Jesus walked 60 miles from Galilee to Judea to receive the right of Baptism.
He obviously considered the authority to Baptize (John the Baptist) was important.

C. The Four (4) REQUIREMENTS for Baptism to be scriptural

• Saved candidates
• Submersion in water
• Symbolic representation
• Scriptural authority

All those who desire Baptism are baptized on the authority of the Church. Even though a pastor
actually performs the act, he does so on the behalf of the church body. This is why:
• All those desiring Baptism are presented before the church membership and the church
votes to receive them into the membership upon their baptism.
• The Church receives members from other Baptist churches of like faith and order by
way of a “Letter of Commendation”.
See 2 Corinthians 3:1
Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of
commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
• The Church does not receive into membership those who have been baptized into some
man-made religion, church, or denomination. As with our ancient Baptist forbearers, we require
scriptural baptism in such cases.

7. Why should we be baptized?

Some people do not place great import on baptism – seeing it as either unnecessary, or as an
“optional extra” to being a Christian. On the other hand, other denominations and sects attach
great significance having it indicate salvation or an indication of true belief.

The Word of God places great emphasis upon the ordinance (an established rite or ceremony)
of Baptism. The “symbol” of Christianity is not the “fish” or cross – but the emblem of baptism.

Here are some reasons YOU SHOULD BE BAPTIZED:

A. The Lord Jesus Christ was Baptized
i.) He came from Galilee to Jordan (60 miles) to be baptized by John the Baptist.
Matthew 3:13-17
Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John
forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus
answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all
righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway
out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my
beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
ii.) Jesus said His baptism “becometh us…” meaning it is fitting.
iii.) Jesus used the word “us” in verse 15 indicating we associate or identify ourselves with
Him when we follow him in Baptism.
iv.) God the Father was well pleased. When God the Son was baptized.
 B. Baptism is a command from the Lord Matthew 28:19-20
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching 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.

The command to baptize was given to the Lord’s churches. It follows that those who are won to
Christ have a duty to be baptized. John 14:15
If ye love me, keep my commandments.

C. Baptism is the Bible Way

i.) 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.
ii.) Acts 8:12
But 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. (Includes both men
and women.)

D. All Christians are exhorted to be faithful in Church attendance:

Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting
one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Can we properly follow this command and NOT be a member of a Baptist church? And
NOT be baptized?

If you have not been baptized, Read Acts 8:36

And 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?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.