Water Baptism

God has provided everything necessary for His children to become all that He intended them to be.  If we follow His plan for our lives we are guaranteed to become strong Christians.



Baptism Is A First Step


What Is It?
Jesus stressed the vital importance of Water Baptism when He commissioned His followers to baptize all those who became Christians.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."  [Matthew 28:19] 

Water Baptism is far more than a ritual or religious exercise.  It is intended to be an essential part of the spiritual foundation of all new Christians.  At the time of a believer's baptism in water, he outwardly affirms the inward commitment he has made to Jesus Christ as the Lord of his life.

 Do You Have To...?

 Q.      Is it necessary for you to be water baptized in order for you to
           be a Christian?   

A.      No! the Bible says:  For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is a gift of God - not because of works, lest any man should boast."  Ephesians 2:8-9

          But though you are not saved by water baptism, you are still commanded
          by scripture to partake of this holy act.  God promises to do a great work 
          in your life if you are obedient to His commands.

         "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land."  Isaiah 1:19 (RSV)

         "We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands."
          1 John 2-3 (NIV)




When?

 Q.     When should you be Water Baptized?

 A.     After you:

           1.   Repent - turn away from sin to follow Jesus.
           2.   Believe - completely trust in Christ's death and resurrection 
                 for your salvation.

           REPENT - The apostle Peter said:  "Repent, and be baptized."  Acts 2:38 (KJV)

           BELIEVE - Jesus said:  "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved." 
           Mark 16:16 (NIV)

            Acts 8:12 says:  "But when they believed Philip as he preached the things
            concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both
            men and women were baptized."

Water Baptism And The Baptism In The Holy Spirit

What is the difference between Water Baptism and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit?

Water Baptism - In obedience to Christ's command, a new Christian is immersed in water in the name of the Lord.  He is thus separated from his old sinful life and makes a commitment to serve Jesus.

The Baptism In The Holy Spirit - This occurs when someone is immersed or filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Who Does the Baptizing?
Though it is permissible for any Christian to baptize another Christian in water (Matthew 216:19), the common practice is for the leadership of a local church to conduct a water baptism service.  A baptism service allows other members of the new Christian's spiritual family to be present for this exciting milestone in his life.

The Baptism In The Holy Spirit
Jesus Christ is the baptizer in the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11) Spirit baptized Christians may encourage and pray with Christians desiring to be baptized in the Holy Spirit   Acts 8:17, 19:6

Before, During, or After
A Christian may be baptized in the Holy Spirit before, during, or after he is baptized in water.  (Before - Acts 10:47-48; During - Acts 19:50-6; After - Acts 8:12 & 17).

SUMMARY:

1.       All Christians should be baptized in water.

2.       Though we are not saved by being baptized in water.  God commands
          us to do so.

3.       Someone may be baptized in water after he has repented and believed
          in Jesus.

4.       What happens when we repent, believe and are water baptized?
            a.    We identify with Christ's death, burial and resurrection.
            b.   We are forgiven of our sins.

5.       In water baptism we are immersed in water; in the baptism in the Holy Spirit
we are immersed in the Spirit.

Conclusion

          Water Baptism was instituted by God to be an essential part of a
Christian's foundation.

         If you have not been water baptized you need to be. The Bible's final
encouragement to you is:

"And now why do you wait?  Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name."  Acts 22:16 (RSV)

                            [Excerpts from "Water Baptism" by Christian Equippers International]

One of the first steps a new Christian should take is to be baptized in water.  The eternal significance of Water Baptism can be clearly seen when we examine what the Bible teaches. Do you want to connect with someone who can help you grow in your faith? Fill in the form below and a pastor will be in contact with you.