Lesson 14

Water Baptism

1. What is Water Baptism?

a. Water Baptism is an outward manifestation of an inward work of Grace (Being Born-Again).

b. Water Baptism is the New Believer’s first step of faith.

c. Water Baptism is a Biblical church ordinance.

2. Why should you be baptized?

a. You should be baptized because it is the first step of obedience.
(Acts 2:38, Acts 2:41 and Matthew 28:19)

b. You should be baptized because of the example of Christ. Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. Matthew 3:15
Here He revealed Himself as the predicted Messiah. The ONE bringing righteousness to His people, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.
Jesus was baptized to publicly announce the beginning of His ministry. ( Levitical priest at age 30 were immersed in water, Exodus 29:4-7 ). First cleansing then anointing.

c. We should be baptized because of the example of the early church.

  • It was the accepted pattern to repent and be baptized in water.
  • Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch. Acts 8:35-39
  • The House of Cornelius. Acts 10:47-48
  • Paul explains Water Baptism in Romans 6:3-10.

d. We should be baptized to tell the world that we are Christians.

  • We are identifying with the DEATH, BURIAL and RESURRECTION of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.

e. Being baptized identifies with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

  • Christ took our place at Calvary. He took our punishment. God placed our sins on Jesus at Calvary. Paul says in Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me.”

f. We should be baptized to have a good conscience before God.

Baptism is simply obedience to our Heavenly Father. We know we have done all that God requires up to this point. Our conscience should be at peace. (I Peter 3:21)

  • We cannot gain merit before God because salvation is by grace through faith in what Jesus did for us on the cross.
  • Baptism cannot add to our salvation, nor secure it.
  • Baptism cannot illuminate salvation so you can understand it.
  • Baptism cannot magnify our salvation so we can better serve Him.
  • Public confession through water baptism usually strengthens a new believer and brings joy and peace knowing we have obeyed Christ’s Commandment.

3. Why should you be baptized in WATER ?

a. Levitical priest at age 30 years were immersed in water, Exodus 29:4-7. Water Baptism symbolized cleansing before the anointing.

b. Jesus was baptized in water, like the Levitical priests, to publicly announce the beginning of His ministry.

c. It was the accepted pattern of the early church to repent and then be baptized in water.

d. Paul explains Water Baptism in Romans 6:3-10.

4. Who should not be baptized?

a. People that are NOT BORN AGAIN.

b. Little children and those incapable of making intelligent decisions are safe in God.
(II Samuel 12:23 and Mark 10:14)

How should you get ready for water baptism?

  • Check and verify the location, date and time.
  • Bring a towel and a change of clothing.
  • When it is your turn enter the water slowly.
  • Be ready to give a word of testimony.
  • Cross arms on your chest. (This is a symbol of death)
  • Hold your nose as a protection.
  • Bend knees and yield yourself to the one baptizing you.
  • Watch your footing as you come up out of the water.

Note: Pictures may be taken during your baptism by a member of the family or a friend.

WATER BAPTISM
-REVIEW-

  1. What is Water Baptism?
  2. What are some of the reasons you should be baptized?
  3. Why should you be baptized in WATER ?
  4. Who should not be baptized?
  5. Quote from memory, Acts 2:38