Great Doctrines Lesson 9

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim. 2:15

King James AV1611

Great Doctrines of The Bible by Dr. James Modlish

Baptism

Intro: The Bible speaks of several baptisms. However, most confusion results when people fail to distinguish between "spirit" baptism and "water" baptism.

The Bible clearly teaches "one" spiritual baptism which places believers in the "body of Christ," effectively bringing about the supernatural transaction described in the Bible as the "new birth". (1 Cor. 12:13; Jn. 3:1-7; Gal. 3:27,28) Every born again child of God has experienced the "spirit " baptism.

"Water baptism" is a picture of what transpired when the believer placed his faith and trust in the sacrificial death, physical burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:3-5). Believers partake in "water baptism" as a public testimony to the fact that they have received God's gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ (Jn. 1:12; Rom. 6:23).

I. Who Should Be Baptized?

The only person who is a fit subject for baptism is a person who has repented and believed. Almost every reference in the Bible to baptism shows this beyond question. This was true even of John's baptism. (See Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38,41; 8:36-37;16:31)

This excluded:

[1]. The baptizing of babies. There is not one single scripture in the Bible that supports the theory of baptizing babies to take away "original sin" inherited from Adam and Eve.

[2]. Any person who has not professed faith in Christ.

II. How Should A Person Be Baptized?

Some say that one is baptized scripturally, either by sprinkling, pouring or immersion. The Bible doesn't teach this.

Scriptural baptism required:

[1]. Water (Matt. 3:11; Mk. 1:5; Matt. 3:13) This means plain water, not some special kind of water. not necessarily running water, but WATER.

[2]. MUCH Water (Jn. 3:23; Mk. 1:9) This means more than a glass or a gallon.

[3]. Going down into the water (Acts 8:38) Those who say that Philip took the eunuch down into the water and took his hand and sprinkled a little water on his head are silly.

[4]. Burial in water (Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12) This is really the meaning of the word "baptize".

[5]. A resurrection from the water (Rom. 6:5; Col. 2:12)

[6]. A coming up out of the water (Acts 8:39; Mk 1:10

III. Why Should A Person Who Has Believed, Repented, And Been Saved, Be Baptized?

[1]. God commands it (Acts 10:48; Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Pet. 3:21). Baptism is an act of obedience. To fail to obey will only bring unhappiness and spiritual defeat (Ja. 4:17).

[2]. Baptism is to follow Bible examples of Jesus and most New Testament believers (See Matt. 3:1-6; acts 2:41; Acts 8:36, etc.).

[3]. Baptism is a public confession of Christ and a profession before others that the believer has identified with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Rom. 10:9-10; 6:3-5). It shows that we have put on the new man; that we have been made alive unto God (Rom. 6:7-10). It declares our faith in the authority of the Word of God (Matt. 28:19-20), in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; in the death burial and resurrection of Christ. It shows that I have put on the uniform of service (Gal. 3:27). There is no satisfied conscience without Bible baptism (1 Pet. 3:18).

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